FA Cup 2025-26: schedule, draws, TV coverage and prize money

Goal provides a complete guide to the 2025-26 FA Cup as the competition returns for its 145th edition, with Crystal Palace the reigning champions. The third-round draw was held on Monday December 8, immediately before the live Brackley Town v Burton Albion tie, with third-round matches expected between January 9 and 12; fixtures include Manchester United v Brighton, Liverpool v Barnsley, Tottenham v Aston Villa and Manchester City v Exeter City.

In the UK, TNT Sports, discovery+ and the BBC are the competition's broadcast partners, while ESPN will carry matches in the United States. TNT Sports will show selected first- and second-round games and all third-round matches (subject to the Saturday 3pm blackout), and the BBC will air 14 live games across the competition, including one semi-final and the final.

Key round dates listed in the guide are: first round on November 1, 2025 (24 League One and 24 League Two clubs enter); second round on December 6, 2025; third round on January 10, 2026 (20 Premier League teams and 24 Championship teams enter); fourth round February 14; fifth round March 7; quarter-finals April 4; semi-finals April 25; and the final on May 16, 2026.

Key Topics

Sports, Fa Cup, Crystal Palace, Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City