Honestly, if you're a fan of the beautiful game, today is one of those weirdly perfect days. We are sitting right in the middle of January 2026, and while the European club season is screaming along at full speed, the world of soccer international games today is actually stealing the spotlight. It’s not just a random Sunday. We’ve got the culmination of a massive continental tournament in Africa, plus some really intriguing friendlies that are basically stealth auditions for the World Cup later this year.
The big one? The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
It’s happening in Morocco. Specifically at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat. Senegal and Morocco are facing off at 7:00 PM local time, and let me tell you, the atmosphere is going to be absolutely electric. Senegal just scraped past Egypt in the semis, while Morocco had a massive battle with Nigeria to get here.
The AFCON Final: Senegal vs. Morocco
This is the peak of soccer international games today. You’ve got Senegal, the defending-ish powerhouse, trying to assert dominance again. Then you have Morocco, playing at home, coming off that legendary 2022 World Cup run and looking to finally grab the African crown on their own soil.
It’s kinda crazy how much pressure is on Morocco right now. Hosting a tournament is a double-edged sword. You get the crowd, sure, but you also get the crushing weight of an entire nation’s expectations. Senegal is disciplined. They’re tough. They don't mind being the "bad guys" and spoiling the party in Rabat.
If you’re looking for a tactical chess match, this is it. Morocco's technical ability versus Senegal’s sheer physical presence and organization. It kicks off late, but it’s the match that defines the continent for the next couple of years.
📖 Related: NFL Football Teams in Order: Why Most Fans Get the Hierarchy Wrong
Friendlies and the "Road to 2026"
Away from the high-stakes drama of Rabat, we have some "friendly" matches that aren't actually that friendly. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup looming in just a few months, national team coaches are in "last chance" mode.
Take the Canada vs. Guatemala match.
This one actually kicked off quite early (3:00 AM ET for the night owls), but the fallout is what matters for North American fans. Canada just managed a 1-0 win, which sounds slim, but it’s about the process. Coach Jesse Marsch is trying to figure out his final depth chart before the world arrives in Toronto, Vancouver, and the US.
Then you’ve got Bolivia vs. Panama.
This one is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET at the Estadio IV Centenario in Tarija. Why does this matter? Because Panama is a team that’s been punching way above its weight lately. Bolivia at high altitude is always a nightmare, even in a friendly. It’s a classic clash of styles—Panama’s increasing tactical sophistication against the raw, lung-bursting challenge of playing in the clouds.
👉 See also: Why Your 1 Arm Pull Up Progression Isn't Working (And How to Fix It)
Why today feels different
Usually, January is just about the Premier League or La Liga. But because of the way the 2026 calendar is structured, soccer international games today carry more weight. Players aren't just playing for their country; they’re playing for a roster spot in June.
- Senegal vs. Morocco (AFCON Final): 7:00 PM local / 2:00 PM ET.
- Bolivia vs. Panama: 9:00 PM ET.
- Canada vs. Guatemala: (Result: 1-0 Canada).
You've also got a massive slate of club games if the international stuff isn't enough. Real Sociedad is hosting Barcelona in La Liga, and AC Milan is playing Lecce in Serie A. It’s a lot to keep track of.
What most people get wrong about these fixtures
Most casual fans think friendlies in January are "meaningless."
That’s a mistake.
Especially in a World Cup year. For a team like Panama or Bolivia, these games are the only time they get to test their B-teams and tactical tweaks under real match conditions. For the AFCON finalists, this is about legacy. Africa’s top spot is arguably the hardest-fought continental trophy in the world because the parity between the top ten teams is so tight.
✨ Don't miss: El Salvador partido de hoy: Why La Selecta is at a Critical Turning Point
How to actually watch everything
If you’re in the US, most of these matches are scattered across various platforms. BeIN SPORTS is usually the home for AFCON, while the friendlies often pop up on FS1 or various streaming services like Fubo or Vix.
If you're trying to catch the Bolivia/Panama game, you'll likely need to check the Spanish-language broadcasts, as they usually have the most consistent coverage for CONMEBOL/CONCACAF friendlies.
Actionable steps for the savvy fan
If you want to stay ahead of the curve for the rest of the day, here is what you should do:
- Prioritize the AFCON Final: It’s the highest level of soccer happening on the planet today. Don't skip it.
- Monitor the World Cup Qualifiers mindset: When watching Panama or Canada, don't look at the score. Look at the substitutions. The players coming on in the 60th minute are the ones fighting for their lives to make the 2026 squad.
- Check the injury reports: In these mid-season internationals, the biggest story often isn't who won, but who went off clutching a hamstring. Club managers across Europe will be holding their breath until their stars return on Monday.
The international window is short, and it'll be over before you know it. Make sure you catch the Rabat final—it's likely to be a historic night for African football.