Football Games Today: Boxing Day Tradition Meets NFL Week 17 Action

26 December 2025 Sports

Why Football Games Today Matter

Today marks a significant day in the football calendar on both sides of the Atlantic. Eight Premier League games are being played on Boxing Day (December 26), continuing a cherished British tradition, while American football fans can look forward to college bowl games resuming after the Christmas break.

Premier League Boxing Day Fixtures

December 26 is a famous day in the sporting calendar in the UK, as the day is a national holiday and sport dominates what is going on. Plenty of intriguing matchups are lined up for Boxing Day this year, with struggling Manchester City heading to Everton, resurgent Manchester United heading to Wolves and frontrunners Liverpool hosting Leicester City.

Plus there is a tasty west London derby between in-form Chelsea and Fulham, plus Champions League-chasing Newcastle and Aston Villa square off in an intriguing game and surprise package Nottingham Forest will fancy their chances of beating erratic Tottenham in what promises to be a dramatic encounter.

College Football Bowl Season Continues

Following the Christmas Day break, college football’s bowl season resumes today. The postseason resumes Friday, Dec. 26, with three bowl games airing on ESPN, all featuring competitive matchups and betting lines. The action includes the GameAbove Sports Bowl, Rate Bowl, and First Responder Bowl, keeping American football fans entertained throughout the day.

What Makes Today Special for Football Fans

In total there are 40 Premier League games being played in 17 days across the festive season, as this time of the year is absolutely brilliant for football fans. The tradition of Boxing Day football dates back generations, with Since 1958 Boxing Day has been the main festive day which football has been played on throughout the leagues in the UK.

For fans worldwide, today offers an exceptional opportunity to enjoy multiple football games across different competitions and time zones, making it a memorable day for the sport globally.