Honestly, Thursdays used to be the "dead zone" for football fans. You’d get maybe one random game if you were lucky, or you’d just spend the night scrolling through old highlights. But it’s January 15, 2026, and the calendar is absolutely packed. If you're asking who's playing football today, you've actually got a pretty wild variety to choose from, ranging from high-stakes European league battles to some heavy-hitting cup ties.
We aren't quite at the NFL Divisional round yet—that chaos starts this Saturday—but the soccer world is more than picking up the slack.
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The Serie A Grind: AC Milan on the Road
Italy is where most of the drama is centered tonight. Specifically, all eyes are on the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.
Como vs. AC Milan is the big one. It kicks off at 8:45 PM CET (that's 2:45 PM ET for the folks in the States). This isn't just another game for Milan. They’ve been stuck in a bit of a rut with back-to-back 1-1 draws against Genoa and Fiorentina. Under Allegri, the Rossoneri are desperate for three points to stay in the title conversation.
On the other side, you’ve got Cesc Fàbregas leading Como. They aren’t just a "happy to be here" side anymore. Playing at home, they’ve become a massive giant-killer threat. If you want to see tactical chess, this is the match to watch.
Earlier in the day, we already saw Hellas Verona take on Bologna. That was a bit of a rollercoaster, with Bologna clinching a tight 3-2 victory. It’s a reminder that the mid-table in Italy is currently a complete dogfight where anyone can beat anyone.
Copa del Rey: Giants Under Pressure
Spain is doing what Spain does best: domestic cup drama. The Copa del Rey Round of 16 is in full swing tonight, and two of the biggest names are in action.
- Racing Santander vs. Barcelona: This one is a classic "trap" game. Barcelona is traveling to Santander, and while they are the heavy favorites, the atmosphere at El Sardinero is always hostile for the big clubs. Kick-off is set for 8:00 PM local time.
- Burgos vs. Valencia: Another 8:00 PM start. Valencia has had a rocky few seasons, and Burgos would love nothing more than to dump them out of the cup.
Ligue 1 and the PSG Situation
France has a massive fixture tonight that essentially feels like a title decider. PSG vs. Lille is happening at the Parc des Princes.
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Things are weird in Paris right now. Usually, by mid-January, PSG is ten points clear and coasting. Not this year. RC Lens is actually sitting at the top of the table, and PSG is chasing them. To make matters worse, PSG just got bounced out of the Coupe de France by Paris FC. The pressure on Luis Enrique is immense.
The subplot everyone is talking about? Ethan Mbappé. He’s with Lille now, and facing his former club in a match this important is the kind of script you can't make up. Keep an eye on the beIN SPORTS schedule for this one; it’s the definition of "must-watch."
What About American Football?
If you're looking for the NFL, you have to wait just a little bit longer. Today is the "deep breath" before the Divisional Playoffs. We know the matchups now:
- Buffalo Bills @ Denver Broncos (Saturday, Jan 17)
- San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks (Saturday, Jan 17)
- Houston Texans @ New England Patriots (Sunday, Jan 18)
- Los Angeles Rams @ Chicago Bears (Sunday, Jan 18)
Essentially, today is the day NFL coaches are losing sleep over film, but there are no live pro games on the tube tonight.
However, in the college world, the buzz is all about the National Championship game coming up this Monday. It's No. 1 Indiana vs. Miami. People are already descending on South Florida. If you’re a fan of the Hoosiers or the Canes, today is basically "Hype Day" on the sports talk networks.
Summary of Today's Key Kick-offs (Jan 15, 2026)
To make your life easier, here’s a quick rundown of the main events.
In the Bundesliga, FC Augsburg faces Union Berlin at 7:30 PM. It's a massive relegation six-pointer. Over in the Women's FA Cup, West Brom Women are playing Everton Women—a huge opportunity for the Baggies to pull off an upset.
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For the night owls or the global fans, the Turkiye Cup and the Egyptian League Cup have games scattered throughout the day. It’s a weird, wonderful mix of top-tier talent and gritty cup football.
Actionable Tips for Today’s Viewers
- Check your streaming subs: Most of the Spanish and Italian games are on specialized apps like Paramount+ or ESPN+. Don't wait until five minutes before kick-off to realize your password expired.
- Watch PSG vs Lille for the drama: If you only watch one game today, make it this one. The "Ethan Mbappé revenge tour" is a top-tier storyline.
- Monitor the injury reports: In Serie A, AC Milan has been rotating their squad heavily due to the congested January schedule. Check the official line-ups about 60 minutes before the game starts.
Football today is about the grind. It's about the teams trying to survive the winter slump before the Champions League returns next month. Grab a drink, pick a league, and enjoy the show.