Friday nights hit different when the floodlights come on across Europe. You've probably been staring at a spreadsheet all day, and now you just want to know which channel has the game. Honestly, the scheduling in 2026 is getting a bit chaotic with all the new streaming deals, but we've got a decent Friday slate to kick off the weekend.
If you’re hunting for live football games on tv today, Friday, January 16, you’re looking at a mix of high-stakes relegation scraps and some heavy hitters trying to maintain their pace at the top of the table.
The Big Five: Where to Tune In
The European leagues are back in full swing after the winter breaks. It’s that January grind where injuries start to pile up and squad depth really matters. Here is the breakdown of what’s hitting your screen this evening.
Ligue 1: The Parc des Princes Showdown
Paris Saint-Germain is hosting LOSC Lille at 3:00 PM EST. You can catch this one on beIN SPORTS or stream it via Fubo. Lille always plays PSG tough, and with the title race tighter than usual this year, this isn't just a "show up and win" game for the Parisians. Earlier in the day, Monaco takes on Lorient at 1:00 PM EST—perfect for a "working" lunch watch.
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Bundesliga: Under the Lights in Bremen
Over in Germany, Werder Bremen faces Eintracht Frankfurt. Kickoff is at 2:30 PM EST. If you're in the US, ESPN+ is your home for this. Frankfurt has been playing some of the most exciting, high-press football in the league lately. Bremen at home is always a loud, messy affair. Expect goals.
Serie A: The Italian Tactical Battle
Pisa is hosting Atalanta at 2:45 PM EST. Atalanta under Gasperini remains one of the most watchable teams in the world because they simply refuse to defend traditionally. You'll find this on Paramount+. It's the only Italian top-flight game today, so all eyes will be on whether Pisa can cause an upset.
La Liga: Friday Night Fever
Spain gives us RCD Espanyol vs Girona at 3:00 PM EST. This is a massive regional clash. Girona has been the story of the last couple of seasons, and Espanyol is fighting for every scrap of air. ESPN+ or Deportes is where you'll find the broadcast.
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Why the Schedule Looks Different This Year
You might notice there isn't a Premier League game today. That's because the English schedule is heavily weighted toward a massive Saturday and Sunday block this week. However, if you follow the Ghana Premier League, Hearts of Oak vs Dreams FC is happening at 15:30 (local time), which is a huge Matchday 19 fixture.
Streaming has basically taken over. It's annoying. You used to just need one cable package, but now if you want to see live football games on tv today, you're jumping between Paramount+, ESPN+, and Peacock.
A Quick Cheat Sheet for Kickoff Times (EST)
- 1:00 PM – Monaco vs Lorient (Ligue 1) – beIN SPORTS
- 2:30 PM – Werder Bremen vs Eintracht Frankfurt (Bundesliga) – ESPN+
- 2:45 PM – Pisa vs Atalanta (Serie A) – Paramount+
- 3:00 PM – PSG vs Lille (Ligue 1) – beIN SPORTS / Fubo
- 3:00 PM – Espanyol vs Girona (La Liga) – ESPN+
Don't Forget the Women's Game
The Division 1 Féminine in France is also active tonight. Le Havre Women are taking on PSG Women. That's at 20:00 local time (2:00 PM EST). DAZN has been the primary carrier for a lot of these matches globally. If you haven't watched the French women's league recently, the technical level has skyrocketed.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Friday Games
Most fans think Friday games are just "fillers." They aren't. In fact, managers often hate them because they have less time to recover from the previous weekend. But for viewers? It's the best. The atmosphere is usually more intense because the fans are coming straight from work, and the players know they can set the tone for the rest of the league's weekend results.
If Atalanta wins today, they put immediate pressure on Inter and Juve before they even step on the pitch tomorrow. That psychological edge is real.
Actionable Steps for Today's Matches
- Check your subscriptions early. Don't be the person trying to reset their Paramount+ password five minutes after kickoff.
- Sync your calendar. If you're following multiple leagues, the 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM window is a logjam. Pick your primary game for the big screen and use a tablet for the others.
- Watch the injury reports. January is brutal. Check social media 60 minutes before kickoff for the official team sheets; in 2026, tactical "resting" is more common than ever.
- Prepare for the Saturday rush. Today is just the appetizer. Tomorrow sees the Manchester Derby and a huge clash between Real Madrid and Levante.
Friday night football is about the pure love of the game. No distractions, just the start of the weekend and 90 minutes of drama. Enjoy the matches.