The FA Cup 2025-26 season is underway, and the 145th edition of this prestigious competition promises excitement, drama, and the potential for major upsets. As the oldest and one of the most iconic football tournaments in the world, the FA Cup offers something for every fan. From the possibility of lower-league “giant-killings” to the world-class talent on display from the top teams, the tournament always delivers thrilling moments.
This season, the competition is set to be even more captivating, with teams from all levels of the English football pyramid, plus some clubs from Wales, battling it out for the coveted trophy. Reigning champions Crystal Palace will look to defend their title, but they’ll face stiff competition from the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, and numerous other Premier League hopefuls. Below is a comprehensive guide that covers all you need to know about the FA Cup 2025-26—draws, fixtures, results, where to watch, and prize money details.
What is the FA Cup?
The FA Cup, officially known as The Football Association Challenge Cup, is the oldest domestic football competition in the world, dating back to 1871. It has a rich history and continues to be one of the most prestigious trophies in the footballing world. What makes the FA Cup unique is its format, which includes clubs from all levels of English football, from the Premier League all the way down to non-league teams. This format gives lower-league clubs the rare opportunity to compete against footballing giants in what are often thrilling, high-stakes encounters.
How Does the FA Cup Work?
The FA Cup is a knockout competition, where teams compete in a series of rounds until one team is crowned champion. The tournament begins with the Extra Preliminary Round in August, followed by several qualifying rounds, before the First Round Proper, where teams from League One and League Two enter. Premier League and Championship clubs join the competition in the Third Round. From there, the competition continues with knockout rounds leading to the Final, where one team lifts the famous trophy.
Key Dates for FA Cup 2025-26:
| Round | Main Date | Teams Entering | Number of Games |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Round | November 1, 2025 | 24 League One + 24 League Two | 40 |
| Second Round | December 6, 2025 | None | 20 |
| Third Round | January 10, 2026 | 20 Premier League + 24 Championship | 32 |
| Fourth Round | February 14, 2026 | None | 16 |
| Fifth Round | March 7, 2026 | None | 8 |
| Quarter-finals | April 4, 2026 | None | 4 |
| Semi-finals | April 25, 2026 | None | 2 |
| Final | May 16, 2026 | None | 1 |
The draw for the early rounds typically sees clubs from lower divisions facing off, with the Third Round marking the point where the Premier League and Championship teams join in. The excitement really kicks off from this point, as fans across the world tune in to see whether their team can pull off an upset or go on a run to the final.
FA Cup 2025-26 First Round Fixtures & Results
The first round kicked off the competition with 48 teams from League One and League Two joining the mix. This round always brings excitement, as smaller clubs have the chance to face bigger, more established teams, or even knock them out. Here are the first-round results:
| Date | Fixture | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 31 | Luton Town 4-3 Forest Green Rovers | TNT Sports 1 / ESPN Select |
| Nov 1 | Chelmsford City 4-1 Braintree Town | TNT Sports 1 & 3 / ESPN Select |
| Nov 1 | Weston Super Mare 2-1 (AET) Aldershot Town | Highlights only |
| Nov 1 | Salford City 1-1 (4-2P) Lincoln City | Highlights only |
| Nov 1 | Colchester United 2-3 MK Dons | Highlights only |
| Nov 1 | Tranmere Rovers 1-3 Stockport County | Highlights only |
| Nov 1 | Wigan Athletic 1-1 (5-3P) Hemel Hempstead Town | Highlights only |
| Nov 1 | Newport County 2-2 (4-3P) Gillingham | Highlights only |
As you can see, there were plenty of thrilling games in the first round, with several fixtures going to extra time and penalties.
FA Cup 2025-26 Second Round Fixtures & Results
The second round of the FA Cup takes place in December, and it’s where we start to see some interesting matchups. Some lower-league teams will be hoping to cause a giant-killing and progress to the Third Round, where Premier League teams enter the competition. Here’s a list of fixtures for the second round:
| Date | Fixture | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 5 | Salford City vs Leyton Orient | TNT Sports 1, discovery+ / ESPN Select |
| Dec 6 | Accrington Stanley vs Mansfield Town | Highlights only |
| Dec 6 | Chelmsford City vs Weston-super-Mare | Highlights only |
| Dec 6 | Cheltenham Town vs Buxton | Highlights only |
| Dec 6 | Exeter City vs Wycombe Wanderers | Highlights only |
| Dec 6 | Peterborough vs Barnsley | Highlights only |
| Dec 6 | Fleetwood Town vs Luton Town | Highlights only |
Where to Watch: Matches will be broadcast by TNT Sports, discovery+, and ESPN Select in the United States. Fans in the UK can catch games on BBC Two, TNT Sports, and iPlayer for select fixtures.
FA Cup 2025-26 Prize Money Breakdown
As always, one of the key attractions for teams participating in the FA Cup is the prize money. The financial rewards increase as the rounds progress, offering clubs the potential for a significant boost to their coffers. Here is the breakdown of the FA Cup 2025-26 prize money:
| Round | Winner’s Prize | Loser’s Prize |
|---|---|---|
| First Round | £45,000 ($60k) | £15,000 ($20k) |
| Second Round | £75,000 ($100k) | £20,000 ($26k) |
| Third Round | £115,000 ($150k) | £25,000 ($33k) |
| Fourth Round | £120,000 ($157k) | None |
| Fifth Round | £225,000 ($295k) | None |
| Quarter-finals | £450,000 ($590k) | None |
| Semi-finals | £1,000,000 ($1.3m) | £500,000 ($650k) |
| Final | £2,000,000 ($2.6m) | £1,000,000 ($1.3m) |
The prize money grows as the rounds progress, with the final offering a massive £2 million to the winners. The runners-up will also walk away with £1 million. For lower-league teams, the prize money is crucial, as it can support the club’s finances for the following seasons.
Where to Watch the FA Cup 2025-26
With the FA Cup being one of the most-watched football competitions in the world, it’s crucial for fans to know where to catch the action live. Here’s a breakdown of the broadcast partners:
United Kingdom:
- TNT Sports and discovery+ will provide coverage for selected matches. TNT Sports will broadcast all third-round games onward, with the BBC airing 14 live games, including the final.
- BBC Two will have two live games per round up to the quarter-finals, including one semi-final and the final.
United States:
- ESPN will carry all FA Cup games, including live broadcasts and streaming on ESPN Select.
Global Streaming:
- Discovery+ provides access to matches for international viewers. Matches can be streamed live via the app or website.
The FA Cup 2025-26 is set to be one of the most thrilling football tournaments of the year. With its unique format, rich history, and the chance for lower-league teams to shine against Premier League giants, the competition offers something for every fan. Whether you’re watching from home or attending a match, the excitement of the tournament will captivate audiences around the world.
Keep up with all the latest fixtures, results, and prize money details, and be sure not to miss any of the action as the FA Cup 2025-26 unfolds. Will we see a giant-killing? Or will the Premier League teams dominate? Only time will tell.
