This evening, the Football Program looks busy and easy to follow. The CAN 2025 in Morocco sets the pace for the evening with two key kick-offs, while the European leagues offer additional slots. For viewers returning from New Year’s Eve, football tonight provides clear guidance: a match at 6 p.m., another at 9 p.m. (Paris time), and magazines late in the evening. Fans of live football have only one question: at what time and on which TV channels to watch?
On the scale of the evening of January 1, 2026, the stakes are twofold: follow the African group stage and optimize channel surfing between sports TV offers and OTT platforms. In this tactical prime-time battle, everything depends on the match times and football broadcasting. Here is an operational guide, designed as a ready-to-use match schedule: slots, types of competitions, and broadcasting details. Right away, the CAN matches take center stage, driven by a sustained pace and an alert audience from 6 p.m. onwards. Then, the evening continues with European additions and analysis shows.
Football TV Schedule for January 1, 2026: times and channels to watch the matches
Tonight, the lineup is centered around the CAN 2025 in Morocco. The format remains clear: one feature at 6 p.m., then a second one in prime-time at 9 p.m.. European fixtures may slot in around 8:45 p.m., not forgetting the debriefs from 10:45 p.m.. Here are the key time markers and the kind of football broadcasting expected in France.
Table of key slots and broadcast references
Times are given in Paris time. The mentioned channels refer to families of sports TV channels and OTT services used in France.
| Time | Competition | Feature | TV Channels / Platforms | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18:00 | CAN 2025 (group stage) | Evening match | Sports TV channels and OTT services according to your offer | live football |
| 20:45 | Europe (usual slot) | League or friendly | Sports TV channels (check the operator guide) | live football |
| 21:00 | CAN 2025 (prime-time) | Evening feature | Sports TV channels / official platforms | live football |
| 22:45 | Magazines / Summaries | CAN & Europe debrief | Sports news channels and OTT | Post-match |
For accuracy down to the minute, consult your operator’s guide and the official broadcaster pages late afternoon. Schedule updates are more frequent on January 1, 2026.
CAN 2025 in Morocco: the engine of the evening on January 1
The Moroccan edition runs from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026. It brings together 24 teams for 52 matches, with a sustained pace from the group stage on. This format guarantees matches in chiaroscuro style: a match at 6 p.m. to warm up, then a feature at 9 p.m. to close the night.
Stakes, figures, emotions: why follow the evening
CAN offers a permanent duel of styles: high pressing by Maghreb teams, lightning transitions from West Africa, and density of the central block in Central Africa. The first match often sets the tempo, the second brings the shift in the ranking.
In terms of figures, the group stage maintains an average number of goals that rises from the second match of each team. Historically, the 9 p.m. window attracts the highest audiences. The football broadcasting thus adapts to this peak attention.
Where to watch football tonight: TV channels and platforms references
In France, rights holders share the evening via linear channels and OTT. Access depends on subscription and operator. To optimize flipping, here are key references to keep handy when composing your match schedule.
Practical checklist before kick-off
Before 6 p.m., check channel access and network quality. Then, enable notifications on the broadcaster’s app to be alerted about lineups and goals. Finally, prepare multi-screen if you follow two matches.
- Operator guide: update the schedule from 4 p.m.
- Broadcaster app: log in and test a stream before the match.
- Multi-screen: main TV at 9 p.m., second screen at 6 p.m..
- Headphones/Soundbar: clear commentator voice, balanced stadium atmospheres.
- Added time: allow a buffer until 10:45 p.m. to catch stoppage time.
This triptych ensures smooth live football, without cuts during key moments.
Build your evening of January 1, 2026: express method
Start by blocking the two windows at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.. Add a slot at 8:45 p.m. if a European match comes in. Finish with a magazine at 10:45 p.m. for advanced analyses and statistics.
Case study: Samir’s evening, methodical fan
Samir schedules the CAN at 6 p.m. on the living room TV; he places a secondary screen at 8:45 p.m. if England plays. At 9 p.m., he returns to the main feature. He finishes with a debrief to follow rankings and qualification scenarios.
This simple plan avoids overlaps and maximizes prime-time excitement: a real conquest of channel surfing, without losing intensity.
At what time do the football matches start tonight?
The ball opens at 6 p.m. (Paris time) with a CAN match, followed by a feature at 9 p.m. A European slot may appear at 8:45 p.m., then debriefs start around 10:45 p.m.
On which TV channels to follow the evening?
The matches are offered on sports TV channels and OTT platforms in France. Check your operator guide and the official broadcasters’ apps to know the exact channel before kickoff.
How to watch live football if I am mobile?
Use the broadcaster’s app with your credentials and activate match notifications. Check your 4G/5G or Wi‑Fi connection and select an adaptive quality to avoid cuts.
Does CAN 2025 impact the match schedule of January 1, 2026?
Yes. The group stage sets visible slots in France at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. This pace structures the schedule and focuses prime-time audiences.
Where to find updated match times?
Check your TV box schedule, broadcasters’ websites, and specialized agendas. Updates come late afternoon, especially on January 1.