Top games to watch this week
Friday, January 12
Sevilla vs Alavés (La Liga)
Bayern vs Hoffenheim (Bundesliga)
Olympique Marseille vs Strasbourg (Ligue 1)
Qatar vs Lebanon (Asian Cup)
Saturday, January 13
Chelsea vs Fulham (English Premier League)
Newcastle vs Manchester City (English Premier League)
Guadalajara vs Santos Laguna (Liga MX)
Tijuana vs América (Liga MX)
Monza vs Inter (Serie A)
Augsburg vs Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga)
Darmstadt vs Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga)
Chaves vs Sporting CP (Primeira Liga)
Monaco vs Reims (Ligue 1)
Cot d'Ivoire vs Guinea-Bissau (Africa Cup of Nations)
Australia vs India (Asian Cup)
Sunday, January 14
Everton vs Aston Villa (English Premier League)
Manchester United vs Tottenham (English Premier League)
Real Madrid vs. Barcelona (Supercopa de España Final)
Almería vs Girona (La Liga)
Fiorentina vs Udinese (Serie A)
Milan vs Roma (Serie A)
Benfica vs Rio Ave (Primeira Liga)
Porto vs Sporting Braga (Primeira Liga)
Lens vs PSG (Ligue 1)
Nigeria vs Equatorial Guinea (Africa Cup of Nations)
Egypt vs Mozambique (Africa Cup of Nations)
Ghana vs Cape Verde Islands (Africa Cup of Nations)
Japan vs Vietnam (Asian Cup)
Monday, January 15
Burnley vs Luton Town (English Premier League)
Atalanta vs Frosinone (Serie A)
Senegal vs Gambia (Africa Cup of Nations)
Cameroon vs Guinea (Africa Cup of Nations)
Algeria vs Angola (Africa Cup of Nations)
Korea Rep. vs Bahrain (Asian Cup)
Tuesday, January 16
Juventus vs Sassuolo (Serie A)
Mali vs South Africa (Africa Cup of Nations)
Saudi Arabia vs Oman (Asian cup)
Wednesday, January 17
Morocco vs Tanzania (Africa Cup of Nations)
Congo DR vs Zambia (Africa Cup of Nations)
Tajikistan vs Qatar (Asian Cup)
León vs Tigres UANL (Liga MX)
Thursday, January 18
Famalicao vs Sporting Braga (Primeira Liga)
Vizela vs Sporting CP (Primeira Liga)
Napoli vs Fiorentina (Supercoppa Italiana)
Cote d'Ivoire vs Nigeria (Africa Cup of Nations)
Egypt vs Ghana (Africa Cup of Nations)
Syria vs Australia (Africa Cup of Nations)
Most-watched soccer games in the USA: January 1-7, 2024
The festive period has come and gone, and while hundreds of millions of people celebrated with friends and family, it was not a great week for soccer in the USA in terms of viewership.
In fact, only a handful of matches earned a spot in the list of most-watched soccer games for the first week of 2024. Nonetheless, the Premier League and La Liga made it onto the podium, with the English top-flight sealing the top spot — though the Primera Division sealed two slots on the podium.
Brighton's clash with West Ham was the most-watched match of the week, with that goalless draw earning the USA Network an average viewership of 356,000. De Zerbi's men were unable to overcome the Hammers despite thrashing Tottenham 4-2 in their final match of 2023 but the Seagulls remain in the hunt for UEFA Europa League qualification.
In second place was Barcelona's 2-1 victory over Las Palmas. This fixture brought in an average audience of 144,000 for ESPN Deportes as Xavi's men secured a much-needed victory irrespective of the frustrating performance. The last game on this list was also aired by ESPN Deportes and that was Girona's dramatic 4-3 triumph over Atletico, with that tie being watched by an average of 142,000 viewers.
What are this week's must-watch games?
Bayern Munich vs. Hoffenheim live this Friday at 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN Deportes, ESPN+, and ESPN2
The Bundesliga resumes this Friday following a hiatus during the festive period. The defending champions host Hoffenheim with the sole goal of winning and temporarily slashing the gap on current leaders Leverkusen, who sit four points ahead but have played an extra game. Tuchel's men entered the break on a three-game winning streak and will not want to lose ground on Xabi Alonso's crew.
