If you woke up today thinking it was just another dry Wednesday in January, think again. The schedule for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, is actually a massive crossroads for European giants and international heavyweights alike. We aren't just talking about a few random league games; we have the AFCON semi-finals, a London derby in the Carabao Cup, and some serious pressure building in the Bundesliga and Serie A.
Honestly, it’s a lot to keep track of. You’ve got teams playing for trophies, others fighting to avoid mid-season collapses, and the ever-present chaos of the January transfer window humming in the background.
The Big One: Chelsea vs Arsenal (EFL Cup Semi-Final)
Let’s start with the one most people are going to be watching. At 20:00 GMT, Chelsea and Arsenal face off at Stamford Bridge for the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final.
There’s a weird energy around this game. Arsenal is currently sitting six points clear at the top of the Premier League, but they’re doing it without a "traditional" twenty-goal-a-season striker. Viktor Gyökeres, who came in for big money over the summer, has only managed five league goals and looks a bit shell-shocked. On the other side, Chelsea is entering the second week under Liam Rosenior. Yeah, you read that right—Rosenior is at the helm now, and the rumor mill says he’s desperate to bring in Lucas Paquetá from West Ham to spark some life into the midfield.
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Expect this to be tight. Arsenal’s defensive record is stellar, but the "no-striker" problem makes these cup ties unpredictable.
AFCON Semi-Finals: The Giants Collide
While London is freezing, the heat in Morocco is getting intense. We have reached the semi-final stage of the Africa Cup of Nations, and the matchups are basically a dream for any neutral fan.
- Senegal vs Egypt (17:00 GMT): A rematch of the 2022 final. Senegal still looks like the team to beat, but Egypt has that annoying (or impressive, depending on who you ask) habit of grinding out results.
- Nigeria vs Morocco (20:00 GMT): This one is going to be loud. Morocco is playing at home in Rabat, and the atmosphere will be suffocating. Nigeria’s attack has been clinical, but breaking down the Moroccan defense in front of a home crowd is a different beast entirely.
What Football Is Playing Today in Europe?
If you prefer the tactical chess matches of the continent, there is plenty of domestic action.
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Bundesliga Midweek Madness
Germany doesn't usually do midweeks like this, but the 2026 calendar is cramped. Bayern Munich travels to face FC Köln at 19:30 GMT. Bayern is the heavy favorite, but Köln has a knack for making things ugly at home. At the same time, RB Leipzig takes on Freiburg in a match that has huge implications for the Champions League spots. Leipzig has been erratic, and Freiburg is exactly the kind of disciplined side that punishes mistakes.
Serie A: Inter and Napoli
Inter Milan is at the San Siro tonight hosting Lecce (19:45 GMT). Inter has been dominant, and honestly, Lecce will be lucky to leave with a point. Earlier in the evening (17:30 GMT), Napoli faces Parma. Napoli has been a bit of a rollercoaster lately, and this is a "must-win" if they want to stay in the Scudetto conversation.
Copa del Rey: Real Madrid’s New Era
Spain is focused on the Round of 16 in the Copa del Rey. Real Madrid travels to Albacete at 20:00 GMT. The big story here isn't the opponent; it's the dugout. Álvaro Arbeloa was just appointed as the 15th manager under Florentino Pérez following Xabi Alonso’s departure. It’s a baptism of fire for Arbeloa, who needs a clean win to calm the fans after a chaotic week in Madrid.
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The Transfer Drama Behind the Scenes
You can't talk about what football is playing today without mentioning the players who might not be playing because they’re packing their bags.
The January window is wide open. Manchester United is currently under the interim guidance of Michael Carrick, and there are loud whispers that Bruno Fernandes is reconsidering his future at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, Aston Villa just confirmed the signing of "wonderkid" Brian Madjo.
Watching Guide for January 14
- 17:00: Senegal vs Egypt (AFCON) - Catch this on BeIN Sports or Sky Sports.
- 17:30: Napoli vs Parma (Serie A) - Best for a tactical afternoon watch.
- 19:30: FC Köln vs Bayern Munich (Bundesliga) - High-scoring potential here.
- 20:00: Chelsea vs Arsenal (EFL Cup) - The main event for UK viewers.
- 20:00: Nigeria vs Morocco (AFCON) - Likely the highest-intensity game of the night.
Basically, pick your poison. If you want high-stakes international drama, stick with the AFCON semi-finals. If you want to see if the "new manager bounce" is real, keep an eye on Chelsea or Real Madrid.
Next Steps for You:
If you're planning to watch the London derby, check the confirmed lineups about an hour before kickoff (19:00 GMT) to see if Mikel Arteta finally starts Kai Havertz up top or sticks with the struggling Gyökeres. For the AFCON games, keep an eye on the weather reports in Tangier and Rabat—wind has been playing a factor in the later kickoffs this tournament.