You’ve probably been there. It’s Saturday morning, the coffee is brewing, and you’re frantically scrolling through a dozen different apps trying to figure out which subscription actually has the rights to the match you want to see. Honestly, the modern landscape of sports broadcasting is a bit of a mess. Finding football games today live shouldn't feel like a part-time job, but between the regional blackouts, the split between cable and streaming, and the ever-shifting kick-off times, it kinda is.
Today—Saturday, January 17, 2026—is one of those massive days on the calendar where everything happens at once. We have the Manchester Derby at Old Trafford, a heavy-hitter clash in the Bundesliga between Bayern and Leipzig, and even a high-stakes NFL playoff game between the Seahawks and the 49ers tonight. If you're looking for where to point your remote or which app to open, here is the real-deal breakdown of what’s actually happening and how to watch it without losing your mind.
The Premier League: A Manchester Derby Morning
If you're in the States, set your alarm. The big one is early. Manchester United vs. Manchester City kicks off at 7:30 a.m. ET. It’s being broadcast on USA Network and Universo, with Jon Champion and Graeme Le Saux on the call from Old Trafford. City is currently chasing Arsenal for that top spot, and United is desperate to play spoiler at home.
After the derby, the 10:00 a.m. ET window is absolute chaos. NBC is leaning heavily into its Peacock Multiview feature today. Basically, you can watch four different games at once on one screen.
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- Liverpool vs. Burnley: This is on USA Network and Universo.
- Chelsea vs. Brentford: Exclusive to Peacock.
- Tottenham vs. West Ham: London derby vibes, also a Peacock exclusive.
- Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal: This one is the late afternoon "anchor" game, starting at 12:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
European Giants: The Bundesliga and La Liga
Over in Germany, the match of the season is happening today. RB Leipzig vs. Bayern Munich kicks off at 12:30 p.m. ET. If you have ESPN+, that’s your home for this one. It’s a clash of styles that usually results in a high-scoring affair, so it’s worth a second screen if you’re already watching the Arsenal game.
In Spain, Real Madrid is hosting Levante at 8:00 a.m. ET (ESPN+). It’s supposed to be a "routine" win for Los Blancos, but Levante has a weird habit of playing like prime AC Milan whenever they step into the Bernabeu. Later today, Real Betis takes on Villarreal at 3:00 p.m. ET, which is basically a battle for those European qualification spots.
Serie A and Ligue 1: The Tactical Battles
Italy has a triple-header that’s actually pretty decent.
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- Udinese vs. Inter Milan (9:00 a.m. ET) - Inter is trying to maintain their lead at the top.
- Napoli vs. Sassuolo (12:00 p.m. ET) - Expect a loud atmosphere at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
- Cagliari vs. Juventus (2:45 p.m. ET) - A classic "trap game" for Juve on the island.
France is giving us a late-night banger with Angers vs. Marseille at 3:05 p.m. ET. Marseille under their current management plays some of the most frantic, attacking football in Europe. It's usually on beIN Sports or the Ligue 1 Pass depending on your region.
The NFL Postseason: Seahawks vs. 49ers
For the American football fans, the "football games today live" search likely leads you to the NFC Divisional round. This isn't just a regular game; it's a rivalry with legitimate bad blood. The Seattle Seahawks host the San Francisco 49ers at 8:00 p.m. ET.
You can catch this on FOX. If you’ve cut the cord, you’ll need the FOX Sports app, FuboTV, or YouTube TV. The Seahawks’ defense has been the best in the league this year, allowing only 17.2 points per game, but the 49ers' offense is a machine. Seeing how Seattle handles that San Francisco pass rush is going to be the story of the night.
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Why You Keep Missing Kick-Offs
One thing most people get wrong is assuming their "all-in-one" sports package actually covers everything. It doesn't. The "Goal Rush" whip-around show on Peacock is great for the Premier League, but it won't show you the Bundesliga.
Also, a lot of fans forget about the local blackouts. If you’re trying to stream the NFL game and you’re in a specific market, sometimes the national stream gets wonky. Always have a digital antenna as a backup for local FOX or NBC broadcasts. It’s $20 and saves a lot of Saturday night heartbreak.
Actionable Tips for Today's Viewers
If you want the best experience for today's slate of games, do this:
- Check the App Updates: Peacock and ESPN+ have a habit of requiring an update right at kick-off. Do it now.
- Use a Multi-Stream Setup: If you have a smart TV and a tablet, run the Manchester Derby on the big screen and keep the La Liga scores open on your device.
- Sync Your Audio: If you're watching a "whip-around" show like Goal Rush but want to follow one specific game, you can often find local radio commentary on apps like TalkSport to listen to while the TV switches between matches.
Check your local listings for any last-minute "flex" changes, especially for the evening NFL slot. Most games are locked in, but weather in Seattle can sometimes cause minor delays in the pre-game coverage. Enjoy the matches.