Chelsea vs. Fulham live this Saturday at 7:30 a.m. ET on USA Network and Universo
Chelsea are preparing for an interesting Premier League fixture, with Pochettino's struggling side hosting Fulham on Saturday. The Blues enter this game on the back of their 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinals. Fulham, on the other hand, lost 2-1 away to Liverpool in their first-leg tie and are thus in the running for a ticket to Wembley as well. Additionally, Marco Silva's men beat Arsenal 2-1 in their last league game and will be looking to take down another London giant.
Newcastle vs. Man City live this Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET on Peacock, NBC, and Universo
Man City travel to St. James' Park in the first of two exciting Premier League showdowns this weekend. The Cityzens, who are currently third in the table, could move within two points of current leaders Liverpool with a win over Newcastle. Guardiola's side have won their last five matches in a row and should feel confident ahead of this fixture. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about Eddie Howe's side, having lost their last three Premier League outings in a row. Do not miss this showdown.
Man United vs. Tottenham live this Sunday at 11:30 a.m. ET on Peacock
And the other stellar Premier League fixture sees Tottenham visit Manchester United in a highly-anticipated clash between two of England's Big Six. Despite their blip in form between November and December, Spurs have now won all but one of their last six games and are only a point behind fourth-placed Arsenal. Manchester United, on the other hand, have won only two of their last seven league matches and currently sit eighth in the table. Defeat at Old Trafford would only turn Ten Hag's tenure into a larger nightmare.
Real Madrid vs. Barcelona live this Sunday in the Spanish Super Cup final at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN Deportes, ABC, and ESPN+
The Spanish Super Cup final is scheduled to take place this Sunday in Riyadh. To no one's surprise, this fixture will see Real Madrid and Barcelona go head-to-head for the title for the second year running after Los Blancos overcame Atletico 5-3 in the semifinals while the Blaugrana beat Osasuna. Xavi's men beat Vinicius Jr. and Co. 3-1 in the last Spanish Super Cup final but lost 2-1 in the most recent El Clasico. Mark your calendars for this special tie.
AC Milan vs. Roma live this Sunday at 2:45 p.m. ET on Paramount+
And finally, we have a juicy Serie A matchup as AC Milan host Jose Mourinho's Roma at the San Siro. The Rossoneri enter this game on the back of their Coppa Italia defeat at home to Atalanta and could see their title ambitions all but disappear should they fail to win on Sunday due to the nine-point deficit over leaders Inter Milan. Roma, meanwhile, lost to bitter rivals Lazio in the Coppa Italia in a game that saw the Special One get sent off once again and will be desperate to bounce back this weekend.
Broadcast guide for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations: TV and live-streaming options
The Africa Cup of Nations is back!
Initially scheduled for the summer of 2023, the latest edition of this beloved tournament was eventually delayed but is set to kick off this weekend, with 24 teams gearing up to battle for the title. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
Where can I watch AFCON 2023 games live on TV?
BeIN Sports holds the U.S. broadcasting rights for the Africa Cup of Nations and will televise the games to fans via beIN Sports USA and Spanish-language channel beIN SPORTS en Español.
Where can I stream live AFCON 2023 games online for this season?
BeIN Sports holds the U.S. broadcasting rights for the Africa Cup of Nations. As a result, beIN SPORTS CONNECT is the go-to option for streaming the tournament live. Additionally, beIN Sports USA streams are also available via fuboTV, Sling TV, and Fanatiz.
When does AFCON 2023 start?
The competition kicks off on Saturday, January 13. Hosts Ivory Coast get things underway with the opening game, taking on Guinea-Bissau at 3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT / 12 p.m. PT.
For fans in Africa, the opening match kicks off at 23:00 Eastern Africa Time / 22:00 Central Africa Time / 21:00 West Africa Time / 20:00 GMT / 19:00 Cape Verde Time.
For a full preview and broadcast guide of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament, click here.
AFCON 2023: The top players to watch at this year's Africa Cup of Nations tournament
The Africa Cup of Nations is upon us, with this tournament — initially scheduled for 2023 but eventually delayed until January 2024 due to the harsh weather conditions — set to kick off this weekend.
Some of the hottest and most in-form players on the planet have thus departed their clubs to represent their national teams in a bid to secure continental glory. This includes players from the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and even the growing Saudi Pro League, which has become home to several household names.
Let's take a look at the top players to watch at AFCON 2023.
Mohamed Salah
Where else would we have started? Mohamed Salah is arguably the most popular and most highly-rated African player in the world and is regarded as a Premier League legend by many. However, at the age of 31, the Liverpool star is yet to lead Egypt to glory, with his best achievements being two runners-up finishes in the 2017 and 2021 AFCON tournaments. The weight of his entire country will be on his shoulders.
