The Women’s FA Cup fourth round has burst into life, with drama, injuries, and standout performances shaping a weekend that’s got fans glued to their screens—or, in some cases, their club apps and radios. As the competition heats up, teams from across the pyramid are seizing their moments, determined to write fresh chapters in English football’s storied knockout saga. Here’s how the action is unfolding and what to look out for as the tournament barrels toward the business end.
One of the weekend’s early headlines came from Liverpool, where the club confirmed that 19-year-old Polish international Emilia Szymczak has been recalled by her parent club, FC Barcelona. The news, announced via Liverpool’s official website on January 16, 2026, comes as a blow to the Merseyside outfit. Szymczak, who joined Liverpool on loan to gain top-level experience, suffered an injury while on international duty before the winter break. She made just a single appearance for the Reds—a substitute cameo against Sheffield United in the group stage of the Subway Women’s League Cup—before her loan was cut short. Szymczak will now continue her rehabilitation in Spain, hoping to break into Barcelona’s first team after recovering. Her journey began with Górnik Łęczna in Poland before Barcelona snapped her up in 2023, where she helped their B team to the Spanish Primera Federación title in 2023/2024.
Liverpool, meanwhile, must regroup quickly. Their campaign continues as they travel to The Hive to face London Bees in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup fourth round on Sunday afternoon, January 18. The Reds are widely expected to progress against their lower-ranked opponents, but Szymczak’s absence leaves a gap in defensive depth that manager Matt Beard will need to address.
Elsewhere, Chelsea Women kicked off their FA Cup journey with a familiar foe—Crystal Palace. For the third season running, the Blues faced the Eagles in the cup, but this time it was their first match of the competition, raising the stakes: lose and you’re out. The tie took place at Kingsmeadow, Kingston upon Thames, with a 12:30 GMT kickoff on January 16. Chelsea entered the match riding high after a resounding 5-0 victory over West Ham upon returning from the winter break, underlining their intent to defend the domestic treble they conquered last season. However, injuries threatened to derail their plans. Aggie Beever-Jones, Catarina Macario, Keira Walsh, and Niamh Charles were all sidelined, though the club remains hopeful they’ll return to action soon.
Chelsea’s opponents, Crystal Palace, have endured a rollercoaster run. After finally earning promotion to the Women’s Super League in 2024, they now find themselves back in the second tier—Women’s Super League 2—where they sit fifth in the table under manager Jo Potter. Despite their relegation, Palace have shown grit, with their only loss since mid-November coming against Arsenal in the Women’s League Cup. The Eagles gave the Gunners a real fight and were looking to replicate that tenacity against Chelsea. Last season, it took a second-half strike from Lauren James to see the Blues through to the semifinals. This time, the outcome was anything but certain as the action unfolded, with Chelsea’s depleted squad facing a determined Palace side.
In the northeast, West Ham United made headlines by booking their place in the Women’s FA Cup fifth round with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Newcastle United at Gateshead International Stadium. The Hammers, sitting 11th in the Women’s Super League, leaned on the brilliance of Viviane Asseyi. The French forward earned and converted a penalty just before half-time after being felled in the box by Newcastle’s Charlotte Wardlaw. Asseyi wasn’t done—she set up Japan striker Riko Ueki for the second goal and then provided another assist for Sarah Brasero-Carreira, who sealed the result with a low finish in the 71st minute. West Ham’s clinical edge proved too much for their second-tier opponents, and the team now awaits the fifth-round draw, scheduled for Monday, January 19.
The FA Cup’s fourth-round fixtures and broadcast details have also been finalized, adding to the anticipation. Eleven of the sixteen men’s ties have been selected for live TV coverage between February 13 and 16, 2026. Notably, Chelsea will take on Hull City on Friday, February 13, with a 7:45 pm kickoff on both BBC One and TNT Sports—a match that marks manager Liam Rosenior’s return to his former club. West Ham’s men face Burton Albion at 12:15 pm on Saturday, February 14, while Liverpool’s clash with Brighton is set for an 8 pm kickoff that evening, both televised on TNT Sports. Arsenal’s tie against Wigan Athletic headlines Sunday’s schedule, with Macclesfield FC—fresh off their giant-killing of Crystal Palace—taking on Brentford on Monday night. The broad TV coverage ensures fans won’t miss a moment of the cup’s trademark unpredictability.
Manchester United Women, meanwhile, prepared for their first home game of 2026—a fourth-round clash against Burnley at the Progress With Unity Stadium on Sunday, January 18, at 13:00 GMT. Although the match wasn’t televised or streamed, supporters could tune in via live radio commentary on MUTV, ManUtd.com, and the United App. United faced a few selection headaches: Ella Toone and Gabby George were sidelined with injuries, and Jayde Riviere was suspended after a red card in the previous match. Leah Galton’s status remained uncertain due to a back issue. Despite these challenges, United entered on a high, having recently defeated Tottenham Hotspur in the Subway Women’s League Cup before Christmas and competing on four fronts, including the UEFA Champions League.
Their opponents, Burnley, have been a revelation in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division—the third tier of English football. Unbeaten with 10 wins and two draws from 12 matches, the Clarets became a full-time professional outfit this season and have their sights set on climbing the ranks. To reach the fourth round, Burnley dispatched Peterborough United, Blackburn Rovers, and Norwich City, scoring 23 goals without conceding. But United, with their pedigree and depth, posed the toughest challenge yet for the ambitious Lancashire side.
Across the country, the Women’s FA Cup fourth round has delivered a blend of upsets, rising stars, and the ever-present threat of injury reshaping club fortunes. With key matches still to be played and the fifth-round draw on the horizon, anticipation is building. Will the favorites hold their nerve, or is another Cinderella story waiting in the wings?
As the dust settles on a weekend packed with talking points, one thing is certain: the FA Cup continues to captivate, reminding fans why knockout football holds a special place in the heart of the English game. With the fifth-round draw set for Monday and several high-profile ties looming, the next chapter promises even more intrigue, surprises, and unforgettable moments.