If you’ve woken up wondering what team is playing today soccer, you are in luck. It is Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and the schedule is absolutely packed. We aren't just talking about mid-week filler games. We have massive cup semifinals, international giants clashing in Africa, and heavyweights trying to keep their domestic campaigns alive in Europe.
Honestly, it’s one of those days where your remote is going to get a workout. Whether you are following the tactical battles in Italy or the high-stakes drama of the Africa Cup of Nations, there is basically something for every type of fan.
The Carabao Cup Showdown: Chelsea vs. Arsenal
The biggest headline in England today is the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal. Chelsea welcomes Arsenal to Stamford Bridge. This isn't just a London derby; it’s a massive chance for Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea side to prove they can hang with the elite.
Arsenal comes into this having dominated recent history between these two, but Stamford Bridge under the lights is a different beast. Expect the Gunners to start strong, likely with Martin Ødegaard pulling the strings in midfield. Chelsea, meanwhile, has been leaning heavily on young talents like Estêvão and João Pedro.
🔗 Read more: Who Won the Golf Tournament This Weekend: Richard T. Lee and the 2026 Season Kickoff
- Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM GMT / 3:00 PM ET
- Where to Watch: Sky Sports (UK), Paramount+ (USA)
- The Stakes: A massive advantage heading into the second leg at the Emirates.
Africa Cup of Nations: The Semifinals are Here
If you want intensity, look no further than the AFCON 2025 semifinals taking place in Morocco. We have four of the continent's biggest powerhouses fighting for a spot in the final.
First up, Senegal faces Egypt. It’s a rematch of classic finals from years past. Senegal has looked like a machine throughout this tournament, but you can never count out the defensive resilience of the Pharaohs. Following that, Nigeria takes on Morocco. Morocco playing on home soil is a terrifying prospect for any opponent, but the Super Eagles’ attack has been clinical.
These games are more than just soccer. They are national events. The atmosphere in Tangier and Rabat will be electric.
💡 You might also like: The Truth About the Memphis Grizzlies Record 2025: Why the Standings Don't Tell the Whole Story
- Senegal vs. Egypt: 5:00 PM local / 12:00 PM ET
- Nigeria vs. Morocco: 8:00 PM local / 3:00 PM ET
European Domestic Action: Serie A and Bundesliga
In Italy, the Scudetto race continues with two intriguing matchups. Napoli hosts Parma early in the afternoon. Napoli has been inconsistent lately, and Parma is exactly the kind of team that loves to play spoiler on the counter-attack. Later, Inter Milan faces Lecce. Inter is currently chasing the top spot, and anything less than three points at the San Siro would be a disaster for them.
Over in Germany, the Bundesliga has a full slate of mid-week fixtures. The one everyone is watching? FC Köln vs. Bayern Munich. Bayern is under immense pressure to keep pace at the top, while Köln is fighting tooth and nail to stay clear of the relegation zone.
Other Notable Matches Today
- Copa del Rey (Spain): Real Madrid travels to Albacete. It looks like a mismatch on paper, but the Copa is famous for "Alcorconazo" style upsets.
- Taça de Portugal: A massive "O Clássico" quarter-final as Porto faces Benfica. This is arguably the most heated rivalry in Portuguese sports.
- Scottish Premiership: Celtic travels to Falkirk, while Hearts takes on St. Mirren.
Why Today’s Schedule Matters for the 2026 Season
When people ask what team is playing today soccer, they are often looking for the games that actually impact the trophy cabinet. Today is that day.
📖 Related: The Division 2 National Championship Game: How Ferris State Just Redrew the Record Books
We are in the heart of the winter grind. This is where depth is tested and where seasons are often won or lost. In the Bundesliga, the gap between the top four is razor-thin. In the Carabao Cup, we are 180 minutes away from a Wembley final.
The variety of games today also highlights how global the sport has become. You can start your day watching the Saudi Pro League (Al-Ahli vs. Al Taawoun), move to European league play, catch the AFCON semifinals, and finish your night with Liga MX in Mexico or the Paulista in Brazil.
Actionable Tips for Following Today's Games
To make the most of today’s massive schedule, you need a plan.
- Check Local Listings: If you are in the US, Paramount+ is your best friend today for the Carabao Cup and Serie A. For the Bundesliga and Copa del Rey, you'll need ESPN+.
- Follow Live Updates: If you can't watch, apps like LiveScore or FotMob are essential for keeping up with the rapid-fire goals expected in the German games.
- Watch the AFCON Semis: These are often the highest-quality games of the tournament. The Nigeria vs. Morocco game is practically a "must-watch" for any neutral fan.
- Keep an Eye on Lineups: With so many games in a short window, managers will rotate. Check the official team sheets an hour before kickoff to see if the stars are starting.
The beauty of a Wednesday in January is that the football never stops. From the historic rivalries in Portugal to the championship dreams in Morocco, the world is playing today. Grab your jersey, settle in, and enjoy the show.