Victor Osimhen
Last season, Osimhen finished as Serie A's top scorer and guided his club Napoli to their first Scudetto in 33 years. He was also named the African Player of the Year for 2023 and will want to top a fantastic 12 months by leading Nigeria to continental glory. The Super Eagles are stacked with quality in attack but he is the crème de la crème of what could be a golden generation.
Mohammed Kudus
If Mohamed Salah is the most highly-rated African player in the Premier League, second place undoubtedly goes to Mohammed Kudus, who has hit the ground running at West Ham since joining from Ajax over the summer. The 23-year-old has 13 goals and two assists this season across both Ajax and West Ham and will be a key player for the Black Stars. Read more…
How and where to watch the 2023 AFC Asian Cup: TV listings, live-streaming, and tournament details
The latest iteration of the AFC Asian Cup is set to get underway this January with 24 teams taking part in the quadrennial competition. Although the year is currently 2024, this upcoming version of the AFC Asian Cup was supposed to take place in 2023, but due to logistical delays, was pushed back to 2024. Live Soccer TV has all the answers you need to follow your favorite teams and stars at the 18th edition of the AFC Asian Cup.
How can I live-stream the 2023 AFC Asian Cup?
If you prefer to live-stream matches from the 2023 AFC Asian Cup on your computer, mobile, or other devices, there are plenty of options to catch the action as well. Fans based in the USA can live-stream all 51 games via Paramount+, while CBS Sports Golazo will also be live-streaming select matches for free.
When does the 2023 AFC Asian Cup begin?
The 2023 AFC Asian Cup will begin on January 12th, with hosts Qatar taking on Lebanon.
When does the 2023 AFC Asian Cup end?
The 2023 AFC Asian Cup will conclude on February 10th, with the final being held at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar.
How many teams are taking part in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup?
A total of 24 teams will be taking part in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, with the group split into six groups of four sides each. Here is the breakdown of the groups.
For a full preview and broadcast guide of the upcoming Asian Cup, click here.
Five interesting facts and stats ahead of 2023 AFC Asian Cup
After a five-year wait, the 18th edition of the AFC Asian Cup is set to get underway on January 12th. As we await the opening match of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, here are five interesting facts and stats before the start of the competition.
A long and very rich history
Did you know that the AFC Asian Cup is the second-oldest continental competition in the world? Created in 1956, it is even older than the UEFA Euro competition, which was officially founded in 1958 but did not actually start until 1960.
Only CONMEBOL's Copa America, which was created in 1916 and also began play that year, has been in existence longer than the AFC Asian Cup.
It's been a very long time since this team featured at the AFC Asian Cup...
...in fact, it has been over half a century since Hong Kong featured in the AFC Asian Cup. The last time they participated was in 1968, well before quite a few soccer fans were even born, and they will naturally be hoping for better luck than they experienced over 50 years ago when they finished last in a group that included eventual champions Iran, Burma (who finished second), Israel (who finished third), and China.
A nation hoping to make a splash in their debut
An expanded field naturally gives a great chance to some newer faces on the scene. This year's edition will feature one debutant, with Tajikistan set to appear at the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in national history. Nicknamed the Crowns or the Persian Lions by sections of their fanbase, Tajikistan have been placed in Group A, alongside hosts Qatar as well as China and Lebanon. Read more…
Biggest stories
ESPN+ to feature return of Bundesliga, La Liga, Eredivisie, and more
It's set to be a very busy weekend for fans of the Bundesliga, La Liga, and the Eredivisie as all will be in action starting from Friday, January 12th.
And for fans based in the USA, there are plenty of ways to catch all their favorite teams and players thanks to ESPN.
The 2023/24 Bundesliga season picks up from where it left off on Friday, January 12th, as reigning champions Bayern Munich attempt to regain control of the table when they welcome Hoffenheim. That match, which kicks off at 2.30 p.m. EST (11.30 a.m. PST), will be shown on TV via ESPN2, while fans can also live-stream it via ESPN+. Spanish speakers can tune in to ESPN Deportes to follow the first Bundesliga league game of 2024. Read more…
Former Liverpool ace ready to lose big payday in Saudi Arabia for EPL return
An article by the Daily Mail published on Saturday suggests that one of Liverpool's former players, who left to continue their trade in the Saudi Pro League, is ready to turn back on that decision since he is having a hard time adjusting to life in Saudi Arabia.
