The new year is in full swing, and our network of former Loons is busy across four different continents this weekend. From the opening weekend of the state championships in Brazil to high-stakes promotion battles in the English football leagues, there are plenty of storylines to follow.
Here is your guide to following former Loons in action from Thursday through Sunday.
Calvo’s Al-Ettifaq visits Al Najma
- Date and time: Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. CT
- Location: Al-Najma Club Stadium, Unaizah, Saudi Arabia
- Former Loons: Francisco Calvo
- How to watch in Minnesota: Saudi Pro League matches are often available on FOX Soccer Plus or via the FOX Sports app.
Francisco Calvo and Al-Ettifaq travel to face bottom-of-the-table Al Najma. Calvo has been the bedrock of Steven Gerrard’s defense this season, and after helping secure a clean sheet in their last outing, he will be expected to organize the backline against an opponent desperate for their first win of the season.
González’s Mazatlán hosts Juárez
- Date and time: Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at 6 p.m. CT
- Location: Estadio El Encanto, Mazatlán, Mexico
- Former Loons: Jonathan González
- How to watch in Minnesota: Liga MX matches are typically broadcast on TUDN or available to stream on ViX.
Jonathan González begins the Clausura campaign with Mazatlán as they host Juárez. The midfielder has found a consistent role in Mexico, providing the defensive coverage and transition play that first made him a standout prospect. This opening fixture is a prime opportunity for González to set the tone for his 2026 season.
Miller’s Bolton visits Peterborough
- Date and time: Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at 9 a.m. CT
- Location: Weston Homes Stadium, Peterborough, England
- Former Loons: Tyler Miller
- How to watch in Minnesota: Stream live via Sky Sports+ or with a match pass on iFollow Bolton.
Tyler Miller is currently the man of the hour in Bolton. After keeping back-to-back clean sheets in his first two league starts, Miller faces a significant test against a high-scoring Peterborough side. Another shutout here would make it nearly impossible for the coaching staff to return him to the bench.
Bristow’s Tranmere hosts Bromley
- Date and time: Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at 9 a.m. CT
- Location: Prenton Park, Birkenhead, England
- Former Loons: Ethan Bristow
- How to watch in Minnesota: Stream live via iFollow Tranmere.
Ethan Bristow continues his iron-man run on the left flank for Tranmere. Following a strong defensive showing earlier this week, Bristow returns to Prenton Park. His overlapping runs remain a primary source of width for the Rovers, and his defensive discipline will be key as they look to extend their recent unbeaten run.
Nicholson’s Motherwell visits Hibernian
- Date and time: Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at 9 a.m. CT
- Location: Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Former Loons: Sam Nicholson
- How to watch in Minnesota: Scottish Premiership matches are often available on Paramount+ or via Motherwell TV match passes.
Motherwell travels to Edinburgh for a high-stakes clash against Hibs. While the Steelmen have found recent form, Sam Nicholson is not expected to feature as he continues his recovery from a long-term knee injury that required surgery earlier in the season. Although he won’t be on the pitch, his presence in the squad remains a key storyline for Loons fans tracking his return to full fitness in the Scottish top flight.
Oluwaseyi’s Villarreal hosts Deportivo Alavés
- Date and time: Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at 9:15 a.m. CT
- Location: Estadio de la Cerámica, Villarreal, Spain
- Former Loons: Tani Oluwaseyi
- How to watch in Minnesota: La Liga matches are available to stream on ESPN+.
Tani Oluwaseyi continues to be a trusted option off the bench for the Yellow Submarine. After a productive shift against Elche, Tani will be looking for more minutes at home against Alavés. His ability to disrupt tired defenses in the final twenty minutes has become a tactical trademark for Villarreal this season.
Arriaga’s Levante hosts Espanyol
- Date and time: Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at 9:15 a.m. CT
- Location: Estadio Ciudad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Former Loons: Kervin Arriaga
- How to watch in Minnesota: Stream live on ESPN+.
Kervin Arriaga is coming off perhaps his best performance in a Levante shirt, having recorded a vital assist and a clean sheet against Sevilla. As they host Espanyol, “The Tank” will again be the focal point of the midfield, tasked with breaking up play and sparking counter-attacks for a Levante side fighting to stay in the top flight.
Tapias’s Chivas hosts Pachuca
- Date and time: Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at 5 p.m. CT
- Location: Estadio Akron, Zapopan, Mexico
- Former Loons: Miguel Tapias
- How to watch in Minnesota: Chivas home matches are typically broadcast on Telemundo or Universo and can be streamed on Peacock.
This matchup is a massive occasion for Miguel Tapias, who faces his former club for the first time since his high-profile transfer to Guadalajara. Micky is currently listed as doubtful due to a lingering thigh issue, but the medical staff is working to have him available for at least a spot on the bench. Seeing a former Loon anchor the defense for one of the most storied clubs in Mexico against his former side would be a highlight of the weekend for those following our alumni in Liga MX.
Benítez’s Internacional hosts Novo Hamburgo
- Date and time: Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at 3 p.m. CT
- Location: Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Former Loons: Alan Benítez
- How to watch in Minnesota: Campeonato Gaúcho matches are often available via Fanatiz or international streaming packages.
Alan Benítez and Internacional kick off their 2026 state championship campaign. The Paraguayan fullback has integrated well into the squad in Porto Alegre. This opening match of the Gauchão provides Benítez a chance to secure a starting spot for the long season ahead in both state and national competitions.
Injury notes
- Sam Nicholson: Sam remains sidelined for Motherwell’s trip to Hibernian as he continues to recover from a knee injury. He is not expected to feature in the matchday squad this weekend.
- Miguel Tapias: Micky is currently listed as doubtful for Chivas’ clash with Pachuca due to a lingering thigh injury. While he is nearing a return, the club may opt to rest him for one more fixture to ensure he is 100% for the remainder of the Clausura.
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