The magic of the FA Cup continues to captivate football fans across England as the draw for the Fourth Qualifying Round was completed on September 29, 2025. With 32 ties scheduled to unfold over the weekend of October 11 and 12, anticipation is at fever pitch as National League clubs join the fray, and non-league dreamers eye the lucrative First Round Proper, where Football League sides await.
This stage of the competition is always a highlight for supporters and players alike, offering not just the prospect of glory, but significant financial rewards. Each winning side in this round will pocket £9,375, while losing teams are consoled with £3,125—a lifeline for many lower-league outfits. The stakes could not be higher, with only 90 minutes separating hopefuls from a potential date with an EFL giant.
The draw, split regionally into North and South pots, has thrown up some tantalizing matchups. In the North, Carlisle United, under the stewardship of Mark Hughes, welcome Boston United to Brunton Park. Hughes, a familiar face to followers of the English game, will be eager to guide Carlisle on a memorable cup run after a challenging league campaign. Morecambe, who only six weeks ago were saved from extinction, host Chester in what promises to be an emotional encounter for the Shrimps’ faithful.
Elsewhere in the North, the clash between Rochdale and York City stands out as a heavyweight all-National League affair, with second facing sixth in the table. Macclesfield, led by John Rooney, entertain Stamford A.F.C. of the Southern League Premier Division Central, hoping to add another chapter to their storied cup history. Forest Green Rovers, managed by the charismatic Robbie Savage, currently top the National League and will travel south to take on Worthing—a side with ambitions of their own.
But perhaps the story of the round belongs to Whitstable Town. The ninth-tier Kent club, established in 1885, are the lowest-ranked side left in this season’s competition. Their 2-0 triumph over Hungerford Town in the previous round has already secured their best-ever FA Cup run. Now, they face the daunting task of traveling to National League Wealdstone, a team 87 places above them in the football pyramid. For manager Lloyd Blackman and his squad, the occasion is nothing short of historic. According to BBC Sport, "This is the furthest Whitstable have ever been in the competition since they were established in 1885." The odds might be stacked against them, but the FA Cup has always been a stage for the underdog.
In the South, Woking will host Brackley Town, while Ebbsfleet United, who have enjoyed the comfort of home draws throughout their cup journey so far, welcome Solihull Moors. Folkestone Invicta, fresh from a giant-killing win at higher-league Horsham, travel to Southend United aiming to reach the First Round Proper for the first time since the 2005/06 season. Chatham Town, who have already conquered two Kent rivals, await the winner of the Cray Valley versus Tonbridge Angels replay for another local derby showdown.
Other notable ties include Farnborough’s trip to Braintree Town, set up after Teddy Collis’ dramatic late winner against Westbury United in the previous round. Enfield Town, awarded their place after leading Quorn 5-1 in a match that was ultimately abandoned, travel to Slough Town. Meanwhile, Eastbourne Borough face Boreham Wood, and Hampton & Richmond Borough host Eastleigh.
The regionalized draw ensures that travel demands are minimized for clubs with limited resources, but it also brings together teams with shared histories and rivalries. The National League’s entrance at this stage always adds intrigue, as former Football League clubs like Scunthorpe United, Hartlepool United, and Rochdale look to avoid upsets and book their place in the next round.
For many clubs, the FA Cup represents more than just an opportunity for silverware. The financial windfall from a successful run—prize money, increased gate receipts, and potential television exposure—can transform a season or even secure a club’s future. Morecambe’s survival story is a testament to the precarious nature of life outside the Football League, and their tie against Chester is sure to be played in a feverish atmosphere.
Forest Green Rovers’ journey under Robbie Savage has been one of the stories of the season so far. After his high-profile move from Macclesfield in the summer, Savage has defied the doubters, guiding his side to the summit of the National League. Their visit to Worthing will be a stern test, but with momentum and confidence on their side, few would bet against them progressing.
The Fourth Qualifying Round is also a chance for players and managers to make names for themselves. The likes of John Rooney at Macclesfield and Mark Hughes at Carlisle bring experience and pedigree, but the romance of the cup means reputations count for little once the whistle blows. As ever, the potential for upsets looms large—will a new giant-killer emerge from the shadows this year?
Eight more teams will confirm their places in the draw following the resolution of Third Qualifying Round replays, adding another layer of unpredictability to the competition. Every club left in the hat knows that one more victory could set up a dream tie against a League One or League Two side, with all the exposure and excitement that brings.
As the countdown to the Fourth Qualifying Round begins, fans up and down the country are daring to dream. The FA Cup, with its unique blend of tradition, drama, and opportunity, remains the beating heart of English football. Whether it’s a giant-killing, a last-minute winner, or a fairy-tale run from a club like Whitstable Town, the stage is set for another unforgettable weekend.
The full list of fixtures, with ties to be played on the weekend of October 11, promises drama, heartbreak, and perhaps a new hero or two. With so much at stake and the eyes of the footballing world watching, every player and supporter knows that, in the FA Cup, anything truly is possible.
