It is a massive Wednesday for soccer. If you've been following the grind of the winter schedule, today, January 14, 2026, is basically the peak of "midweek madness." We aren't just looking at random league games; we have massive knockout fixtures, high-stakes international semi-finals, and some heavy hitters in the domestic cups.
Finding soccer games today on tv can be a headache with how fragmented streaming has become. You’ve got half the games on Paramount+, a chunk on ESPN+, and the international stuff tucked away on beIN SPORTS. It’s a mess. Honestly, unless you have a spreadsheet, you’re bound to miss a kickoff. I’ve gone through the schedules so you don't have to.
The AFCON Semi-Finals: Africa’s Biggest Stage
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is down to the wire. These aren't just games; they are national events. If you want high-octane, unpredictable football, this is where you need to be looking.
Senegal vs. Egypt is the early heavyweight bout at 12:00 PM ET. It’s a rematch of legendary proportions. You can catch this on beIN SPORTS or stream it via Fubo or Fanatiz. Then, at 3:00 PM ET, Nigeria vs. Morocco takes center stage. Morocco has been the "it" team of the continent lately, but Nigeria’s attacking depth is terrifying. Again, beIN SPORTS is your home for this one.
The atmosphere in these stadiums is unlike anything in Europe. Expect noise. Lots of it.
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England and Spain: The Cup Specialists
Over in England, the League Cup (Carabao Cup) is delivering a London Derby that actually feels significant. Chelsea vs. Arsenal kicks off at 3:00 PM ET. This isn't just a secondary trophy chase anymore. For Chelsea, it’s a chance to prove they can actually win a trophy under their current project. For Arsenal, it’s about maintaining momentum. You’ll find this streaming exclusively on Paramount+.
Spain isn't falling behind either. The Copa del Rey is in full swing.
- Deportivo La Coruña vs. Atlético Madrid (12:00 PM ET) – ESPN+
- Albacete vs. Real Madrid (3:00 PM ET) – ESPN+
- Real Betis vs. Elche (3:00 PM ET) – ESPN+
Real Madrid playing Albacete might look like a mismatch on paper, but that's the beauty of the "Copa." These small-town stadiums become absolute pressure cookers.
Italy and Germany: Midweek League Action
Italy’s Serie A has some catch-up fixtures and scheduled matches today that are crucial for the top four race. Napoli vs. Parma starts at 12:30 PM ET on Paramount+ and the CBS Sports Golazo Network. Later, Inter Milan vs. Lecce at 2:45 PM ET is a must-watch if you want to see if Inter can keep their grip on the Scudetto race.
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The Bundesliga is also active with a heavy slate. Bayern Munich travels to FC Köln at 2:30 PM ET. Bayern is Bayern, but Köln at home is always a "trap" game. All German matches today are on ESPN+.
Navaging the Chaos: How to Actually Watch Soccer Games Today on TV
One thing most people get wrong is assuming their cable package covers everything. It doesn't. Not even close. If you're looking for soccer games today on tv, you basically need a "big three" setup.
First, Paramount+ is non-negotiable for Italian fans and English cup ties. Second, ESPN+ is the undisputed king of Spanish and German football. Third, for the international tournaments like AFCON or the Saudi Pro League (which has Al-Ahli vs. Al Taawoun today at 12:30 PM), you need beIN SPORTS or a service like Fubo that carries it.
It’s expensive. I get it. But if you're a die-hard, that’s the landscape in 2026.
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Why Today Matters for the Season Narrative
We are in that weird January lull where players are tired and the weather is miserable. This is where seasons are won or lost. A loss for Arsenal today could derail their confidence heading back into the Premier League. A win for Morocco puts them one step away from cementing their status as a global powerhouse.
Keep an eye on Porto vs. Benfica in the Taça de Portugal at 3:45 PM ET (beIN SPORTS). It's the "O Clássico." It's usually a bloodbath, and it’s arguably the most intense game on the calendar today.
Your Wednesday Soccer Viewing Checklist
- Check your logins early. Nothing is worse than realizing your Paramount+ subscription expired three minutes before the Arsenal kickoff.
- Watch the AFCON Semis. Even if you don't follow African football, the stakes make these the most "meaningful" games of the day.
- Check for regional blackouts. While rare on streaming services, some local Liga MX games (like Cruz Azul vs. Atlas tonight at 6:00 PM ET on ViX) can occasionally be finicky depending on your provider.
- Sync your scores. Use an app like FotMob or LiveScore to keep track of the games you aren't watching, especially with so many 3:00 PM ET overlaps.
To stay ahead of the curve, make sure you have your streaming apps updated on your smart TV or Roku device. If you're planning to watch the Chelsea-Arsenal match, log in ten minutes early to avoid the "high traffic" buffering that sometimes hits Paramount+ during major English derbies. For the evening games, especially Liga MX, ensure your ViX or TUDN access is active, as those late-night Mexican fixtures often provide the best entertainment of the night.