So, you're looking for the kickoff. It's that familiar itch every fan gets when the matchday sun starts to set. You want to know exactly what time does Portugal play today because, honestly, missing the first ten minutes of a Seleção match feels like a minor tragedy.
Whether it’s a high-stakes Taça de Portugal clash or the national team gearing up for the 2026 World Cup, the timing is everything. Today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the spotlight isn't actually on the national team—they're resting up for their March friendlies against Mexico and the USA. Instead, the real "Portugal" playing today is the domestic giants in a massive knockout game.
What Time Does Portugal Play Today? The January 14 Schedule
If you are looking for Portuguese football action right now, the answer lies in the Taça de Portugal (the Portuguese Cup). We are talking about the biggest rivalry in the country.
FC Porto vs. Benfica kicks off at 8:45 PM local time (WET) at the Estádio do Dragão.
For those of you watching from across the pond or elsewhere in Europe, the time zones can be a bit of a headache. Here is the breakdown for the Porto vs. Benfica match today:
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- Portugal (Local): 8:45 PM
- United Kingdom (GMT): 8:45 PM
- United States (Eastern): 3:45 PM
- United States (Pacific): 12:45 PM
- Central Europe (CET): 9:45 PM
This isn't just a regular game. It’s the "O Clássico." It’s basically the heartbeat of Portuguese sports. If you were looking for the national team, you’ve got a bit of a wait, but this cup match is essentially a "mini-Portugal" game given how many international stars are on the pitch.
Why the National Team Isn't on the Pitch
The international break cycle is a weird beast. Right now, in mid-January 2026, we are in the "club over country" window. The Portuguese National Team already secured their spot for the 2026 World Cup after that wild 9-1 win over Armenia last November.
Roberto Martínez has the boys on a break until March. They have two massive friendlies scheduled to test the waters in North America:
- Mexico vs. Portugal – March 28, 2026 (Estadio Azteca)
- USA vs. Portugal – March 31, 2026 (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta)
If you’re trying to plan your life around the actual World Cup in June, those matches are already set in stone for Group K. Portugal will play on June 17, June 23, and June 27. But for today? It's all about the domestic cup.
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Where to Watch the Action
Finding a stream can be a mess. In Portugal, the Porto vs. Benfica game is usually splashed across RTP1 or Sport TV1. It’s the kind of game that shuts down cafes from Lisbon to Porto.
In the US, you’re likely looking at Fubo or GolTV. They tend to hoard the rights for the Taça de Portugal. Honestly, it’s worth checking your local listings about an hour before kickoff because these rights shift like sand.
The Women’s National Team Schedule
Don’t sleep on the women’s squad. While the men are idle, the women's team has a heavy 2026 schedule as well. Their World Cup qualifiers start popping off in March and April. If you were searching for "what time does Portugal play today" and expected a national team kit, you might be looking for the SF Damaiense vs. Sporting CP Women's League Cup match, which actually happened earlier today at 11:00 AM.
What Most Fans Get Wrong About Kickoff Times
Time zones in Portugal are tricky. Most people assume Portugal is on the same time as Spain or France. It’s not. Portugal follows Western European Time (WET), which is the same as London.
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If you see a "9:45 PM" start time on a European sports site, that’s usually Central European Time (CET). You’ve gotta subtract that hour to get the actual time in Lisbon or Porto. There's nothing worse than turning on the TV only to see the players shaking hands at the end of the game.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
To make sure you never miss a kickoff again, here is what you should do right now:
- Sync your calendar: Download the official "Seleção" or "FPF" app. It pushes notifications directly to your phone about an hour before the whistle blows.
- Check the Taça de Portugal Brackets: Since today is a cup day, the winners of the Porto/Benfica match will determine the semi-final schedule for February. Mark your calendars for those dates now.
- Set World Cup Alerts: The 2026 World Cup tickets for Portugal's matches in Houston and Miami are already in high demand. If you're planning to go, the ticket draws are opening up.
Stay focused on the 8:45 PM (WET) start for the big club game tonight. Whether you’re rooting for the Dragons or the Eagles, it’s the best football you’ll find on the planet today.