The anticipation and drama of the Emirates FA Cup are ramping up yet again as the draw for the 2025-26 fourth round has officially been unveiled, setting the stage for a thrilling set of 16 ties to be played across the weekend of February 14, 2026. The draw, which took place on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Anfield, was a spectacle in itself, conducted with all the pomp and circumstance fans have come to expect from English football’s most storied knockout competition.
Supporters across the country—and indeed the world—tuned in to catch the draw live, with coverage available on TNT Sports, YouTube, ESPN, and numerous international broadcasters. Former England internationals Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole, both no strangers to FA Cup glory, were tasked with the all-important duty of pulling out the balls that would decide the fate of 32 hopeful sides. The event was presented by Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist, adding even more star power to a night already brimming with excitement.
As tradition dictates, the draw was held just before the kickoff of the third-round tie between Liverpool and Barnsley at Anfield, which itself marked the final match of the third round. The atmosphere was electric, with fans and players alike eager to learn who their teams would face in the next chapter of this historic tournament.
One of the biggest talking points of the evening was the remarkable journey of non-league Macclesfield. Having already stunned the football world with a 2-1 victory over defending champions Crystal Palace, Macclesfield’s reward is a home tie against Premier League side Brentford. According to the official FA Cup fixture list, "Macclesfield will host Brentford in the fourth round after beating FA Cup holders Crystal Palace on Saturday, January 10, 2026." The club’s run has captured the imagination of neutrals everywhere, and their upcoming clash with the Bees promises to be another headline-grabber.
Elsewhere, the draw has thrown up some mouthwatering fixtures. Aston Villa, fresh from dispatching Tottenham, will welcome Newcastle United to Villa Park. The match is set to be a stern test for Unai Emery’s men, who continue to impress domestically. Meanwhile, Hull City’s tie against Chelsea will see Liam Rosenior return to his former club, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already compelling encounter.
Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City were drawn at home against either Salford City or Swindon Town, depending on the outcome of their third-round replay. Should Salford progress, it will be a rematch of last season’s tournament at the Etihad, adding a sense of déjà vu for City fans. Liverpool, still in the hunt for silverware on multiple fronts, will host Brighton & Hove Albion after the Seagulls knocked out Manchester United in dramatic fashion. Arsenal, another of the competition’s giants, will face Wigan Athletic at the Emirates Stadium.
The draw also set up potentially tricky away trips for several Premier League sides. Fulham will travel to Stoke City, Sunderland visit Oxford United, West Ham United are away to Burton Albion, and Leeds United will go head-to-head with Birmingham City at St Andrew’s. Grimsby Town, who have already shown a knack for giant-killing, will look to topple Wolves in front of their home crowd.
For those keeping track of the numbers, the draw included all 32 teams that survived the third round, with their ball numbers meticulously assigned and announced in advance. The full list of ties, as confirmed by the FA, is as follows:
- Liverpool or Barnsley vs Brighton & Hove Albion
- Stoke City vs Fulham
- Oxford United vs Sunderland
- Southampton vs Leicester City
- Wrexham vs Ipswich Town
- Arsenal vs Wigan Athletic
- Hull City vs Chelsea
- Burton Albion vs West Ham United
- Burnley vs Mansfield Town
- Norwich City vs West Bromwich Albion
- Port Vale vs Bristol City
- Grimsby Town vs Wolves
- Aston Villa vs Newcastle United
- Manchester City vs Salford City or Swindon Town
- Macclesfield vs Brentford
- Birmingham City vs Leeds United
A notable change for this year’s competition is the absence of replays in the fourth round. As confirmed by multiple sources, "There are no replays for matches ending in a draw; ties will go to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout." This adjustment, aimed at easing fixture congestion and ensuring a decisive result on the day, is sure to add an extra layer of intensity to each encounter. Every minute will matter, and the prospect of extra time and penalties looms large for teams unable to separate themselves in regulation.
Financially, there’s plenty at stake as well. Each winning club in the fourth round will pocket £127,000 from the 2025-26 prize fund—a significant sum, particularly for lower-league and non-league outfits like Macclesfield and Wrexham. The windfall could be transformative, funding everything from new facilities to player acquisitions and helping to secure the future of these proud clubs.
Looking ahead, the FA has also confirmed the key dates for the remainder of the tournament. The fifth round is scheduled for March 7, 2026, followed by the quarter-finals on April 4, semi-finals on April 25, and the grand finale at Wembley Stadium on May 16, 2026. With so many heavyweights still in the mix and the ever-present possibility of an underdog story, the road to Wembley promises to be as unpredictable as ever.
For fans eager to follow every twist and turn, coverage will remain extensive. TNT Sports, ESPN, and other major broadcasters will continue to provide live action, while digital platforms like YouTube, BBC Sport, and the FA’s official channels will ensure no one misses a moment, wherever they are in the world.
As the dust settles on the draw and teams begin preparations for their crucial fourth-round ties, one thing is certain: the magic of the FA Cup is alive and well. Whether it’s a Premier League titan eyeing another trophy or a non-league hopeful dreaming of immortality, every club has a shot at glory. With Valentine’s Day weekend set to host some of the most anticipated fixtures of the season, football fans can look forward to a feast of drama, passion, and, just maybe, a few more unforgettable upsets.
The schedule for each tie will be confirmed in due course following discussions with clubs, broadcasters, and local authorities. Until then, anticipation will continue to build as the countdown to the fourth round begins in earnest.
