Look, I get it. You wake up on a Thursday in mid-January, the air is freezing, and the only thing that makes the work week bearable is knowing there might be a game on. We are currently in that weird, sweet spot of the 2026 sports calendar. The NFL is catching its breath before the Divisional Round chaos begins this weekend, while European soccer is absolutely red-hot with domestic cups and league scraps.
If you’re hunting for a high-stakes American football game tonight, January 15, 2026, I have some slightly annoying news: the NFL is dark today. No Thursday Night Football.
The league moved away from the midweek games once the playoffs started, so you’ll have to wait until Saturday for the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos to kick things off. However, if "football" to you means the beautiful game played with feet, or if you're just looking for any reason to ignore your inbox, there is plenty of action across the pond.
When is football on today: The European Slates
While the gridiron is quiet, the grass in Europe is busy. Today is a heavy day for the Copa del Rey in Spain and Serie A in Italy. If you’ve been following the storylines this season, you know that Barcelona is under immense pressure to perform in the domestic cup, and they have a tricky road test today.
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Spanish Copa del Rey (Round of 16)
Barcelona is traveling to face Racing Santander. This isn't just a "show up and win" game. Racing has been a giant-killer in the lower tiers, and with the game kicking off at 20:00 local time (2:00 PM ET), it’s the perfect mid-afternoon distraction. Earlier in the day, Valencia takes on Burgos at the same time. Both are available via streaming on ESPN+ in the States.
Italian Serie A
The Italian league is doing that thing where they spread games out for maximum TV viewership.
- Hellas Verona vs. Bologna: 17:30 local (11:30 AM ET).
- Como vs. AC Milan: 19:45 local (1:45 PM ET).
Honestly, watching AC Milan travel to Como is worth it just for the stadium views. The Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia is literally on the shores of Lake Como. If the soccer is boring, the scenery won't be.
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Why the NFL is quiet on Thursdays now
A lot of people get confused by this. During the regular season, we are conditioned to expect Thursday Night Football. But once we hit the postseason, the NFL prioritizes player recovery and "premium" windows.
Asking a team to play a playoff game on a short week is a recipe for bad football and more injuries. Instead, the league stacks the upcoming Saturday and Sunday. We’re looking at a Saturday doubleheader featuring the 49ers and Seahawks, followed by the Broncos hosting the Bills.
What about College Football?
The dust has mostly settled on the 2025-26 bowl season. We are currently staring down the barrel of the College Football Playoff National Championship, which is scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026.
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It’s going to be a wild one: Miami vs. Indiana.
Yeah, you read that right. Indiana. Curt Cignetti has done the unthinkable, leading the Hoosiers to an undefeated 15-0 record heading into the final. Miami is basically playing a home game at Hard Rock Stadium, but they are technically the visiting team. Since there's no game today, today is mostly for the talking heads on ESPN to debate if Indiana’s defense can actually hold up against Mario Cristobal’s Hurricanes.
Don't forget the Women’s FA Cup
If you’re a fan of the English game, there’s a lone Women’s FA Cup match today that’s worth a look. West Bromwich Albion Women vs. Everton Women kicks off at 19:30 local (2:30 PM ET). It’s a classic David vs. Goliath setup. West Brom is looking for the ultimate upset against a seasoned WSL side.
Betting Lines and What to Watch
If you're looking for a "lock" today—though those don't really exist—Barcelona is the heavy favorite at roughly -500 (1/5). But keep an eye on that Augsburg vs. Union Berlin match in the German Bundesliga. It’s a 19:30 (1:30 PM ET) kickoff. Union Berlin has been scrappy lately, and the odds are hovering around +170 for an away win.
Actionable Steps for Today's Schedule:
- Check your streaming logins: Most of today's soccer action is behind the ESPN+ or Paramount+ paywalls. Make sure you aren't scrambling five minutes after kickoff.
- Set your DVR for Saturday: Since there is no NFL today, go ahead and set the recording for the Bills-Broncos game (Saturday, 4:30 PM ET on CBS) so you don't miss the start of the Divisional Round.
- Monitor the weather: If you're tracking the upcoming NFL games, keep an eye on the Chicago forecast. The Bears host the Rams on Sunday, and early reports are calling for single-digit temperatures at Soldier Field. That will change how you look at the point spread.
The "when is football on today" question usually yields a dozen results in the fall, but in January, it requires a bit more digging. Enjoy the European cups today, and use the break to get your snacks ready for the playoff gauntlet starting this weekend.