AFL State of Origin Expected to Return in 2026

The AFL will revive the State of Origin football series in 2026, marking its return for the first time since 1999. The highly anticipated match between Western Australia and Victoria is set for February 14, 2026, at Perth's Optus Stadium, as part of AFL CEO Andrew Dillon's strategy to introduce high-value events and fresh football content outside the regular season. This announcement is expected imminently, with further details on player availability and the future of the series to be disclosed. The return aims to tap into the traditional passion for representative football and provide fans with a new season kickoff spectacle. Interest in State of Origin waned as the VFL evolved into a national competition, and clubs had previously resisted due to injury concerns. The last one-off State of Origin match was held in 2020 for bushfire relief.