Wednesday football is a weird beast. You’re smack in the middle of the week, the high of the NFL Wild Card weekend has finally faded, and the Divisional Round feels a lifetime away. If you're looking for the gridiron today, January 14, 2026, the American football scene is mostly quiet, but the soccer world is absolutely exploding with matches across Europe and Africa.
Honestly, the "football" you’re likely to find on your TV today depends entirely on your definition of the word.
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When Do Football Games Start Today? (NFL and College)
If you are looking for the NFL, you’ve got a bit of a wait. We just wrapped up a wild Monday night game where the Steelers hosted the Texans, and the league is currently in a "dark period" for the next few days.
The next meaningful American football games don't start until Saturday, January 17th. That's when the Divisional Playoffs kick off. Today, January 14th, is actually a pretty big day behind the scenes, though. It’s the deadline for college underclassmen to declare for the NFL Draft. While there’s no hitting on the field, the "transfer portal" of the pro world is on fire right now.
College football is also in its final hibernation before the Big One. We are currently sitting in the gap between the semifinals and the College Football Playoff National Championship, which is set for Monday, January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium.
Basically, if you want a helmet and pads today, you're stuck watching replays on the Big Ten Network or NFL+.
International Football: Today's Soccer Kickoff Times
If you're okay with the "other" football, today is actually a massive day for sports. The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is hitting high-stakes territory, and Europe has a full slate of cup matches and league games.
Here is the breakdown of the major kickoffs for today:
- Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON): We have a heavyweight clash between Senegal and Egypt starting at 12:00 PM ET (5:00 PM GMT). Later this evening, Morocco takes on Nigeria at 3:00 PM ET (8:00 PM GMT). These are essentially "can't miss" games for anyone following the international scene.
- English EFL Cup (Carabao Cup): A massive London derby is on the menu. Chelsea vs. Arsenal kicks off at 3:00 PM ET. It’s the semi-final stage, so expect high intensity.
- Spanish Copa del Rey: Real Madrid is in action against Albacete at 3:00 PM ET. It’s the Round of 16, and the big teams are starting to feel the pressure of the knockout format.
- German Bundesliga: Several games are scattered throughout the afternoon. Wolfsburg plays St. Pauli at 12:30 PM ET, while the big boys, Bayern Munich (vs. FC Köln) and RB Leipzig (vs. Freiburg), both kick off their matches at 2:30 PM ET.
- Italian Serie A: If you're a fan of the tactical Italian game, Napoli vs. Parma starts early at 12:30 PM ET, followed by Inter Milan vs. Lecce at 2:45 PM ET.
Why Is the Schedule So Different This Week?
Usually, by mid-January, we're used to a very specific rhythm. But 2026 is a bit unique because of how the calendar fell. The NFL expanded its schedule a few years back, pushing the playoffs deeper into January.
At the same time, European soccer leagues are trying to cram in matches before the summer's international tournaments. This creates this weird Wednesday "dead zone" for American football fans, while soccer fans are drowning in content.
If you’re desperate for some domestic action, there’s a small "Major League Football" (MLF) event in Huntsville, Alabama, at 7:00 PM tonight at the Goodland Pour House. It’s more of a promotional tour/meet-and-greet with the commissioner, but for the hardcore fans, it’s a way to stay connected to the sport during the mid-week lull.
How to Watch Today's Matches
For the soccer games, most are split between ESPN+, Peacock, and Paramount+.
- AFCON games are typically found on BeIN Sports.
- Bundesliga and La Liga (Copa del Rey) are almost exclusively on ESPN+.
- The EFL Cup (Chelsea/Arsenal) will be on ESPN+ in the States.
- Serie A is the domain of Paramount+.
Since there are no NFL games today, take this time to set your fantasy lineups for the Divisional Round or check the injury reports for the remaining eight teams. The Bengals, Chiefs, and Lions are all dealing with some lingering issues that could shift the betting lines before Saturday's first kickoff.
Instead of hunting for a game that isn't happening, your best bet is to pivot to the AFCON matches this afternoon. The atmosphere in those stadiums is unlike anything you'll see in the NFL, and the Senegal vs. Egypt game is a literal rematch of some of the most intense finals in recent history.
Clear your afternoon starting at noon if you want to catch the best of the international action. Otherwise, grab some wings and wait for the NFL to return this weekend.