AFL State of Origin 2026: Date, teams, location, and broadcast

Almost nobody under 30 has seen a State of Origin AFL match live, but that changes in February 2026 when Western Australia and Victoria run out at Optus Stadium in the first representative game between the two states since 1992. This guide covers the confirmed date, venue, broadcast details, and whether this is a one-off revival or the start of a new tradition.

Date: February 14, 2026 · Location: Optus Stadium, Perth · Teams: Western Australia vs Victoria · Kickoff: 4:40pm local (7:40pm AEDT) · Broadcasters: Channel 7, Fox Footy, Kayo Sports

Five key facts at a glance, most drawn directly from the AFL’s official event page.

What date is the AFL State of Origin in 2026?

The AFL has confirmed that the State of Origin match will be played on Saturday, February 14, 2026. The first bounce is set for 4:40pm local time in Perth, which corresponds to 7:40pm AEDT for eastern-state viewers.

• First State of Origin match of any kind since 1999
• First WA vs Victoria Origin match since 1992

The implication: this date marks a symbolic reset for representative football, and the evening timeslot is designed to maximise national TV audiences.

Is the AFL bringing back State of Origin?

Yes – the AFL formally announced the return in late 2025, framing it as a way to “re-engage fans with representative football”. However, the league has not committed beyond this single fixture. The match is a one-off trial, with future editions depending on crowd numbers, broadcast ratings, and player feedback.

Why did the AFL revive State of Origin after 25 years?

• Fan surveys showed growing appetite for state-based rivalry matches
• Growing commercial interest from broadcasters and sponsors
• Desire to create a showcase event that sits outside the regular season

The catch: if the 2026 event sells out and delivers strong ratings, the AFL will face pressure to make it annual – but if it underwhelms, the 25-year hiatus may continue.

Where is the AFL State of Origin held in 2026?

Optus Stadium in Perth, Western Australia, will host the match. The venue has a capacity of 60,000 and is the home ground of the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers. The choice of Perth – rather than Melbourne – signals the AFL’s intent to take marquee events to newer markets.

• First AFL State of Origin ever held in Western Australia
• Optus Stadium’s retractable roof ensures weather won’t affect timing

Why this matters: Perth’s selection gives WA fans a home‑ground advantage that Victoria hasn’t faced in Origin for decades.

Which teams are playing in AFL State of Origin 2026?

The match is a straight contest between Western Australia and Victoria. Players will be selected based on the state where they first played senior football. Notable names expected to be available include Marcus Bontempelli, Nick Daicos, and others from the recent All Australian squad.

Who is eligible to play for Western Australia?

• Any player who played their first senior AFL game in WA (including West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers)
• Players born in WA but drafted to other clubs may also qualify if they debuted in WA
• Confirmed WA jumper design: black swan on a gold base

Who is eligible to play for Victoria?

• Players who debuted for a Victorian club (Collingwood, Carlton, Essendon, etc.)
• Victoria will wear a navy blue guernsey with a white ‘V’
• Notable likely inclusions: Nick Daicos, Marcus Bontempelli, Christian Petracca

The trade-off: Victoria’s depth of talent is enormous, but WA’s home crowd and familiarity with Optus Stadium could level the contest.

How can I watch the AFL State of Origin 2026?

The match will be broadcast live on Channel 7 and Fox Sports, with streaming available via 7Plus and Kayo Sports. Radio coverage will be provided by AFL Nation and local Perth stations.

What TV channels will broadcast the match?

• Channel 7 (free-to-air nationally)
• Fox Footy (pay TV)

Can I stream the match online?

• 7Plus (free, requires sign-up)
• Kayo Sports (subscription, with 14-day free trial options)

What to watch: international streaming rights are still under negotiation, so overseas viewers may need a VPN or check local broadcasters closer to the date.

What’s clear and what’s not

Confirmed facts

• Date: February 14, 2026
• Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
• Teams: WA vs Victoria
• Broadcast: Channel 7, Fox Footy, Kayo
• Tickets: sold out with occasional resale via Ticketmaster

What’s unclear

• Exact player lineups (to be announced early 2026)
• Whether a women’s Origin match will be added
• Future of the event beyond 2026 (under review by AFL)

What the key figures are saying

“This match is about reconnecting fans with representative football and reigniting the state pride that makes Australian Rules unique.” — AFL CEO Andrew Dillon, as announced in the official fixture release.

Source: AFL.com.au (official league announcement)

“To host the first State of Origin in Perth is a massive honour. Our players and fans have waited a long time for this.” — WA Football Commission representative, as quoted in the AFL event guide.

Source: AFL.com.au (official league announcement)

For AFL fans in Perth, the chance to see representative football live is a rare opportunity that hasn’t existed for more than two decades. For the league’s executives, the decision to expand State of Origin into a regular series – or let it fade again – will come down to one number: the crowd count at Optus Stadium on February 14. If 60,000 turn up roaring, the case for an annual fixture becomes hard to ignore. If not, the 2026 match may remain a nostalgic footnote.

Frequently asked questions