How to Watch Bundesliga in Ireland [Free + Live | 2026-27]

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The 2026/27 Bundesliga season kicks off on Friday, August 28, 2026, with defending champions Bayern Munich hosting VfB Stuttgart at the Allianz Arena, and wraps up on Saturday, May 22, 2027.

Both dates were pushed back a week compared to the usual calendar to accommodate the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which concluded in July 2026.

This season sees three fresh faces in the top flight: Schalke 04, SV Elversberg, and SC Paderborn replace relegated trio VfL Wolfsburg, 1. FC Heidenheim, and FC St. Pauli.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich return as champions chasing a record-extending title, with Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, and RB Leipzig expected to lead the challenge.

You can watch the Bundesliga in Ireland via Sky Sports and ESPN+. I’ve also added a free method below. However, for the geo-restricted services you’ll need a VPN.

When & Where is the Bundesliga 2026/27 Happening?

• Date: August 28, 2026, to May 22, 2027.
• Venue: Various stadiums across Germany.
• Opening Weekend: Franz Beckenbauer Supercup, Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund, Saturday, August 22, 2026.

How to Watch the Bundesliga in Ireland on NOW

You can watch Bundesliga matches on BBC iPlayer for free. Due to a multi-year broadcast deal, the platform airs Friday night fixtures live each week during the season.

Selected Bundesliga games are available on BBC iPlayer, as well as the BBC Sport website and app, offering high-quality coverage with no subscription required.

However, since BBC iPlayer is a geo-restricted free streaming service. Therefore, using a premium VPN is necessary to unlock BBC iPlayer in Ireland.

Here’s how you can watch Bundesliga in Ireland for free:

Step 1: Subscribe to your VPN of choice Surfshark is the best VPN

Step 2: Download the Surfshark VPN App and install it on your device

Step 3: Connect to a UK server

Step 4: Open BBC iPlayer and click on Sign in

Step 5: Click Register Now

Step 6: Select whether you are under or over 13

Step 7: Enter your email

Step 8: Enter the 6-digit code sent to your email to verify your account

Step 9: Create a password

Step 10: Enter your age, UK postal code (e.g. SW1A 2AA), and Gender to register

Step 11: Choose whether you want BBC iPlayer’s updates via email or not

Step 12: Go to the home page and click on the Search Icon

Step 13: Search Bundesliga

Step 14: Select the game when it is live on Fridays

Step 15: Click on Play and enjoy streaming!

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How to Watch the Bundesliga in Ireland on Now

Sky Sports is the official broadcaster for the Bundesliga 2026-2027 season in Ireland, providing exclusive live coverage of Bundesliga games.

Sky Sports is available through standard TV packages, and for flexible streaming, NOW TV offers access to all 12 Sky Sports channels in HD via NOW‘s Sports Extra plan for €17/mo.

Step 1: Download and install the NOW app via the Play Store or App Store.

Step 2: Open the App and select get started if you are a new user.

Step 3: Select the Sports Membership from the list.

Step 4: Select your desired Membership plan

Step 5: Add Boost if you want.

Step 6: Enter your details.

Step 7: Enter your payment method.

Step 8: After completing the signup process, you will be able to enjoy matches!

Other Ways to Watch the Bundesliga in Ireland

Here are a few more options to catch the season.

1. ESPN+

ESPN+ offers coverage of the Bundesliga in the US, showcasing all 18 teams in Germany’s top division, including Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig. Subscription costs $13.99 per month through ESPN Select.

ESPN+ isn’t available in Ireland, so you’ll need a VPN like Surfshark connected to a US server to bypass the geo-restriction and subscribe.

3. Sat.1 (Free in Germany)

Sat.1 remains Germany’s free-to-air broadcaster for a handful of Bundesliga fixtures each season, including the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup and selected matches around the winter break.

Sat.1 is only available in Germany due to geo-restrictions, so you’ll need a VPN like Surfshark connected to a German server to access it from Ireland.

Bundesliga 2026/27 Key Dates & Timeline

• Season Dates: August 28, 2026 – May 22, 2027
• Opening Fixture: Bayern Munich vs VfB Stuttgart, Friday, August 28, 2026
• Franz Beckenbauer Supercup: Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund, Saturday, August 22, 2026
• Winter Break: After Matchday 14, 18–20 December 2026, resuming January 8, 2027
• Promoted Clubs: Schalke 04, SV Elversberg, SC Paderborn
• Format: 18 teams, 34 matchdays, home-and-away round robin

Schedule of the Bundesliga 2026/27

Here is the schedule for the opening Bundesliga fixtures, listed in Irish time.

Teams Participating in the Bundesliga 2026/27

Eighteen teams will compete in the 2026/27 Bundesliga season, each playing a total of 34 matches.

1. FC Bayern München
2. Bayer 04 Leverkusen
3. Eintracht Frankfurt
4. Borussia Dortmund
5. Sport-Club Freiburg
6. FSV Mainz 05
7. RB Leipzig
8. SV Werder Bremen
9. VfB Stuttgart
10. Borussia Mönchengladbach
11. FC Augsburg
12. FC Union Berlin
13. TSG Hoffenheim
14. 1. FC Köln
15. Hamburger SV
16. FC Schalke 04
17. SV Elversberg
18. SC Paderborn 07

Other Sports Leagues to Watch in Ireland

If you’re a sports fan, here’s a list of other major sporting events you can catch in Ireland.

• Watch the Premier League in Ireland
• Watch La Liga in Ireland
• Watch Ligue 1 in Ireland
• Watch Liga MX in Ireland
• Watch the FIFA Club World Cup in Ireland
• Watch UFC in Ireland

FAQs – Bundesliga 2026/27

1. When does the 2026–27 Bundesliga season start and end?

The season kicks off on Friday, August 28, 2026, with Bayern Munich hosting VfB Stuttgart, and concludes on Saturday, May 22, 2027.

2. How many teams are competing in the 2026–27 Bundesliga?

Eighteen teams are competing, including newly promoted Schalke 04, SV Elversberg, and SC Paderborn, who replace relegated sides VfL Wolfsburg, 1. FC Heidenheim, and FC St. Pauli.

3. Where can I watch the Bundesliga in Ireland?

You can watch the Saturday top match via Sky Sports on NOW, catch Friday night games for free on Samsung TV Plus or BBC iPlayer, or access Sunday fixtures via Prime Video with a VPN.

4. Why does the season start and finish a week later than usual?

Both dates were pushed back a week to allow extra recovery time following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

5. Who are the defending champions?

Bayern Munich enter the season as defending Bundesliga champions.

Conclusion

The 2026–27 Bundesliga season kicks off on August 28, 2026, and runs through to May 22, 2027.

You can watch the Bundesliga in Ireland via Sky Sports on NOW, catch free Friday matches on BBC iPlayer, or opt for Prime Video and ESPN+ using a Surfshark.