So, it’s Thursday, January 15, 2026, and you’re probably itching for some live action. Maybe you're stuck in a cubicle or just killing time on the couch, wondering what football game is playing now or what’s coming up later today. Honestly, mid-January is usually that weird, frantic crossover period where the NFL is getting serious, college football just wrapped its massive finale, and the European leagues are grinding through the winter mud.
Today isn't just a random Thursday. We’ve got a massive European slate—think Coppa Italia, Bundesliga, and some high-stakes Copa del Rey—plus the literal calm before the NFL Divisional storm. If you were looking for an NFL game tonight, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you’ve got to wait until Saturday for the big ones. But don't click away yet. There is plenty of live soccer across the pond and some serious drama in the Spanish cup that you definitely shouldn't ignore.
The Big Ones: Copa del Rey and European Action
Right now, the eyes of the soccer world are mostly on Spain. Following that absolute shocker yesterday where Real Madrid got bounced by Albacete (seriously, Alvaro Arbeloa’s debut as manager was a nightmare), the pressure on the big clubs is ten times higher.
Racing Santander vs. FC Barcelona is the headliner today. Hansi Flick’s squad is basically a freight train at this point, coming off a Spanish Super Cup win over Madrid, but Racing isn't a pushover. They’re sitting at the top of La Liga 2. If you’ve followed Spanish football long enough, you know these "David vs. Goliath" matchups in the Round of 16 are where things get weird. The game kicks off at 3:00 p.m. ET.
Over in Italy and Germany, the mid-week grind continues:
- Hellas Verona vs. Bologna (Serie A) - 9:30 a.m. ET kickoff.
- Como vs. AC Milan (Serie A) - 11:45 a.m. ET. Seeing Milan travel to Como is always a vibe, honestly, mostly for the scenery, but the points matter for the Scudetto race.
- FC Augsburg vs. Union Berlin (Bundesliga) - 11:30 a.m. ET.
If you're into the South American scene, Brazil is absolutely popping off today. The state championships (Carioca, Paulista, Gaucho) are in full swing. We've got Bangu vs. Flamengo and Tombense vs. Cruzeiro later this evening. These aren't just "friendlies"; for these clubs, the state trophies are a massive matter of pride.
Why There’s No NFL Football Game Playing Now
I get it. You’re looking for the American kind of football. We just finished a wild Wild Card round—literally finished it two days ago when the Steelers took down the Texans on Monday night.
Right now, the NFL is in that two-day "dark period" where the teams are frantically watching film and the fans are just arguing on Twitter. We don't have a game tonight. No Thursday Night Football this week because the league wants the divisional teams fresh for the weekend.
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Here is the upcoming Divisional Round schedule so you can plan your life:
- Saturday, Jan 17: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos (4:30 p.m. ET)
- Saturday, Jan 17: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (8:00 p.m. ET)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Houston Texans at New England Patriots (3:00 p.m. ET)
- Sunday, Jan 18: LA Rams at Chicago Bears (6:30 p.m. ET)
The Seahawks hosting the 49ers for the third time this season is going to be electric. If you’re a betting person, the early lines are already moving, especially with Denver being the #1 seed in the AFC. It’s a weird world where the Broncos are the team to beat again, but here we are in 2026.
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What Happened to College Football?
If you're asking about the CFP, you just missed the semifinals on New Year's Day. Indiana—yes, the Indiana Hoosiers—are actually 15-0 and headed to the National Championship against Miami. That game isn't tonight, though. Mark your calendars for Monday, Jan 19. It’s going to be at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, which basically makes it a home game for the Canes, even though Indiana is the favorite by about 8.5 points.
The fact that Curt Cignetti has Indiana in a national final is probably the biggest sports story of the decade. People thought the 12-team playoff would just benefit the SEC, but it’s the Big Ten and the ACC ruling the roost this year.
Actionable Steps for Today's Games
If you’re still wondering what football game is playing now and want to actually watch something, here is how to handle your afternoon:
- Check the Spanish Cup: Tune into ESPN+ around 3:00 p.m. ET for the Barcelona match. It’s the best "high-stakes" game on the calendar today.
- Streaming Italy/Germany: Paramount+ and ESPN+ have the rights for the Serie A and Bundesliga matches respectively. Most are kicking off or finishing up right around the lunchtime hour in the US.
- Set Your NFL Lineups: If you're playing playoff fantasy or DFS, today is the day to lock in those Saturday rosters before the prices spike or news drops about injuries.
- Don't ignore Mexico: The Liga MX Clausura has a full slate tonight starting around 8:00 p.m. ET. Club America vs. Atletico San Luis is usually a high-scoring affair.
Basically, while the NFL is quiet today, the rest of the world is loud. Grab a remote, find a stream, and enjoy the mid-winter madness.