If you woke up thinking today was just another Tuesday in the middle of winter, you’re missing out. Big time. Usually, this week feels like a bit of a hangover. The NFL Wild Card dust has barely settled, and the College Football Playoff is currently in that weird "calm before the storm" phase before next Monday's big dance. But if you're asking what football games are on today, you've actually hit a weirdly perfect jackpot of domestic cups and European league clashes.
Honestly, it’s a vibe. You’ve got Manchester City trying to survive a trip to St. James' Park in the Carabao Cup, while over in Spain, the big dogs are scrapping in the Copa del Rey. It’s the kind of day where "midweek madness" isn't just a cliché; it’s literally the only way to describe the schedule.
The Big One: Newcastle vs. Manchester City (EFL Cup)
This is the centerpiece. If you only watch one match today, January 13, 2026, make it this one.
Newcastle is hosting Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and let’s be real—the Magpies are desperate. They’ve been knocking on the door of a major trophy for what feels like a century. Pep Guardiola, on the other hand, treats this trophy like a personal hobby. City already bagged a 2-0 lead in the earlier stages of this competition (according to the latest live tallies), but playing at Newcastle is a different beast entirely.
Expect a loud, hostile atmosphere. City might rotate their squad, but even their "B team" is worth more than most small countries' GDP.
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Europe is Absolutely Cooking Today
While the UK is focused on the EFL Cup, the rest of the continent is busy with their own knockout drama. The Copa del Rey in Spain is hitting the Round of 16, and the matchups are surprisingly spicy.
- Deportivo La Coruña vs. Atletico Madrid: This is a classic "trap" game. Deportivo isn't the powerhouse they were in the early 2000s, but that stadium still has magic. Diego Simeone’s Atleti will have to grind this one out. They always do.
- Real Sociedad vs. Osasuna: This one ended in a wild penalty shootout earlier today (Real Sociedad taking it 4-3 on pens), proving that domestic cups are basically designed to give fans heart attacks.
Then you have Germany. The Bundesliga is running a midweek slate because the winter break schedule in 2026 is tighter than a pair of vintage jeans. Borussia Dortmund just handled Werder Bremen with a clean 3-0 sheet. Stuttgart and Frankfurt also traded blows in a 5-goal thriller. If you missed those morning kickoffs, you missed some of the most fluid attacking football we've seen all month.
What Happened to the NFL Today?
I know a lot of you are looking for the NFL schedule. Here’s the deal: you’re a day late for the Wild Card finale and a few days early for the Divisional Round.
The Houston Texans just absolutely dismantled the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 last night. It was brutal. Mike Tomlin’s playoff losing streak is officially a thing people are whispering (or shouting) about in Pennsylvania. Aaron Rodgers took four sacks, and the Steelers' offense looked like it was stuck in a mud pit.
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So, no NFL today. The league is currently resetting. We don't get back into the thick of it until Saturday, January 17, when the Buffalo Bills head to Denver to face the Broncos. That’s the "can’t miss" game of the upcoming weekend, but for right now? Put the pigskin dreams on hold and embrace the round ball.
The Global Scene: From Saudi to Mexico
It's 2026, so we can't talk about a Tuesday schedule without mentioning the Saudi Pro League. They’ve become a staple of the midweek routine. Al Ittihad played to a 1-1 draw with Damac earlier today. It wasn't exactly a masterpiece, but the star power is still there.
Meanwhile, if you’re a night owl in the US, Liga MX is your best friend.
- Puebla vs. Mazatlan FC is kicking off the evening.
- Necaxa vs. Monterrey follows shortly after.
- Cruz Azul vs. Atlas is the late-night special.
Mexican football is notoriously unpredictable. Monterrey usually brings the quality, but Cruz Azul at home is always a gamble. It’s perfect background noise if you’re working late or just can't sleep.
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Why Today Matters More Than You Think
People sort of sleep on January 13. It’s a transition date. We’re midway through the European season, and the "January transfer window" rumors are reaching a fever pitch.
Every player you see on the pitch today for teams like Newcastle or Dortmund is essentially playing for their spot. With the Champions League restarting in just a week (Real Madrid vs. Monaco on the 20th), these domestic games are the final tune-ups. If a player looks sluggish today, they’re getting benched for the big European nights.
Actionable Tips for Following Today’s Games
If you’re trying to track all of this without losing your mind, here’s how to handle it:
- Prioritize the EFL Cup: Use your main screen for Newcastle vs. City. It has the highest stakes for the English season.
- Monitor the Copa del Rey: These games are notorious for late drama. If you see a game in Spain going into "AET" (Added Extra Time), switch over immediately.
- Check the Weather: It’s January. Rain in Newcastle and wind in Spain can turn a tactical match into a chaotic mess real quick.
- Ignore the NFL noise: Don’t bother checking for "Monday Night Football" style coverage tonight; it’s all about the Divisional Round prep now.
Basically, today is for the true fans. It’s for the people who love the sport enough to watch a French Cup match between Bayeux and Marseille (which ended 0-9 by the way—absolute carnage) just because it’s on.
Grab a drink, find a stream, and enjoy the chaos. The schedule is packed if you know where to look. By tomorrow, we'll be talking about who got injured and who's moving on, but for now, the ball is still rolling.
Your Next Steps:
Check your local listings for the Newcastle vs. Manchester City kickoff time in your specific zone. Most US viewers will find it on ESPN+ or a similar streaming partner. If you’re looking for the Liga MX matches, tune in to TUDN or Univision late tonight to catch the Monterrey and Cruz Azul games.