Les Bleus host Ireland at the Stade de France in this season’s big Six Nations kick-off
Watch France v Ireland as the Six Nations 2026 championship gets underway in Paris. The Thursday night kick-off may be unfamiliar, but these two sides have had some memorable clashes over recent years. In other words, you can expect the fireworks to continue long after the now-traditional Stade de France light show.
France welcome back talismanic captain Antoine Dupont (who was injured in the corresponding fixture last year) but many of the headlines have surrounded the omission of star players Damian Penaud and Grégory Aldritt. There’s talent throughout the side, however, particularly in a backs division that any side in the world would envy.
Ireland, meanwhile, head into the championship with a lengthy injury list, forcing Andy Farrell (back at the Six Nations helm after his British & Irish Lions sabbatical) to pick a more inexperienced side than he’d probably like. These two sides have dominated the championship in recent seasons but will the men in green have enough to take on Les Bleus on their home turf?
The match kicks off at 8.10pm GMT/9.10pm CET, and you can watch France v Ireland live streams for free in the UK, Ireland and France – read on to find out how to tune in wherever you are in the world.
Key information
– France v Ireland date: Thursday 5 February 2026
– France v Ireland kick-off time: 8.10pm GMT / 9.10pm CET (local) / 3.10pm ET / 10.10pm SAST / 7.10am AEDT (Friday)
– France v Ireland venue: Stade de France, Paris, France
– France v Ireland streams: ITVX (free), Virgin Media Play (free), FranceTV (free)
– France v Ireland on TV: ITV1 (UK), Virgin Media One (Ireland), France 2 (France)
– Watch from anywhere: Try NordVPN 100% risk-free
How to watch France v Ireland in the UK – live stream the Six Nations opener for free
For UK viewers, this big Six Nations kick-off is available for free on terrestrial channel ITV1 and streaming service ITVX. The pre-match build-up for the eagerly anticipated Paris encounter gets underway at 7.20pm GMT.
ITVX is free to use, though you do need an up-to-date TV Licence to stream live TV in the UK. You’ll also need to complete a simple sign-up process to access the service.
UK-based viewers can watch free Six Nations TV coverage for all three of the opening Six Nations 2026 fixtures. Italy v Scotland (kick-off: 2.10pm GMT, Saturday) is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, while England v Wales (kick-off: 4.40pm GMT, Saturday) is on ITV1 and ITVX.
Stream France v Ireland from anywhere
Travelling overseas on Thursday night? You can still watch the first game of the 2026 Six Nations championship thanks to the wonders of a VPN.
A VPN (or Virtual Private Network) has the ability to help you avoid the geo-blocking restrictions that might otherwise get in the way of watching your usual France v Ireland live stream.
There are plenty of VPNs out there, but the tech experts at TechRadar and Tom’s Guide both believe that NordVPN is top of the league, thanks to its top-notch streaming and security features. Still not convinced? You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a great deal right now…
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How to watch France v Ireland for FREE in Ireland
Virgin Media has the rights to this game in Ireland. You can tune in on Virgin Media One or watch a France v Ireland live stream on Virgin Media Play. Both options are free.
Coverage starts at 7.00pm GMT ahead of the 8.10pm kick-off.
Every Six Nations match this season is available free-to-air in Ireland. Italy v Scotland (kick-off: 2.10pm GMT, Saturday) is on Virgin Media One and Virgin Media Play, while England v Wales (kick-off: 4.40pm GMT, Saturday) is on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.
France v Ireland live streams in France
French viewers can follow their side’s quest for the championship – and maybe even a Grand Slam – on France Télévisions, which has rights to every Six Nations 2026. Coverage is free on both France 2 and the FranceTV streaming service.
Coverage of France v Ireland starts at 8.40pm CET ahead of the 9.10pm CET kick-off.
French fans who are away from home but want to tune in with their usual French language commentary can still access their France Télévisions coverage from abroad by using a VPN, such as NordVPN.
Other global streams
United States: A $10.99 per month subscription will get you access to every Six Nations 2025 match through NBC’s Peacock Premium streaming service. Kick-off is 3.10pm ET / 12.10pm PT on Thursday afternoon.
Australia: Down under? Head to Stan Sport for France v Ireland live streams. You’ll need a base Stan subscription (monthly fees start at $12 per month) plus $20 per month to watch Stan Sport – and you’ll also need to get up early for the 7.10am AEDT kick-off on Friday morning.
New Zealand: In New Zealand, France v Ireland is on Sky Sport, which costs $49.99 per month for a streaming subscription. Kick-off is 9.10am NZDT on Friday morning.
South Africa: In South Africa? Head to SuperSport to watch France v Ireland. The match gets underway at 10.10pm on Thursday night.
- Check out our full guide to how to watch Six Nations 2025 for broadcasters around the world.
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