If you woke up today looking for the NFL, I’ve got a bit of a reality check for you. It’s Wednesday, January 14, 2026. While the American football world is still buzzing from the Wild Card round that just wrapped up—specifically that absolute defensive clinic the New England Patriots put on against the Chargers—there aren't any professional NFL games on the calendar for today.
Basically, the league is in that mid-week "eye of the storm." Teams like the Houston Texans, fresh off stifling Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers 30-6 for their first-ever road playoff win, are back at practice. They’re getting ready for a massive Divisional Round clash at Gillette Stadium this coming Sunday.
But don't walk away yet.
While the pads aren't popping in the U.S., the rest of the world is basically on fire with professional football. If you're a fan of the "other" football—soccer—today is actually one of the most packed Wednesdays we've seen in a while. We are talking high-stakes European league games, domestic cups, and even the semi-finals of a major international tournament.
What Professional Football Teams Play Today in Europe?
Honestly, the Bundesliga and Serie A are carrying the load for league play today. Usually, Wednesdays are reserved for the Champions League, but since we are in the domestic grind of mid-January, Germany and Italy have stepped up to fill the void.
In Germany, the big story is Bayern Munich. They are traveling to face FC Köln in a match that looks lopsided on paper but is always a trap at the RheinEnergieStadion. Bayern is chasing the top spot, and with the way the table looks right now, they can’t afford to drop points to a Köln side that has been scrappy lately.
✨ Don't miss: The Division 2 National Championship Game: How Ferris State Just Redrew the Record Books
Bundesliga Slate
- VfL Wolfsburg vs. FC St. Pauli: A mid-table battle where Wolfsburg is trying to keep their European hopes alive.
- RB Leipzig vs. Freiburg: This is arguably the game of the day in Germany. Both teams are fighting for a Champions League spot.
- Hoffenheim vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach: Expect goals here. Lots of them. Neither of these teams knows how to defend a lead.
Italy isn’t staying quiet either. Napoli is hosting Parma, and if you’ve been following Antonio Conte’s tactical evolution this season, you know this is a must-watch. Later tonight, Inter Milan takes on Lecce at the San Siro. Inter has been clinical, and honestly, Lecce is going to have a long night trying to contain that strike force.
The Cup Competitions: Win or Go Home
If you prefer the "lose and you're out" drama, the UK and Spain have you covered. The EFL Cup (Carabao Cup) semi-finals are in full swing. Today, we get a massive London Derby: Chelsea vs. Arsenal.
These two have a lot of history, and with a trophy within touching distance, expect the intensity to be at an all-time high. It’s one of those games where form usually goes out the window.
In Spain, the Copa del Rey Round of 16 is happening. Real Madrid is playing away against Albacete. While Albacete is a lower-tier side, the "King's Cup" is famous for upsets. If Carlo Ancelotti rotates his squad too much, things could get weird. Other Spanish matchups today include:
- Deportivo Alavés vs. Rayo Vallecano
- Real Betis vs. Elche
International Stakes: Africa Cup of Nations
This is where the real pressure is. The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has reached the semi-final stage. This isn't just club football; this is national pride on the line.
🔗 Read more: Por qué los partidos de Primera B de Chile son más entretenidos que la división de honor
The first semi-final features Senegal vs. Egypt. Yes, it’s a rematch of the 2022 final. The tactical battle between these two is always fascinating—Senegal’s physical dominance versus Egypt’s disciplined, counter-attacking style.
The second match is a massive West African showdown: Nigeria vs. Morocco. Morocco has been the "golden child" of African football since their 2022 World Cup run, but Nigeria’s attacking talent is probably the best on the continent right now. This game is going to be loud, fast, and probably a bit chaotic.
Why the NFL is Quiet Today
A lot of fans get confused about the Wednesday schedule during the playoffs. In the 2025-2026 season, the NFL stuck to the traditional playoff rhythm. Wild Card weekend ended on Monday night. Teams need at least four days of recovery before they can safely hit the field again.
Today, January 14, is actually an important administrative day. It’s the deadline for college underclassmen to apply for "Special Eligibility" for the NFL Draft. So while there’s no hitting, there’s a lot of scouting talk and front-office maneuvering happening behind the scenes.
If you’re waiting for the divisional round, here is what the upcoming weekend (Jan 17-18) looks like:
💡 You might also like: South Carolina women's basketball schedule: What Most People Get Wrong
- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos (Saturday)
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (Saturday)
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (Sunday)
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots (Sunday)
Actionable Insights for Today’s Viewers
If you're planning your afternoon or evening around sports, here is the most efficient way to catch the action.
First, check the Bundesliga scores around noon ET. The Leipzig/Freiburg match is usually the most tactically interesting. If you have a subscription to Peacock or Paramount+ (depending on your region), the Chelsea vs. Arsenal game kicks off around 3:00 PM ET. That is the premium "big game" experience for today.
For those who want to see the future of global football, tune into the AFCON semi-finals. The atmosphere in those stadiums is unlike anything you see in the NFL or even the Premier League.
Pro Tip: If you're a bettor, keep an eye on the Copa del Rey lineups. Real Madrid often rests their starting XI for these midweek cup games, which makes the "Both Teams to Score" market a bit more enticing than usual.
Basically, even without the NFL, today is a massive day for professional football. You just have to look a little further across the map to find it.
Next Steps for You:
Check your local listings for the Chelsea vs. Arsenal kickoff time, or head over to the NFL app to see the official injury reports for the Texans and Patriots before their big game this Sunday.