Here’s the latest on State of Origin for 2026.
The State of Origin in AFL is slated to return in 2026, with Western Australia vs Victoria on the confirmed February weekend, marking the first AFL Origin clash since 1999. This is the central headline driving the 2026 season announcements. [source: Sporting News article discussing the 2026 return and talks with AFL executives][1]
Perth’s Optus Stadium is the exclusive host for the 2026 edition, highlighting a strong emphasis on a marquee event in Western Australia and expected positive tourism and economic impact for the region. The announcement frames Origin as part of a broader strategy to boost off-season football content and engagement. [source: Ministry of Sport article on Perth hosting and WA government support][2]
The official return appears to have been confirmed in mid-September 2025, with reports indicating the AFL will publicly announce the February 14, 2026 match date and details for WA vs VIC in Perth. This aligns with ongoing scheduling for the 2026 AFL calendar and related broadcast plans. [source: Sporting News coverage of the impending confirmation][3]
For broader context, 2026 also features the continued evolution of State of Origin discussions within the AFL’s rep-football framework, including questions about how often such events should occur and how they fit with the Indigenous All Stars concept and other representative fixtures. While the core bid is Victoria vs WA, the conversation around rep formats remains active. [source: Sporting News piece on rep-football concepts and Origin timing][1]
If you’d like, I can pull exact match date, venue, and broadcast details from the official AFL/NRL pages and summarize them in a quick bullet list or a side-by-side table. I can also track any updates from local WA government or broadcaster press releases.
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www.sportingnews.comAFL State of Origin returns in 2026 with Perth’s Optus Stadium as exclusive host, delivering major tourism, economic and community benefits.
ministryofsport.comThe 2026 State of Origin fixtures are live. See all match dates and venues, and sync the full NRL schedule to your calendar with ECAL.
ecal.com