If you’re sitting there scrolling through your phone wondering is there any football on right now, you’ve probably realized that Friday nights in January are a bit of a mixed bag. It’s that weird, frozen window where the NFL is catching its breath before the Divisional Round drama, but Europe is absolutely firing on all cylinders.
Right now, it depends on which side of the pond you’re looking at. If you're in the US, you’re basically in the "hype phase" for the college national championship and the NFL playoffs starting tomorrow. But if you’ve got access to international feeds, or you’re a night owl in the States, there is plenty of leather hitting grass.
The Friday Night European Slate (Soccer)
Honestly, Friday is the unsung hero of the football week. While everyone waits for the massive Saturday matchups, the big European leagues use today to get ahead of the schedule.
In France, the heavy hitters are out. Paris Saint-Germain is taking on Lille right now (or very shortly, depending on your exact minute). This isn't just a filler game; PSG is trying to tighten their grip on Ligue 1, and Lille has been a persistent thorn in their side for years. Earlier today, Monaco faced Lorient, setting the stage for what’s usually a high-scoring French weekend.
Over in Spain, we've got a Catalan derby of sorts with Espanyol vs. Girona. Girona has been the "cool kid" of La Liga lately, playing that expansive, attacking football that makes them a must-watch for neutrals.
Italy is also in the mix. Pisa is hosting Atalanta in Serie A. Atalanta is one of those teams that doesn't know how to play a boring game. They press high, they leave gaps, and they usually score three goals or concede three. Or both.
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Why the Bundesliga matters today
German football is back with Werder Bremen vs. Eintracht Frankfurt. The atmosphere at the Weserstadion is always intense, even on a Friday night. Frankfurt has been chasing those European qualification spots, so the stakes are surprisingly high for a mid-January clash.
- Ligue 1: PSG vs. Lille
- La Liga: Espanyol vs. Girona
- Serie A: Pisa vs. Atalanta
- Bundesliga: Werder Bremen vs. Eintracht Frankfurt
- Championship (UK): West Brom vs. Middlesbrough
That Championship game in England? That’s for the purists. West Brom and Boro are both scrapping for playoff spots to get back into the Premier League. It’s gritty, it’s fast, and it’s usually better than half the stuff you see in the top flight.
Is there any American Football on right now?
Here is the cold truth: if you are looking for a live NFL or high-level college game at this exact second, you’re going to be disappointed. Friday is the travel and prep day.
However, the energy in Miami is through the roof. We are currently in the middle of the College Football Playoff National Championship festivities. The University of Miami is hosting a massive "Category 5" pep rally today, and the "Playoff Fan Central" is open at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
The actual game—the one everyone is losing their minds over—doesn't kick off until Monday, January 19th. But if you see people in jerseys and hear marching bands on your social feed, that’s why.
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The NFL Divisional Round Wait
The NFL is currently dark. After a wild Wild Card weekend, the league takes Friday off to let the teams travel. If you’re asking is there any football on right now because you need your NFL fix, you only have to wait until tomorrow afternoon.
The schedule for tomorrow (Saturday, Jan 17) is a heater:
- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos (4:30 PM ET) – The Broncos have been the surprise story of the AFC, and hosting Josh Allen in the thin air of Denver is going to be a spectacle.
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (8:00 PM ET) – An NFC West divisional rivalry in the playoffs? Yes, please.
Lower Tier and International Gems
If you are a true degenerate for the sport, there are some "off the beaten path" games happening. The Saudi Arabian League has had games going on throughout the day, including Al-Ittihad taking on Al-Ettifaq.
Australia’s A-League is also active. Because of the time difference, you can often catch games like Melbourne City vs. Auckland or Perth Glory vs. Brisbane Roar in the very early hours of the morning or late at night. It’s fast-paced, sometimes chaotic, and perfect for when you have insomnia and just need to see a ball moving.
How to find these games
Look, navigating streaming services in 2026 is a nightmare. Everything is fragmented.
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For the European stuff, you're usually looking at Peacock, ESPN+, or Paramount+. If you're in the UK, it's the usual dance between Sky Sports and TNT. For the NFL tomorrow, you'll need a mix of CBS, FOX, and NBC/Peacock.
It’s kinda wild that we have more access to football than ever, yet it’s harder to find the "channel" than it was twenty years ago. Basically, if you have a decent sports app like LiveScore or the ESPN app, you can see the tickers moving in real-time for the European leagues.
What most people get wrong about Friday football
A lot of fans think that if it’s not Saturday or Sunday, nothing matters. That’s a mistake. Friday night games in the Bundesliga or La Liga often feature the "second tier" teams that are fighting for their lives. The intensity is often higher than a mid-table clash on a Sunday afternoon.
Also, don't sleep on the Women's FA Cup or the Portuguese Primeira Liga. Sporting CP is playing Casa Pia today, and Sporting has been one of the most exciting teams to watch in Europe this season.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're looking to watch something immediately, here is your move:
- Check the French Ligue 1 feed: PSG vs. Lille is the highest quality game on the planet today.
- Set your DVR for the NFL: Tomorrow’s Broncos/Bills game is going to be a classic, so make sure your Saturday afternoon is cleared.
- Monitor the College Football Playoff news: Since the National Championship is on Monday, keep an eye on injury reports coming out of the Miami media days today.
- Download a "Livescore" style app: It’s the only way to keep track of the 50+ matches happening across the Belgian, Dutch, and Italian leagues today without losing your mind.
The "dark" period is almost over. By tomorrow afternoon, your TV will be glued to the NFL, but for tonight, let the Europeans entertain you.