Key Points
- The FA Cup 2025-26 season commenced in August 2025 with qualifying rounds for non-league clubs and progresses through to the final on 16 May 2026 at Wembley Stadium [2][5].
- No replays in any round; ties are settled with extra time and penalties to reduce fixture congestion [6].
- Premier League and Championship teams enter at the Third Round Proper on 10-11 January 2026 [2][9].
- Quarter-final draw is scheduled around 6 March 2026, with ball numbers and broadcast details confirmed by The FA [3].
- Notable results include Manchester City defeating Exeter City, Salford City and Newcastle United to reach quarter-finals [4].
- Fifth Round draw on 16 February 2026 featured Chelsea vs Wrexham, Newcastle vs Manchester City, and Arsenal vs Mansfield [9].
- Fourth Round draw on 12 January 2026 included Wrexham vs Ipswich Town and Manchester City vs Salford City [9].
- Broadcast in UK on BBC and TNT Sports; in USA on ESPN [9].
- Qualifying rounds: Extra Preliminary in early August 2025 up to Fourth Qualifying on 11 October 2025 [5].
- Second Round Proper results: Salford City 4-0 Leyton Orient on 5 December 2025; Fleetwood Town 2-2 (4-2 pens) Luton Town on 6 December 2025 .
- Third Round: Norwich City 5-1 Walsall on 11 January 2026 .
- Liverpool 4-1 Barnsley and Liverpool 3-0 Brighton in later rounds .
Inverted Pyramid: FA Cup 2025-26 Reaches Quarter-Final Stage
The Emirates FA Cup 2025-26 has advanced to the quarter-final draw stage as of early March 2026, with Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and lower-league surprises like Wrexham and Salford City still in contention for a Wembley final on 16 May 2026 [2][4][9]. The competition, the world's oldest cup tournament, saw its Fifth Round conclude on 7 March 2026, setting up high-stakes quarter-finals on 4 April 2026 [2]. No replays are permitted this season, ensuring decisive outcomes via extra time and penalties [6].
What Are the Key Dates for FA Cup 2025-26 Rounds?
The FA Cup 2025-26 schedule spans from August 2025 to May 2026, beginning with non-league qualifying rounds. As detailed by Sports Illustrated, the First Round Proper occurred on 1 November 2025, Second Round on 6 December 2025, Third Round on 10 January 2026, Fourth Round on 14 February 2026, Fifth Round on 7 March 2026, Quarter-finals on 4 April, Semi-finals on 25 April, and Final on 16 May 2026 [2].
The FA's official site confirms qualifying phases: Second Round Qualifying on 13 September 2025, Third on 27 September, and Fourth on 11 October 2025 [5]. Scores24.live reports slight variations, with First Round Proper on 1-2 November and Second on 29-30 November 2025, but aligns on Premier League entry in January [6].
When Does the Quarter-Final Draw Take Place?
As reported by The FA on 6 March 2026, the Emirates FA Cup quarter-final draw includes timings, ball numbers, and broadcast information, emphasising fairness in the random selection process [3]. Manchester City's site notes the draw follows their victories over Exeter City, Salford City, and Newcastle United [4].
Which Teams Have Progressed and What Are the Latest Results?
Manchester City advanced to the quarter-finals after triumphs over Exeter City, Salford City, and Newcastle United, as per Manchester City's official explainer [4]. Liverpool secured progression with 4-1 win over Barnsley on 12 January 2026 (goals: Szoboszlai 9', Frimpong 36', Wirtz 84', Ekitike 90+4'; Phillips 40' for Barnsley) at Anfield (attendance 60,206, referee Farai Hallam), and 3-0 over Brighton on 14 February (Jones 42', Szoboszlai 56', Salah 68' pen.; attendance 60,227, referee Stuart Attwell), according to Wikipedia .
Norwich City defeated Walsall 5-1 on 11 January 2026 (Jurásek 15', Makama 24',48',55', Springett 90+2'; Clarke 67'; attendance 19,776, referee Edward Duckworth) . GOAL reports Arsenal and Chelsea reached quarter-finals, with Port Vale stunning Sunderland earlier [9].
What Happened in the Second Round Proper?
Salford City won 4-0 against Leyton Orient on 5 December 2025 at Moor Lane (Cahill 23' og, Cesay 61', Borini 87', N'Mai 90+1'; attendance 1,796, referee Ben Speedie) . Fleetwood Town beat Luton Town 2-2 (4-2 pens) on 6 December (Ennis 65',83'; Yates 73', Mengi 90+3'; penalties: Coughlan, Ennis, Holgate, Neal vs Kodua, Naismith, Brown, Walsh; attendance 1,180, referee Ollie Yates) .
How Was the Fifth Round Draw Conducted?
GOAL states the Fifth Round draw occurred on Monday, 16 February 2026, producing matchups like Chelsea hosting Wrexham, Newcastle facing Manchester City, and Arsenal at Mansfield [9]. These ties highlight giant-killing potential, with Wrexham's remarkable run continuing.
What Were the Fourth Round Fixtures and Results?
The Fourth Round draw on 12 January 2026, as covered by GOAL, featured Wrexham vs Ipswich Town and Manchester City vs Salford City, broadcast on BBC, TNT Sports in UK, and ESPN in USA [9]. Liverpool's 3-0 win over Brighton advanced them further .
When Did the Third Round Draw Happen?
GOAL reports the Third Round draw on 8 December 2025, ahead of Brack Town vs Albion, with fixtures from 9-12 January 2026 [9]. Norwich's 5-1 victory over Walsall exemplified top-tier dominance .
What Is the Format and Rules for This Season?
Wikipedia outlines the knockout format with 12 rounds, regional qualifying draws, and entry by level: Level 9 at extra-preliminary [8]. Scores24.live confirms no replays, using extra time and penalties; a change debated but aimed at easing schedules [6]. The FA markets it as Emirates FA Cup under Professional Game Board .
Which Channels Broadcast FA Cup 2025-26 Matches?
In the UK, BBC and TNT Sports air matches live, per GOAL [9]. USA viewers tune to ESPN networks [9]. The FA provides highlights and results online .
What Are the Qualifying Round Dates?
Extra Preliminary in early August 2025, Preliminary mid-August, First Qualifying late August, Second early September, Third mid-September (13 September specifically), Fourth late September to 11 October 2025 [5][6]. NWCFL confirmed these for 2025-26 .
Who Are the Standout Performers So Far?
Lower-league sides like Salford City (4-0 Leyton Orient), Fleetwood Town (pens over Luton), Wrexham (vs Ipswich), and Port Vale (stunned Sunderland) have shone, as noted by The FA and GOAL [5][9]. Manchester City's consistent wins underscore their threat [4]. Liverpool's Salah, Szoboszlai scored key goals .
What Lies Ahead After Quarter-Finals?
Quarter-finals on 4 April 2026 lead to semi-finals on 25 April and final on 16 May 2026 [2]. SI.com highlights Wembley dreams for remaining sides [2]. Premier League site tracks all fixtures [7].
This season's FA Cup embodies tradition and modernity, with non-league dreams clashing against elite power. As draws unfold, underdogs continue to captivate [6]. (Word count: 1,248)