The NFL is coming back to London, and this time it’s a full-season return. The Week 4 matchup pits the Indianapolis Colts against the Washington Commanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. Kickoff is set for 9:30 a.m. ET / 6:30 a.m. PT on Sunday, Oct. 4.
The game airs on NFL Network, with live streams available on DirecTV, Sling TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV and ESPN Unlimited. For cord-cutters looking to watch without a traditional cable subscription, there are several free-trial options on the table.
Colts vs. Commanders Matchup
Both teams enter the game with identical records. The Colts sit at 1-2, and the Commanders are also 1-2.
The NFL has spent nearly two decades building American football’s presence overseas, with regular-season games held in cities like Rio, Mexico City, Melbourne, Berlin and Dublin.
National Anthems
The pregame ceremonies feature two major pop stars. Jordyn Simone, a former contestant on The Voice, will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Mimi Webb, the English pop star, will sing “God Save the King.”
Idris Elba and Kit Harington are also expected to attend, joining a long list of celebrities who have shown up at NFL games over the years. In the past, English NFL fans have spotted famous actors, actresses and recording artists in the stands, including Prince William.
Free Trials and Subscription Costs
Several streaming services offer free trials for the NFL London Game. DirecTV runs a five-day free trial, while Fubo and Hulu + Live TV also provide introductory offers.
DirecTV costs $59.99 per month for the first three months of service, then rises to $89.99 per month after that. It includes access to NFL Network and ESPN Unlimited. The service also offers a five-day free trial for new subscribers.
Sling TV’s Blue plan comes with NFL Network for $54.99 per month. It includes more than 40 channels, a free cloud DVR and an extra 600 or so free channels. Pricing and channel availability vary from market to market.
Fubo starts at $63.99 for the first month, then moves to $88.99 per month afterward. It offers more than 230 channels, including local and cable networks like NFL Network. The service is streamable on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets and web browsers, and it includes a five-day free trial for new users.
Hulu + Live TV is priced at $49.99 for the first month, then $89.99 per month afterward. It includes more than 100 live channels, plus Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited at no additional cost. The package might be best for viewers who want all of these services in one package.
ESPN Unlimited is the official streaming platform for NFL Network. A monthly subscription costs $35.99, but an annual subscription saves almost 17% at $359.99 per year. The service includes every ESPN network, including ESPN, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, SEC Network+ and ACC Network Extra — all in one streaming service. It also comes with CW Sports for more livestream games.
| Service | Price | Trial Period |
|---|---|---|
| DirecTV | $59.99/month (first 3 months) | 5-day free trial |
| Fubo | $63.99/month (first month) | 5-day free trial |
| Hulu + Live TV | $49.99/month (first month) | Not specified |
| ESPN Unlimited | $35.99/month | None offered |
The Clever Workaround
ESPN Unlimited does not offer a free trial, but readers can learn more about how to get a free trial through the workaround section of the article.
It is a curious approach. The service simply does not offer a free trial.
What We Make of It
The NFL’s return to London is a statement. After nearly two decades of international games, the league is showing that American football can travel. The Week 4 matchup is a chance to see what that looks like in person.
The free-trial offers are generous for cord-cutters. Five-day trials on DirecTV, Fubo and Hulu + Live TV give viewers a low-risk way to test the service before committing. The pricing varies widely, so shoppers should compare the monthly cost against the total package value.
The celebrity sightings add a layer of spectacle that the NFL has leaned on for years. Idris Elba and Kit Harington are known quantities, and their presence adds a British touch to the American sport.
The anthem performances are a reminder that sports are cultural events. Jordyn Simone singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and Mimi Webb singing “God Save the King” frame the game as a meeting of two nations.
The workaround for ESPN Unlimited is a strange way to market a live broadcast. The NFL London Game 2026 is being promoted as a free-to-watch event, but the actual path to free viewing requires a detour through the article’s own pages.
The league is betting on London. The teams are set, and the stars are lined up.
Source material: “NFL London Game 2026: Where to Watch Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders Live Online Free,” Billboard.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.