Football Today Schedule: NFL Preseason Week 1 And European Openers Collide
The wait is finally over for sports fans as a jam-packed slate of gridiron action and elite soccer takes center stage today, August 13, 2026. Tonight marks the official kickoff of the NFL preseason's first full week, offering fans their first look at rookies and newly acquired veterans in live game action. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, early-season European league matchups and high-profile club fixtures continue to set the tone for the grueling 2026/27 campaign.
| League / Competition | Matchup | Kickoff Time (EST) | Broadcast / Streaming Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Preseason | New England Patriots vs. Carolina Panthers | 7:00 PM | NFL Network, fuboTV, NFL+ |
| NFL Preseason | Chicago Bears vs. Kansas City Chiefs | 8:00 PM | ESPN, ESPN+, fuboTV |
| La Liga (Spain) | Athletic Bilbao vs. Getafe | 3:00 PM | ESPN+, ESPN Deportes |
| Saudi Pro League | Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Qadsiah | 1:45 PM | FS2, Fox Soccer Plus |
| Club Friendly | FC Bayern Munich vs. Local Selection | 12:00 PM | ESPN+, Bayern TV |
Gridiron Returns and European Leagues Tune Up for 2026 Campaigns
Today's NFL preseason matchups highlight the return of live football to American households. Coaching staffs are prioritizing evaluation over scoreboard results, meaning starting quarterbacks will likely play limited snaps before handing the reigns to rookie prospects and depth-chart hopefuls. The battle in Foxborough will give fans a first look at revamped offensive schemes under new coaching leadership, while the primetime clash in Kansas City showcases how championship contenders are integrating their newest draft classes.
Simultaneously, the global soccer landscape is heating up. While English Premier League clubs wrap up their final preparations for their opening weekend, Spain's La Liga officially kicks off its season today with a crucial clash featuring Athletic Bilbao. Additionally, big-spending clubs in the Saudi Pro League are back in action, showcasing world-class international talent in early-season league play.
How to Watch and Stream Today's Football Matches Live
Navigating today's broadcast schedule requires a mix of traditional cable and modern streaming services, depending on which code of football you plan to watch.
- NFL Preseason Coverage: Tonight's games will air nationally on NFL Network and ESPN. If you do not have cable, top-tier streaming services like fuboTV, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV offer live channel access. Local market blackouts may apply, so in-market fans should check local affiliate listings or utilize the NFL+ app for mobile streaming.
- Global Soccer Streams: United States broadcast rights for La Liga remain exclusively with ESPN+, which will stream today's opener in both English and Spanish. Saudi Pro League games are available via Fox Sports (FS2), while various club-specific networks will host European friendlies.
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Upcoming Match Schedule and August Gridiron Outlook
The action today is only the tip of the iceberg for a massive weekend of sports. Starting tomorrow, the NFL preseason goes into overdrive with a heavy slate of Friday and Saturday games, giving coaching staffs crucial data before the roster cuts down to the final 53-man limit later this month.
On the pitch, the European soccer season begins in earnest tomorrow. The English Premier League, Serie A, and Bundesliga will all kick off their opening weekends over the next 72 hours. Fans can expect non-stop coverage as broadcasters roll out their prime-time schedules for what promises to be an unforgettable year of global football.
