You're probably staring at your phone right now, scrolling through a list of names that feel like a geography quiz. It’s Thursday, January 15, 2026. Usually, Thursdays are for the Europa League grind, but the calendar is doing something weird today. We've got a bizarre, beautiful mix of high-stakes domestic drama in Italy and Germany, a literal "David vs. Goliath" situation in Spain, and a bunch of cup games across Europe that actually matter more than they should.
Honestly, if you think today is a "skip" day, you’re missing the plot.
The Heavy Hitters: Serie A and Bundesliga Drama
The big story tonight is in Italy. AC Milan is currently sitting second in the table, and they’re heading to Como. Now, don't sleep on Como. People still talk about them like they’re just a pretty lakeside destination, but they haven't lost a single game at home this season. Not one. They’ve only conceded four goals at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. Milan is unbeaten away, too. It’s a total "unstoppable force meets immovable object" scenario. Kickoff is at 7:45 PM local time. If Milan drops points here, the title race is basically blown wide open for the chasing pack.
Earlier in the evening, Hellas Verona takes on Bologna (5:30 PM). Verona is scrapping for every inch, while Bologna is trying to prove their European credentials from last season weren't a fluke.
Over in Germany, the Bundesliga is giving us FC Augsburg against Union Berlin.
Augsburg is desperate.
They are two points above the relegation zone.
They haven't scored in three games.
It’s getting ugly. Union Berlin, meanwhile, looks like they’ve finally rediscovered that grit that made them everyone’s favorite underdog a couple of years ago. They’ve won two of their last three, and a win today pushes them firmly into the top half.
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Copa del Rey: The Giant Killers are Waiting
Spain’s Copa del Rey Round of 16 is where the real chaos usually lives. Today, the spotlight is on Racing Santander. They aren't in La Liga, but they’re leading the Segunda Division and playing some of the most attractive soccer in the country. Their reward? A date with Barcelona at 8:00 PM.
Barcelona hasn't lost in ten matches. Hansi Flick has them playing like a machine, even with Marcus Rashford and Dani Olmo potentially being rotated. But Racing hasn’t hosted Barca in 14 years. The atmosphere at the El Sardinero is going to be hostile, to put it mildly.
Also in the Copa:
- Burgos CF vs. Valencia (8:00 PM): Valencia is the favorite, but Burgos is one of those teams that thrives on making "big" clubs feel miserable for 90 minutes.
The Games Nobody Is Talking About (But Should)
If you're looking for live soccer games today and only checking the top five leagues, you’re doing it wrong. The Belgian Cup is serving up Anderlecht vs. Gent at 7:30 PM. This is one of those rivalries where form goes out the window and someone usually gets a red card before halftime.
Then there’s the Dutch KNVB Beker. Heerenveen is facing RKC Waalwijk, and Sparta Rotterdam is playing Volendam. These cup games are often more entertaining than the tactical stalemates we see in the Premier League. There’s a frantic, "winner-takes-all" energy to them that makes for great TV.
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In Turkey, the Cup group stages are in full swing. Beşiktaş is hosting Keçiörengücü. Beşiktaş has been a bit of a rollercoaster lately, but they should handle this. Still, Keçiörengücü has a habit of scoring late, so don't turn it off at the 80th minute.
Beyond Europe: The 2026 NWSL Buzz
While the games aren't happening today, the soccer world is buzzing because the NWSL just dropped the 2026 schedule this morning. It’s a massive talking point for fans in the States. We’ve got new teams like Denver Summit FC and Boston Legacy entering the fold.
Lindsey Horan—now going by Lindsey Heaps after her marriage—just signed a four-year deal with Denver. That is huge. Also, the USWNT is currently in training camp in LA getting ready for matches against Paraguay and Chile. If you see Trinity Rodman trending, that’s why. She’s the veteran of this young group at just 23, which feels insane to say.
What to Actually Watch: A Quick Guide
If you only have time for a few games, here is the hierarchy of what matters:
- Como vs. AC Milan (Serie A): This is the tactical masterclass of the day. Can Como keep their home fortress intact?
- Racing Santander vs. Barcelona (Copa del Rey): Pure spectacle. Expect a "cupset" atmosphere even if Barca's quality eventually wins out.
- FC Augsburg vs. Union Berlin (Bundesliga): This will be a physical, ugly, wonderful fight for survival.
- Anderlecht vs. Gent (Belgian Cup): Watch this if you like high-intensity rivalries and plenty of cards.
Most fans get midweek slates wrong because they look for the biggest names. Honestly? The best value is often in the teams fighting against relegation or the second-division leaders trying to embarrass a giant.
Actionable Insights for Today
Stop just looking at the scores on a ticker. If you want to actually enjoy the live soccer games today, keep these things in mind. Check the weather in Augsburg; it’s freezing, which usually favors a scrappy home side. For the Milan game, keep an eye on how Como manages the transition. They’ve been elite at shutting down the wings, which is exactly where Milan likes to kill teams.
Check your local listings for Apple TV or Paramount+ depending on your region, as several of these cup games are being picked up by secondary streamers last minute. If you’re betting, keep an eye on the "Draw" for the Como match—it's high value given their defensive record at home.
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Enjoy the games. Soccer isn't just about the Champions League final; it's about these cold Thursday nights where everything is on the line for the teams that aren't on your FIFA cover.