The man in question is none other than Jordan Henderson, who became Al Ettifaq's best-paid player last summer, and who left the Reds to join former Liverpool ace Steven Gerrard in that country.
The source consulted by the Daily Mail states that Henderson would be "willing to lose millions" to secure a return to the Premier League. Right now, the 33-year-old collects over 800,000 per week at Al Ettifaq, a wage that will never be matched by any team in Europe.
"Hendo" has been harshly slammed by Saudi Arabian supporters, who have started to question his skills after a woeful start of the season with Al Ettifaq, who are eighth in the Pro League before the winter break, 28 points behind league leaders Al Hilal. Read more…
Mbappe releases statement amid report PSG star has already agreed to join Real Madrid this summer
Kylian Mbappe's camp has issued an official statement after a report emerged claiming the French superstar has already agreed to join Real Madrid this summer when his PSG contract runs out.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner has entered the final few months of his contract and has thus been free to negotiate with any club since January 1. Los Blancos have a long-standing interest in the 25-year-old and according to Foot Mercato, the Spanish giants have already convinced the Frenchman to agree to a Santiago Bernabeu switch this summer.
According to Foot Mercato, the former Monaco ace has opted to reach an early agreement with Real Madrid as Los Blancos are keen on avoiding missing out on the Frenchman after two previous failed attempts to sign him.
But is the report even accurate? Mbappe's camp swiftly came out to issue a response once the aforementioned article attained tremendous traction. Their statement: Kylian has not yet reached any agreement regarding his future. Read more…
German soccer legend Franz Beckenbauer has died aged 78
Legend Franz Beckenbauer, who left a unique imprint on German soccer as player, captain, and coach, has died at the age of 78, the German soccer association said Monday.
"Franz Beckenbauer was definitely the biggest German footballer of all time, and above all one of the greatest men who I have known," said DFB vice president Hans-Joachim Watzke.
Beckenbauer, one of only three men to win the World Cup as a player and as a coach, passed away on Sunday, the DFB said.
Former captain of the German team in the 1970s, Beckenbauer had in the last years been suffering from health problems and lived mostly withdrawn from the public eye in Salzburg, just across from the German border. Read more…
Ex-England manager Eriksson says has cancer, "a year" to live
Ex-England football manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and has at best "maybe a year" to live, he said Thursday.
The 75-year-old Swede, who has managed a slew of high-profile teams and took England to World Cup quarter-finals in 2002 and 2006, announced in February last year that he was stepping back from public appearances "due to health issues".
"Everyone understands that I have a disease that is not good. Everyone guesses that it's cancer, and it is. But I have to put up a fight as long as I can," Eriksson told public broadcaster Sveriges Radio in an interview.
Eriksson said that in his doctor's assessment, he had "at best maybe a year (to live), at worst a little less". Read more…
Griezmann becomes standalone Atletico all-time top goalscorer
Antoine Griezmann became Atletico Madrid's all-time standalone top goalscorer with 174 goals after netting against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old French forward turned well and drove a low effort into the far corner to pull Atletico level at 2-2 in the first half of a pulsating derby clash in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Griezmann hit a brace in December against Getafe in La Liga to level the late Luis Aragones as the club's top scorer with 173 strikes. Read more…
Other key headlines from the world of soccer
Brazil confirm Dorival Junior as new coach
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed Wednesday former Sao Paulo boss Dorival Junior has been named coach of the Brazilian men's national team, taking over the five-time world champions after a string of poor results.
The CBF did not specify the length of his contract. Brazilian media reports said it would run through the 2026 World Cup. He replaces fellow Brazilian Fernando Diniz, who held the job on an interim basis from July 2023 until he was sacked last Friday. Continue reading…
Martino confident Miami can handle 'Messi tour' demands
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami face a globe-trotting pre-season schedule, traveling almost 25,000 miles to play seven friendlies in five countries but coach Gerardo Martino is confident they can handle the workload.
Miami will return to training this weekend and have just a week at their base in Fort Lauderdale before heading off on a tour that takes them to El Salvador, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Japan. Continue reading…
Sancho escapes Man Utd exile to rejoin Dortmund on loan
Jadon Sancho rejoined Borussia Dortmund on loan for the rest of the season on Thursday, less than three years since Manchester United paid £73 million ($93 million, 85 million euros) for the England winger. Continue reading…
