If you’re hunting for football games on today and times to plan your evening around, you’ve probably noticed the schedule looks a bit different than a typical weekend. It’s Thursday, January 15, 2026. While the NFL is currently in that quiet, tension-filled pocket before the Divisional Round kicks off this weekend, the soccer world is absolutely buzzing. We’ve got high-stakes domestic cups in Spain and crucial league battles across Italy and Germany.
Honestly, mid-January is a weird time for sports fans. You’re coming off the high of the Wild Card weekend, but the Super Bowl still feels miles away. Today is all about the "beautiful game." Whether you’re looking for Barcelona’s latest cup run or a gritty Bundesliga clash, the timing is everything.
Today’s Top Football Games and Kickoff Times
Europe is doing the heavy lifting today. If you are looking for American football, you'll have to wait until Saturday for the Bills and Broncos, but soccer has plenty to keep you busy.
Spain: Copa del Rey Round of 16
The big story today is in Spain. The Copa del Rey is notorious for "giant-killings," and today features a massive mismatch on paper that usually ends up being way closer than it should be.
Racing Santander vs. Barcelona * Time: 8:00 PM CET / 2:00 PM ET
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- Watch on: ESPN+ (US), Movistar (Spain)
- Barcelona is coming off a hectic Spanish Super Cup run in Saudi Arabia. They’re tired. Racing Santander is playing at El Sardinero, where the atmosphere will be hostile.
Burgos CF vs. Valencia
- Time: 8:00 PM CET / 2:00 PM ET
- Watch on: ESPN+
- Valencia is the favorite here, but Burgos is a tough out at home.
Italy: Serie A Midweek Action
Italy’s top flight is giving us some evening entertainment. Milan is desperately trying to stay in the title race, and every point feels like a life-or-death situation right now.
Como 1907 vs. AC Milan
- Time: 8:45 PM CET / 2:45 PM ET
- Watch on: Paramount+
- Milan travels to the scenic lakeside, but they won't be looking at the view. They need a win to keep pressure on the leaders.
Hellas Verona vs. Bologna
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- Time: 6:30 PM CET / 12:30 PM ET
- Watch on: Paramount+
Germany: Bundesliga
The Bundesliga is back in full swing after the winter break.
- FC Augsburg vs. Union Berlin
- Time: 8:30 PM CET / 2:30 PM ET
- Watch on: ESPN+
- This is a classic mid-table scrap. Expect a lot of physicality and maybe a few yellow cards.
Why Is There No NFL Game Today?
A lot of people are searching for the Thursday Night Football schedule. It’s a common mistake. Basically, once the regular season ends, the NFL stops playing on Thursdays. The playoffs are strictly a Saturday/Sunday (and occasionally Monday) affair to maximize TV ratings and give teams more recovery time.
If you were hoping to see the 49ers or the Patriots today, you're out of luck. Those games are slated for January 17th and 18th. The "Divisional Round" is widely considered the best weekend of football in the entire year, so the league doesn't want to dilute it by playing a random game on a Thursday night.
Soccer Streaming: Where to Catch the Action
Navigating streaming rights in 2026 is a headache. You've basically got to have three different subscriptions just to follow one league.
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For most of the football games on today and times listed above, ESPN+ is your best friend for Spanish and German matches. If you’re a fan of the Italian game, Paramount+ still holds the keys to Serie A.
Don't forget the NWSL. While the regular season hasn't started yet, Prime Video just dropped the 2026 schedule today, featuring 27 matches. The league is expanding with Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC, and the hype is already building for the March 13 kickoff.
What to Watch for in the Barcelona Match
Everyone expects Barca to roll over Racing Santander. But look closer. Xavi (or whoever is holding the clipboard this week) has been rotating the squad heavily.
- Youth Movement: Watch for the academy kids. With the Champions League restart looming on January 20th against Monaco, the big stars might sit this one out.
- The Pitch Factor: It’s January in Northern Spain. The grass at El Sardinero might be slick, slow, and miserable. That’s a nightmare for a team that relies on fast, one-touch passing.
- The Keeper Battle: Cup games often go to penalties. If Racing can hold on for 120 minutes, anything can happen.
Planning for the Weekend
Since today’s slate is soccer-heavy, you should use the afternoon to prep for the NFL Divisional Round. Here is the quick-glance schedule for Saturday:
- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos: 4:30 PM ET (CBS). This is the "frozen tundra" game. Denver in January is no joke.
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: 8:00 PM ET (FOX). A classic NFC West rivalry in the postseason.
Essential Actionable Tips for Today
- Sync your calendars: If you're in the US, the European games hit right in the middle of the workday. Set your DVR or clear your lunch hour for the 2:45 PM ET kickoff of AC Milan.
- Check local blackouts: Even in 2026, some regional sports networks have weird rules. Double-check your app before the game starts so you aren't staring at a "Content Unavailable" screen.
- Update your apps: Streaming services like Paramount+ and ESPN+ frequently push updates before big matchdays. Do it now so you don't miss the first ten minutes of the match.
To stay ahead of the curve, make sure your streaming subscriptions are active and your notifications are on for live score updates, as cup games like the Copa del Rey are notorious for sudden schedule shifts or extra-time drama.
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