It’s a crisp Tuesday evening at London Stadium, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as West Ham United host Fulham for the third round of the FA Cup on September 15, 2026. With both teams eager to advance and shake up their respective seasons, anticipation buzzes through East London. The Hammers, under Nuno Espírito Santo, arrive with momentum on their side, while Fulham, managed by Álvaro Arbeloa, are searching for a spark to ignite their campaign.
West Ham’s path to this high-profile fixture has been nothing short of impressive. The Hammers booked their place in the third round by dispatching Southampton 4-1 on August 25. That victory saw goals from Joshua Ajala, who found the net twice (41', 53'), Valentín Castellanos (75'), and Jarrod Bowen (84'). The team’s attacking prowess didn’t stop there—just days ago, they steamrolled Wrexham 6-0 in the Championship, with six different players getting on the scoresheet: Bowen (28'), Joel Piroe (37'), Konstantinos Mavropanos (48'), Castellanos (63'), Mohamadou Kanté (76'), and Manor Solomon (82').
That emphatic win left West Ham perched atop the Championship table with 14 points from seven matches—four wins, two draws, and just a single defeat. It’s a run of form that’s got fans dreaming of silverware and perhaps a long-awaited Premier League return. “We’re playing with confidence and belief,” said Nuno Espírito Santo after the Wrexham match, according to coverage from Heavy.com. “The squad is hungry for more.”
Fulham, on the other hand, have faced a rocky start to their Premier League campaign. With only one point after four matches—three defeats and a single draw, a hard-fought 0-0 against Liverpool on September 12—the Cottagers are languishing in 18th place. Still, their FA Cup journey has provided a welcome respite. They cruised past AFC Wimbledon 3-0 in the second round, thanks to goals from Emile Smith Rowe (37'), Rodrigo Muniz (43'), and Gonzalo García (90').
Manager Álvaro Arbeloa is under no illusions about the challenge ahead. “There’s pressure, of course, but these are the nights where a team can turn a season around,” he remarked in the build-up, per Roundtable Sports. Fulham’s squad depth will be tested, with Tom Cairney (knee surgery) and likely Luc De Fougerolles sidelined. To complicate matters, Ryan Sessegnon is also expected to miss out due to a minor injury—a setback confirmed by Arbeloa himself. That means Antonee Robinson is likely to step in at left back, with Jorge Cuenca and Joachim Andersen anchoring the defense.
For West Ham, there are selection headaches of their own. Joel Veltman is ruled out with a muscular injury, and Tomas Soucek remains on the sidelines as he recovers from an ankle knock. However, the depth and versatility of the Hammers’ squad have been a major asset this season. Predicting Nuno’s starting XI, Heavy.com expects Herrick in goal, with a back four of Walker-Peters, Golambeckis, Kilman, and Mayers. The midfield could feature Bowen, Orford, Kanté, and Ajala, while Mukasa and Piroe look set to lead the line.
Fulham’s predicted lineup, according to both Heavy.com and Roundtable Sports, shows some variation due to injuries and rotation ahead of a looming Premier League clash against Manchester United. Benjamin Lecomte is expected to retain his spot between the posts after a solid display against Wimbledon. The defense should see Castagne, Andersen, Cuenca, and Robinson. In midfield, Harrison Reed and Hugo Larsson might form the pivot, with Oscar Bobb, Emile Smith Rowe, and Kevin supporting Rodrigo Muniz up front.
Arbeloa faces a tactical dilemma: should he go all out for the Cup, or keep key players fresh for the league? With four days separating this match from their next Premier League outing, there’s room for calculated risks. “Arbeloa will be desperate to win this match and relieve a bit of pressure going into the Manchester United clash,” wrote Tom Masters for Roundtable Sports. The manager’s approach could see a blend of regular starters and fresh faces, hoping to build momentum and confidence.
West Ham, by contrast, have the luxury of a full recovery period since their last game on September 11. That’s led pundits to expect a near full-strength lineup from Nuno Espírito Santo. The squad’s recent performances suggest the manager will opt for aggression and intensity from the outset, aiming to seize control early and avoid any cup upsets. “They will go absolutely full throttle for this game,” predicted Roundtable Sports, highlighting the Hammers’ intent to keep their strong run rolling.
Both teams have plenty to play for. For West Ham, a deep cup run would not only boost morale but also serve as a statement of intent under Nuno’s stewardship. The Hammers’ attacking depth—evident in their six-goal rout of Wrexham—gives them an edge, but cup football is notoriously unpredictable. Fulham, meanwhile, are searching for stability and a morale boost. A win at London Stadium could be just the tonic they need to kickstart their league campaign and ease the pressure on Arbeloa.
For fans eager to catch the action, the match is being broadcast live across multiple platforms: Sky Sports+ in the United Kingdom, Paramount+ and CBS Sports Golazo in the United States, and DAZN and fuboTV in Canada. With both managers likely to shuffle their lineups, all eyes will be on the tactical battle unfolding under the London lights.
As kickoff approaches, the atmosphere in the stadium is electric. West Ham’s faithful are hoping to see their team continue their hot streak, while Fulham’s traveling supporters dream of an upset that could change the narrative of their season. With both sides missing key players but determined to make their mark, the stage is set for a dramatic FA Cup encounter.
The action is ongoing, and with the unpredictability of knockout football, anything can happen. Fans on both sides will be holding their breath as the drama unfolds at London Stadium, knowing that tonight’s result could shape the rest of the campaign for both West Ham and Fulham.