Thursday Night Football Feast: Key Fixtures, Channels, and Commentators in One Loaded Schedule
7 January 2026
Fans around the world are counting down to a football-heavy Thursday, January 8, 2026, with major showdowns across Europe and the Arab world, plus a thrilling domestic card in the Saudi Pro League. The day’s buzz centers on cups and league battles that can define momentum for weeks to come, and yes, there will be plenty of drama, from late screamers to inevitable VAR pauses.
Saudi Arabia hosts a pivotal Spanish Super Cup semi-final as Real Madrid takes on Atletico Madrid, a clash steeped in rivalry and history, played on a stage that adds global spice to the occasion. In England, the Emirates Stadium hosts a heavyweight Premier League affair as Arsenal welcome Liverpool, a fixture that could reshape the race for the top spots. Meanwhile, in Kuwait, the Jaber Al-Ahmad Stadium will stage a dramatic French Super Cup final-style clash between Paris Saint‑Germain and Marseille, a true clash of French giants.
Across Italy, Cremonese face Cagliari and Milan meet Genoa in Serie A action, while in Saudi Arabia, Al Hilal collide with Al Hazm, and Al Nassr take on Al Qadsiah in crucial league games. The day’s action is rounded out by a domestic clash between Al Najma and Ettifaq, ensuring that fans in the region have a full slate of football to enjoy.
Television and streaming options are as diverse as the fixtures: beIN SPORTS HD remains the go-to for the English Premier League, while the TOD TV and Thmanyah apps provide regional access to multiple leagues. The Saudi and Italian matches can be watched on stc TV and the Eight app, respectively, with NordVPN offered as a workaround for viewers outside traditional broadcast regions.
In this guide, Kooora serves as the hub for match context, channels, and commentators, giving fans a single source to plan their viewing. And yes, there will be a few light-hearted moments to temper the intensity—because football without jokes is like a goalie without hands: still trying to catch what’s happening on the screen.
What to watch today: A Spanish Super Cup semi-final that pits Real Madrid against Atletico Madrid, a Premier League showdown at the Emirates as Arsenal take on Liverpool, and a high-profile French clash between PSG and Marseille in Kuwait for the French Super Cup flavor. The Italian and Saudi cards bring a continental spread of talent and tension, all feeding into a day that could shift several tables and cup trajectories.
Where to watch and who’s commentating: BeIN SPORTS HD covers the English top flight, with TOD TV and Thmanyah offering streaming angles. For Saudi Pro League and other regional games, stc TV and the Eight app are key, while NordVPN can help fans access broadcasts abroad. Expect commentary from established voices like Faris Awad, Hassan Al-Eidros, and Ali Saeed Al-Kaabi during the big matches.
Full schedule at a glance: Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid (22:00 SA / 23:00 UAE); Arsenal vs Liverpool (23:00 SA / 00:00 UAE); PSG vs Marseille (21:00 SA / 22:00 UAE); Cremonese vs Cagliari (20:30 SA / 21:30 UAE); Milan vs Genoa (22:45 SA / 23:45 UAE); Al Hilal vs Al Hazm (17:55 SA / 18:55 UAE); Najma vs Ettifaq (20:30 SA / 21:30 UAE); Nassr vs Qadsiah (20:30 SA / 21:30 UAE). For the complete day, fans are encouraged to check the official links and the schedule page linked below.
Ready to dive in? The full list of matches and channels is attached below, including additional viewing options and commentator assignments for each game. And if you’re multi-tasking, you can always pretend you’re a sports director and pretend your notes are tactical genius—and no one will tell you otherwise.
What channels will broadcast Thursday’s games?
BeIN SPORTS HD carries the English Premier League field. For streaming, TOD TV offers a robust option, with Eight hosting Saudi Pro League and other leagues via their app. STC TV covers the Italian Serie A in some regions, and NordVPN is a handy trick to stream from outside your usual territory if you need it.
Additionally, the games’ official pages or partner sites often publish the commentators for each match, so you can know in advance who to pretend to understand when they call the action.
Full schedule at a glance
Cremonese vs Cagliari (20:30 SA); Milan vs Genoa (22:45 SA); Al Hilal vs Al Hazm (17:55 SA); Nassr vs Qadsiah (20:30 SA); Najma vs Ettifaq (20:30 SA). Full details and the complete list are available on the linked schedule page.
And if you’re wondering about how to catch the action on the go, the Eight app, beIN SPORTS, TOD TV, and NordVPN each have their own advantages, so pick your flavor and enjoy.
If you’d rather skip the commentary and go for pure vibes, there’s always that dramatic moment when the ball finds the back of the net and your snack magically disappears at the same time. Sniper-level precision: that’s never happened to me, obviously.
Until kickoff, may your bets be witty, your VAR be gentle, and your excuses for late arrivals be brief. And now, your two punchlines: 1) My fantasy team’s defense is so good it’s classified as a work of art—mostly because it’s never there when you need it. 2) If football had a heartbeat, VAR would be the rhythm; every decision, a dramatic pause before the goal celebration. Enjoy the games!