Football Today Games: Full Live Schedule, TV Channels, And NFL Preseason Kickoff

Football fans are in for an action-packed Thursday of live sports today, August 13, 2026. Today's slate delivers a thrilling cross-sport lineup, featuring the highly anticipated start of the NFL preseason alongside the opening matches of Europe's prestigious domestic soccer campaigns. Whether you are looking for hard-hitting gridiron action or tactical battles on the pitch, today's schedule has something for everyone.

Preseason Gridiron Clashes and European Season Openers Collide

Tonight marks a crucial milestone for the NFL as the 2026 preseason kicks into high gear. While starters rarely see more than a single series of play in Week 1, these games are vital for coaching staffs evaluating depth charts, rookie development, and roster bubble players. Newly drafted rookies from the 2026 class will get their first taste of live professional action under the Thursday night lights, making these matchups must-watch television for football enthusiasts eager to see the future of their franchises.

Across the Atlantic, the summer break is officially over as top-tier European soccer leagues launch their 2026/27 campaigns. In Spain, La Liga action starts with a high-intensity clash in Bilbao, while France's Ligue 1 sees defending champions Paris Saint-Germain travel to Le Havre. These opening fixtures offer a first look at revamped squads, new tactical setups, and high-profile summer signings attempting to make an immediate impact on their new clubs.

How to Stream Today's Matches Live

Navigating the fragmented sports broadcasting landscape can be challenging, but fans have several reliable options to catch all of today's live action.

• NFL Preseason Coverage: NFL Network remains the primary broadcast home for national preseason games. Local market viewers can also tune in via their regional affiliates. Cord-cutters can easily stream the games live on NFL+, Fubo, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.
• European Soccer Broadcasts: For fans wanting to watch the La Liga opener, ESPN+ holds the exclusive English and Spanish broadcasting rights in the United States. Meanwhile, French Ligue 1 matches will stream live on beIN Sports Connect and are accessible via Fubo subscription packages.

High-Stakes Football Weekend Lies Ahead

Today's matches serve as the perfect appetizer for a massive weekend of sports. Over the next three days, the NFL preseason will roll out a full slate of 16 games, allowing fans to analyze every team's roster progression.

Concurrently, the English Premier League and Serie A are preparing to launch their respective season openers tomorrow. Soccer fans can look forward to continuous morning-to-night coverage as the global football calendar officially shifts into overdrive for the autumn of 2026. Keep your devices charged and your schedules clear for a relentless month of sporting action.