You’re staring at a blank TV screen or refreshing a dry Twitter feed, wondering exactly who is playing football now. It’s Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and if you think the midweek is just for domestic chores and early nights, you’re missing out on some massive shifts in the global standings. We’ve hit that sweet spot in January where the 2025/26 season starts to feel real heavy—the points matter more, the legs get tired, and the cup upsets are lurking around every corner.
Honestly, the schedule today is packed. From high-stakes knockout drama in England and Spain to some seriously intense international clashes in North Africa, there is no shortage of action. You’ve got heavyweights like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in action, plus a London derby that's basically a coin flip for the pundits.
The Big One: Chelsea vs. Arsenal in the League Cup
The League Cup semi-finals are always a bit weird, aren't they? Some managers treat them like a nuisance, while others see them as a vital lifeline for their season. Tonight, we’ve got Chelsea vs. Arsenal kicking off at 20:00. This isn't just a trophy hunt; it’s about London bragging rights in the middle of a cold January.
The oddsmakers are torn. Sporting Life has Arsenal as slight favorites at 23/20, while a Chelsea win at home sits around 21/10. It’s tight. If you’re looking for who is playing football now with the highest stakes in the UK, this is your match.
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Heavyweights on the Road: Real Madrid and Bayern
Over in Spain, the Copa del Rey is in the Round of 16 stage. Real Madrid is traveling to face Albacete. On paper, it looks like a mismatch—Madrid is at 1/5 to win—but that’s the beauty of the "tournament of surprises." Albacete will be playing the game of their lives. That one kicks off at 20:00 local time.
Meanwhile, Germany is serving up a full midweek Bundesliga menu. The highlight? 1. FC Köln hosting Bayern Munich at 19:30. Bayern is currently heavy favorites at 2/9. If you prefer a more balanced scrap, RB Leipzig vs. Freiburg is also on the cards. Leipzig has the home advantage, but Freiburg has been notoriously difficult to break down this season.
Other Notable European Fixtures
- Serie A (Italy): Napoli faces Parma (17:30) while Inter Milan hosts Lecce (19:45). Inter is the massive favorite here (1/9), so expect a potential goal-fest at the San Siro.
- Scottish Premiership: Celtic travels to Falkirk (19:45). Celtic is sitting at 4/9 to take the three points home.
- KNVB Beker (Netherlands): A massive clash between AZ Alkmaar and Ajax kicks off at 20:00. This is probably the "purist's choice" for the evening.
AFCON Semi-Final Drama
If you want raw intensity, you have to look at the Africa Cup of Nations. We are down to the semi-finals in Morocco, and the matchups are mouth-watering.
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Earlier today, Senegal took on Egypt (17:00). It’s a repeat of recent classic finals, and honestly, the tension in these games is unmatched. Later tonight at 20:00, the hosts Morocco face Nigeria. This is essentially a "final before the final." The atmosphere in Rabat or Casablanca is going to be electric. Nigeria is the slight underdog at 23/10, but with their attacking talent, they can beat anyone on their day.
The State of Play in the Americas
While Europe is finishing up, the Americas are just getting started. If you’re a night owl or reading this from the States, keep an eye on:
- Liga MX (Mexico): Cruz Azul vs. Atlas and CF America vs. Atletico de San Luis are the big ones tonight.
- Brazil State Leagues: The Paulista and Carioca championships are in full swing. Palmeiras vs. Santos (14:30 local) is a classic rivalry that always delivers fire.
- Friendly Action: Interestingly, Boca Juniors is playing Millonarios in a high-profile friendly at 22:00.
What Most People Get Wrong About Midweek Football
A lot of fans think midweek games are "secondary." They aren't. In 2026, the density of the football calendar means these January matches often decide who has the depth to survive the spring. Teams like Manchester City or Real Madrid use these weeks to rotate, but for a club like Freiburg or Parma, this is their chance to catch a giant napping.
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Also, don't sleep on the EFL Trophy. Northampton vs. Walsall (19:00) might not have the glitz of the Bernabéu, but for those clubs, it’s a legitimate path to a Wembley final.
How to Track Scores in Real Time
If you can't get to a TV, use reliable trackers. Avoid the ones with too many pop-up ads. LiveScore and Sporting Life are currently the most accurate for 2026 fixtures, especially for the more obscure Brazilian state games or Turkish Cup matches.
Actionable Insights for Today’s Matches
If you're planning your viewing schedule or looking at the numbers, here’s the play:
- Focus on the Underdogs in Cup Games: Real Madrid and PSV are heavy favorites, but the Copa del Rey and KNVB Beker are notorious for "cupsets" during the midweek.
- Watch the AFCON Semi-Final: Morocco vs. Nigeria is likely to be the most high-energy game of the day. The "home" advantage for Morocco is a huge factor to consider.
- Check Team Sheets Early: In the League Cup (Chelsea vs. Arsenal), managers often wait until 60 minutes before kickoff to reveal if they are starting their B-team. Don't place any bets or make firm predictions until you see if the big names are actually on the grass.
The volume of games today is a reminder of why we love this sport—there is always a ball rolling somewhere. Whether it's a soggy pitch in Scotland or a heatwave in Mexico, the drama is constant. Keep your eyes on the Chelsea game; it's going to be a long night for one side of London.