So, you're looking for the kickoff. It’s the question every Culé asks the second they wake up: what time fc barcelona play today? If you’re checking the calendar for Saturday, January 17, 2026, I’ve got a bit of a "good news, bad news" situation for you.
The first team isn't actually taking the pitch today.
I know, it's a bummer. After that absolute masterclass in Jeddah where Hansi Flick’s men dismantled Real Madrid to lift the Spanish Super Cup, we’re all itching to see them again. But the schedule makers have given the senior squad a breather this Saturday.
Don't close the tab yet, though. There is plenty of Barça action happening today if you know where to look, and the big La Liga return is literally hours away.
When Is the Next Barcelona Match?
If you are looking for the main event—Hansi Flick, Lamine Yamal, and the rest of the gang—you have to wait until Sunday, January 18, 2026.
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Barça travels to San Sebastián to face Real Sociedad. This is a massive fixture. Real Sociedad is currently sitting 12th, but they’ve been on a five-match unbeaten streak since Pellegrino Matarazzo took the reins. Barcelona is sitting pretty at the top of the table with 49 points, four clear of Real Madrid.
Here is the breakdown for the Sunday clash so you can plan your life:
- Kickoff Time (Local): 9:00 PM CET (Spain)
- UK Fans: 8:00 PM GMT
- USA/Canada (Eastern): 3:00 PM ET
- USA (Pacific): 12:00 PM PT
- India: 1:30 AM IST (Monday morning)
Honestly, these late Sunday kickoffs in Spain are a killer for the sleep schedule, but with the way the team is playing—11 straight wins across all competitions—it’s worth the caffeine hit.
Who Plays Today? (Saturday, January 17)
Just because the first team is resting doesn't mean the club is quiet. If you're a hardcore fan who follows the youth ranks or the other sections, Saturday is actually pretty busy.
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Barça Atlètic (the B team) is playing at the Estadi Johan Cruyff today. They face Andratx at 6:00 PM local time. It’s always worth watching the B team these days because, as we've seen with Pau Prim and the recent "mini-crisis" of Man City trying to poach La Masia talents, the next superstar is usually right there on that pitch.
There’s also Roller Hockey. If you’ve never seen it, it’s fast, violent, and Barcelona is usually the best in the world at it. They play CP Calafell today in the OK League.
Why Today Matters for the La Liga Race
Even though Barcelona isn't playing today, their eyes will be glued to the TV. Real Madrid plays Levante today at 2:00 PM CET.
Since Madrid is currently four points behind, this is a "must-watch" for Barcelona fans. If Levante can pull off a miracle at the Bernabéu, Barça could potentially go seven points clear tomorrow. That's "league-winning distance" territory, even in January.
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Team News: The Raphinha Situation
There’s a bit of drama heading into the Sociedad game. Raphinha is a major doubt. Hansi Flick mentioned in his press conference today that the Brazilian took a nasty kick and hasn't been training. Losing him would be a huge blow. He’s already bagged 11 goals and 5 assists this season. If he can't go, we might see more of Marcus Rashford, whose loan from Manchester United has been a total revelation so far. Flick was actually asked about Rashford’s permanent future today, but he played it cool, saying Deco is handling the long-term stuff.
Also, keep an eye on the goalkeeper spot. Inaki Pena has been solid, but with Ter Stegen reportedly looking for a loan to Girona to get minutes before the World Cup, the vibes in the locker room are... interesting.
Where to Watch the Game Tomorrow
Since you're likely trying to find the stream or the channel, here's the deal for the Sunday match against Real Sociedad:
- Spain: DAZN LaLiga.
- USA: ESPN+ (it's the home for La Liga, you know the drill).
- UK: Disney+ or Premier Sports 2.
- Canada: TSN or RDS.
Actionable Steps for Culés
- Check the Lineups: Follow the official FC Barcelona Twitter/X account about 60 minutes before kickoff tomorrow (around 2:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM CET) to see if Raphinha made the cut.
- Watch the Madrid Game: Keep an eye on the Real Madrid vs. Levante score today; it dictates how much pressure is on Barça tomorrow.
- Set an Alarm: If you're in Asia or Australia, that Monday morning kickoff is early. Get the coffee ready now.
The hunt for the 12th consecutive victory starts tomorrow. For now, enjoy the rest, watch the B team if you can, and get ready for a battle at the Reale Arena.