The FA Cup fifth-round draw has set the stage for a thrilling weekend of football from March 6 to March 9, 2026, as underdogs, giants, and storied clubs prepare to write the next chapter in the world’s oldest cup competition. This year’s draw has delivered some mouthwatering matchups and plenty of storylines to keep fans on the edge of their seats. With only 16 clubs left, the pressure is mounting as teams stand just two wins away from a coveted trip to Wembley for the semi-finals.
Arguably the headline fixture of the round sees League One’s Mansfield Town welcoming Premier League leaders Arsenal to the One Call Stadium. Mansfield’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable—after overcoming Harrogate Town, Accrington Stanley, Sheffield United, and most recently, a stunning 2-1 comeback win over Premier League Burnley at Turf Moor on February 14, the Stags find themselves in the fifth round for the first time in half a century. For Mansfield, this is a true glamour tie, and their reward is a clash with a club boasting 14 FA Cup triumphs.
For Arsenal, the draw offers what many are calling a favorable path to the quarterfinals. The Gunners, fresh off a 4-0 demolition of Wigan Athletic in the fourth round on February 15, will be eager to lift their first FA Cup trophy since 2020. The last—and only—time these two sides met was nearly a century ago in 1929, when Arsenal emerged 2-0 victors in the FA Cup. Mikel Arteta’s men will be mindful not to underestimate their lower-league opponents, especially given Mansfield’s giant-killing exploits this season.
"It will be just the second-ever meeting between the teams, with our last tie coming nearly 100 years ago in 1929 when we won 2-0 in the FA Cup," Arsenal stated in an official release, crediting Mansfield’s impressive run and noting the historic nature of the clash. With the fixture set for the weekend of March 7-8, the Gunners will need to carefully balance their domestic and European ambitions, as the tie falls between crucial Premier League and Champions League fixtures.
Elsewhere, Wrexham’s fairy-tale continues as they host Chelsea at the Racecourse Ground. The Welsh club, co-owned by Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds, are in the fifth round for the first time since 1997 after their dramatic win over Ipswich Town on February 14. The prospect of facing Chelsea, who advanced thanks to a commanding 4-0 victory over Hull City, has sent excitement levels soaring in North Wales. This fixture promises plenty of drama, with Wrexham relishing the underdog role and Chelsea eager to avoid an upset.
Liverpool, the 2022 FA Cup winners, are set for a tricky away trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers, currently languishing at the bottom of the Premier League. For Liverpool, this marks only their third appearance in the fifth round in the past 11 seasons, underscoring the significance of this cup run. Mohamed Salah has highlighted the importance of Dominik Szoboszlai’s form, with the Hungarian playmaker’s performances critical to Liverpool’s hopes. Wolves, meanwhile, will be desperate to turn around their fortunes and give their fans something to cheer about amidst a challenging league campaign.
Another blockbuster all-Premier League tie sees Newcastle United hosting Manchester City. The Magpies, who have already faced City in the Carabao Cup semi-finals this season, will be looking for revenge against Pep Guardiola’s men. Manchester City, seven-time FA Cup winners, are eager to add to their trophy haul after a shock defeat to Crystal Palace in last season’s final. The stakes are high, and with both teams eyeing silverware, this contest is sure to be fiercely competitive.
Macclesfield Town, the last remaining non-league side in the competition, have captured the imagination of neutral fans. After stunning Crystal Palace in the third round, the Silkmen now face Premier League Brentford on Monday, February 17. The winner of that tie will earn a trip to West Ham United in the last 16, presenting a golden opportunity for another David-versus-Goliath encounter.
The draw also features Fulham at home to Championship side Southampton, while Leeds United will take on Norwich City—an intriguing subplot as Leeds’ head coach Daniel Farke faces his former club. Sunderland await the winner of the rescheduled Port Vale versus Bristol City match, postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and now set for March 3. These fixtures round out a diverse and compelling fifth-round lineup, with clubs from every tier of English football represented.
The FA Cup’s unique magic lies in its ability to produce upsets and unforgettable moments. With this season’s quarterfinals scheduled for April 4, semi-finals for April 25, and the grand final at Wembley on May 16, the road ahead is both short and treacherous. Clubs must balance the demands of league and cup football, with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City all juggling European commitments as well.
For Mansfield Town, this tie against Arsenal is more than just a football match—it’s a celebration of perseverance, community spirit, and the enduring romance of the cup. Their journey through the rounds, toppling teams from higher divisions, has galvanized the club and its supporters. As manager Nigel Clough prepares his side for the biggest game in a generation, the Stags will believe anything is possible under the lights at Field Mill.
Arsenal, meanwhile, know that the FA Cup has always been a special competition for the club. With 14 wins—the most in history—they will be determined to avoid any complacency and continue their pursuit of silverware. The Gunners’ depth and quality make them favorites, but as this season has already shown, reputations count for little in knockout football.
As the countdown to the fifth round begins, anticipation is building across the country. Will the favorites prevail, or will the cup’s tradition of shocks continue? With so much at stake and so many intriguing storylines, fans can expect another unforgettable weekend of FA Cup action.
All eyes will be on Mansfield, Wrexham, and the rest of the underdogs as they look to upset the odds and keep their dreams alive. The magic of the cup endures, and for 16 clubs, the adventure is far from over.