Football on TV Tonight: Your Complete Guide to Today’s Televised Matches
Why Tonight’s Football Schedule Matters
For football enthusiasts across the United Kingdom, knowing what matches are available on television tonight is essential for planning viewing schedules. Tonight’s football programming features a mix of domestic FA Cup action and international fixtures, with UK broadcast rights split between TNT Sports, Discovery+, and the BBC.
FA Cup Third Round Takes Centre Stage
The FA Cup third round is taking place from Friday 9 to Monday 12 January 2026, with 22 matches available for fans to watch live. Saturday’s schedule on 10 January 2026 features matches starting at 12:15, including Macclesfield v Crystal Palace on BBC One and iPlayer, offering fans free-to-air coverage of this potential giant-killing opportunity.
The third round takes place this weekend with fixtures from Friday January 9 through to Monday January 12, with 64 teams in the competition that will be cut in half by the end of the 32 ties. The evening programme includes a 17:45 kick-off for Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa on BBC One and iPlayer, providing another premium all-Premier League clash for viewers.
Broadcasting Changes for This Season
This season has seen a vast reduction in free-to-air FA Cup coverage in the UK, with ITV leaving entirely and the BBC limited to 14 games throughout the competition, due to a new commercial deal with TNT Sports and Discovery+. Every FA Cup fixture excluding Saturday 3pm blackout matches will stream on Discovery+ at £30.99/month, with select matches on TNT Sports main TV channels.
Finding Your Match Tonight
Viewers seeking tonight’s football have multiple options. Live English football on TV includes the Premier League on Sky Sports and TNT Sports, the EFL on Sky Sports and ITV, and the FA Cup on BBC and TNT Sports. The variety of platforms ensures comprehensive coverage, though navigating multiple subscriptions may be necessary for complete access to all matches.
Significance for Football Fans
Understanding tonight’s television schedule is crucial for supporters planning their weekend. The FA Cup third round represents a unique moment when Premier League giants face lower-league opposition, creating possibilities for memorable upsets. With broadcasting spread across multiple platforms, viewers should check specific listings to ensure they don’t miss their preferred fixtures, whether watching traditional free-to-air coverage or accessing streaming services.