Get ready for some football drama! The FA Cup Third Round Proper draw has just been made, and it's packed with thrilling matchups that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. This stage marks the entry of Premier League and EFL Championship clubs into the Emirates FA Cup, setting the scene for some unforgettable clashes.
But here's where it gets controversial... While some ties seem like a walk in the park for top-tier teams, others are poised to be David vs. Goliath battles that could shake up the competition. For instance, holders Crystal Palace will kick off their title defense with a trip to non-League side Macclesfield FC—a matchup that’s sure to grab headlines. Could this be the year an underdog steals the spotlight?
The draw, which took place on Monday, December 8, 2025, was broadcast live on TNT Sports, with former FA Cup winners Peter Crouch and Joe Cole adding star power to the event. A total of 32 ties were drawn, setting the stage for a weekend of football frenzy on Saturday, January 10, and Sunday, January 11, 2026.
And this is the part most people miss... Among the fixtures, there are four all-Premier League ties and five all-Championship clashes, ensuring high-stakes action across the board. Local derbies also feature prominently, with Shrewsbury Town visiting Wolves, Preston North End hosting Wigan Athletic, and West Ham welcoming QPR to the London Stadium. Meanwhile, Charlton Athletic will face Chelsea at The Valley in a London showdown.
Here’s the full draw, with each tie promising its own story:
- Wolverhampton Wanderers v Shrewsbury Town
- Doncaster Rovers v Southampton
- Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa
- Port Vale v Fleetwood Town
- Preston North End v Wigan Athletic
- Ipswich Town v Blackpool
- Wrexham v Nottingham Forest
- Charlton Athletic v Chelsea
- Manchester City v Exeter City
- West Ham United v Queens Park Rangers
- Sheffield Wednesday v Brentford
- Fulham v Middlesbrough
- Everton v Sunderland
- Liverpool v Barnsley
- Burnley v Millwall
- Norwich City v Walsall
- Portsmouth v Arsenal
- Derby County v Leeds United
- Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion
- Salford City v Swindon Town
- Boreham Wood v Brackley Town or Burton Albion
- Grimsby Town v Weston Super Mare
- Hull City v Blackburn Rovers
- Newcastle United v AFC Bournemouth
- MK Dons v Oxford United
- Cheltenham Town v Leicester City
- Cambridge United v Birmingham City
- Bristol City v Watford
- Stoke City v Coventry City
- Macclesfield v Crystal Palace
- Manchester United v Brighton & Hove Albion
- Sheffield United v Mansfield Town
What’s your take? Are the big clubs guaranteed to advance, or will we see a few upsets? Let us know in the comments below! For the full schedule and live updates, visit The FA Cup Fixtures, Results, and Live Coverage.
By the Competitions Department
