Football Fixtures: Your Complete Guide to January 2026’s Biggest Matches
Why Football Fixtures Matter in January 2026
As the football calendar heats up in January 2026, fans across the United Kingdom are eagerly consulting fixture lists to plan their viewing schedules. Major soccer leagues including the Premier League, MLS, and LaLiga provide kick-off times and TV listings, ensuring supporters never miss crucial matches. With multiple competitions running simultaneously, including domestic leagues, the FA Cup, and European tournaments, understanding fixture schedules has become essential for modern football enthusiasts.
Premier League Fixtures Taking Centre Stage
Saturday 3 January 2026 featured several Premier League matches including Aston Villa 3-1 Nottingham Forest and AFC Bournemouth 2-3 Arsenal, while Sunday 4 January saw Manchester City draw 1-1 with Chelsea. The festive period has been particularly busy, with amendments for Premier League fixtures in Matchweeks 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 in December 2025 and January 2026 announced following selections for live TV coverage. Looking ahead, January 2026 kicks off with the Premier League in a state of high drama, amplified by the transfer window’s buzz, with Liverpool aiming to surge up the table hosting Manchester City in a titanic Anfield showdown.
FA Cup Third Round Excitement
The FA Cup adds extra excitement to January’s fixture list. The third round is set to take place from Friday 9 to Monday 12 January 2026, with 22 matches available for fans to watch live. High-profile ties include Tottenham Hotspur v. Aston Villa on BBC One, iPlayer, TNT Sports 1 and discovery+, and Manchester United v. Brighton & Hove Albion on Monday 12 January 2026. This historic competition continues to captivate audiences nationwide.
European Football and Beyond
Beyond domestic competitions, European football provides additional fixtures for fans to follow. Real Madrid will play at least seven matches over four competitions in January, including facing Atlético in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final in Saudi Arabia. The Champions League restarts with Real Madrid hosting Monaco, before travelling to Lisbon to face Benfica. The density of fixtures in January demonstrates football’s demanding schedule at the highest level.
Conclusion: Planning Your Football Viewing
With fixtures spanning multiple competitions and time zones, January 2026 represents a critical period for football fans. Whether following Premier League title races, FA Cup giant-killings, or European competition drama, staying informed about fixture schedules ensures you won’t miss pivotal moments. Digital platforms and dedicated sports channels make accessing this information easier than ever, transforming how supporters engage with the beautiful game. As competitions intensify and transfer windows add uncertainty, consulting reliable fixture lists remains essential for any dedicated football enthusiast.