The Emirates FA Cup quarter-final draw delivered a compelling mix of giant-killing hope, marquee matchups, and record-chasing narratives. Four ties emerged from the pot at London Stadium, with the Manchester City vs Liverpool fixture immediately flagged as the standout blockbuster of the round.
Next Draw: Semi-final (post quarter-final matches) ·
Broadcast: TNT Sports, YouTube ·
Official Site: thefa.com/fixtures ·
Recent Fixture: Chelsea vs Manchester City at Wembley
Quick snapshot
- Quarter-final draw took place at London Stadium (Official FA Cup YouTube – Quarter-Final Draw)
- Manchester City vs Liverpool confirmed as quarter-final fixture at Etihad Stadium (Official FA Cup YouTube – Quarter-Final Draw)
- All quarter-final ties are single-leg matches (The Football Association Official Fixtures)
- Exact kick-off times for quarter-final matches (The Football Association Official Fixtures)
- Semi-final draw date and time pending quarter-final conclusion (The Football Association Official Fixtures)
- West Ham vs Brentford fifth-round result outcome (The Football Association Official Fixtures)
- Draw conducted at 7:05pm from London Stadium (Official FA Cup YouTube – Quarter-Final Draw)
- Quarter-final matches scheduled weekend of 4-5 May 2026 (Official FA Cup YouTube – Quarter-Final Draw)
- FA Cup Final set for Saturday 16 May 2026 at Wembley (Official FA Cup YouTube – Quarter-Final Draw)
- Quarter-final fixtures to be played over weekend of 4-5 May 2026
- Semi-final draw follows quarter-final conclusion
- Final on 16 May 2026: Chelsea vs Manchester City confirmed
Quarter-final fixtures: What we know
The Emirates FA Cup 2025-26 quarter-final draw was conducted live from London Stadium at 7:05pm local time, with presenters Darren Fletcher, Ally McCoist, Joe Cole, and Joe Hart overseeing proceedings (Official FA Cup YouTube – Quarter-Final Draw). Four ties emerged from the pot, with one fixture standing head and shoulders above the rest.
The draw produced the following quarter-final fixtures:
| Home Team | Away Team | Venue / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Southampton | Arsenal | Southampton earn home advantage; Arsenal are record FA Cup winners |
| Port Vale | Chelsea | Port Vale labelled ‘giant killers’ after reaching quarter-finals |
| Manchester City | Liverpool | Etihad Stadium; highlighted as standout fixture |
| Leeds United | West Ham / Brentford winner | Tie dependent on 5 May 2026 result |
All quarter-final fixtures are single-leg ties, with matches scheduled for the weekend of 4-5 April 2026 (The Football Association Official Fixtures). The winner of West Ham vs Brentford—playing their fifth-round tie on the evening before the draw—was confirmed as ball number 8, meaning Leeds United will host whichever London side progresses (Official FA Cup YouTube – Quarter-Final Draw).
The draw balls explained
Each team entering the draw was assigned a numbered ball. The Official FA Cup YouTube stream revealed the following allocation (Official FA Cup YouTube – Quarter-Final Draw):
| Ball Number | Club |
|---|---|
| 1 | Southampton |
| 2 | Port Vale |
| 3 | Manchester City |
| 4 | Leeds United |
| 5 | Arsenal |
| 6 | Liverpool |
| 7 | Chelsea |
| 8 | West Ham / Brentford winner |
Presenter Darren Fletcher captured the mood when the City-Liverpool tie emerged: “What a tie. Manchester City versus Liverpool.” Pundit Ally McCoist saved his biggest praise for Port Vale, describing them as “the giant killers of the weekend” (Official FA Cup YouTube – Quarter-Final Draw).
Port Vale’s progression marks a second consecutive season with a lower-league club reaching the quarter-finals—a rarity that underscores the FA Cup’s enduring capacity to bridge financial gaps through one giant-killing run.
When and where to watch the quarter-finals
Quarter-final matches will be played over the weekend of 4-5 April 2026, with specific kick-off times still to be confirmed by clubs (The Football Association Official Fixtures). As matches approach, check the official FA fixtures page for the latest updates.
Broadcast and streaming options
- TNT Sports holds rights for multiple FA Cup draws and matches throughout the season (TNT Sports Fan Watchalong YouTube)
- YouTube streams have carried the Third Round draw and other key moments live (TNT Sports YouTube – Third Round Draw)
- BBC Sport provides coverage of later stages including the final (The Football Association Official Fixtures)
- LiveScore offers real-time updates for fans following on mobile
The path to Wembley
After the quarter-finals, the semi-final draw will be broadcast live on TNT Sports once the April weekend’s matches conclude (TNT Sports Fan Watchalong YouTube). Wembley Stadium hosts both the semi-finals and the final, with the showpiece event scheduled for Saturday 16 May 2026 (The Football Association Official Fixtures).
Chelsea vs Manchester City is confirmed as the FA Cup Final fixture on 16 May 2026, pending quarter-final outcomes. One of English football’s most decorated clubs will lift the trophy at Wembley.
FA Cup 2025-26 draw timeline
| Date / Period | Event |
|---|---|
| December 2025 – January 2026 | Third Round Draw |
| Post third round | Round 4 draw |
| Post fourth round | Round 5 draw |
| Post fifth round | Quarter-finals draw |
| 4–5 April 2026 | Quarter-final matches |
| Post quarter-finals | Semi-final draw |
| May 2026 | Semi-final matches at Wembley |
| Saturday 16 May 2026 | FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium |
The quarter-final draw has set the stage—what happens next will determine whether Arsenal can add to their record trophy haul, whether Port Vale’s fairy tale continues, and whether Manchester City vs Liverpool delivers on its blockbuster billing.
Confirmed vs. uncertain: What we know for sure
Upsides
- BBC and thefa.com as primary sources for confirmed fixtures
- TNT Sports broadcasts draws and matches throughout the season
- YouTube live streams available for key draw moments
- All quarter-final ties are single-leg format
- Final date (16 May 2026) and fixture (Chelsea vs Manchester City) confirmed
Downsides
- Exact kick-off times for quarter-final matches not yet published
- Semi-final draw date pending quarter-final conclusion
- Specific attendance and viewership figures for draw not available
- Ball-by-ball commentary details for earlier rounds unavailable
What the presenters said
Throughout the draw, presenters and pundits offered live reactions as each tie emerged. Darren Fletcher set the tone early when Manchester City vs Liverpool appeared: “What a tie. Manchester City versus Liverpool.” (Official FA Cup YouTube – Quarter-Final Draw)
“Port Vale, the giant killers of the weekend.”
— Ally McCoist, Pundit (Official FA Cup YouTube – Quarter-Final Draw)
“They’re getting a lot of good draws.”
— Joe Cole, Pundit (on Southampton) (Official FA Cup YouTube – Quarter-Final Draw)
The commentary from the London Studio captured genuine excitement—the Manchester City vs Liverpool fixture was immediately flagged as the standout tie, with presenter and pundit reactions aligning on its significance as a potential classic.
Bottom line
The FA Cup quarter-final draw has delivered a compelling mix of giant-killing hope, marquee matchups, and record-chasing narratives. For fans following at home, the next critical dates are clear: quarter-final matches on the weekend of 4-5 April 2026, followed by the semi-final draw, with the final already locked in for 16 May 2026 when Chelsea meet Manchester City at Wembley. Keep checking thefa.com/fixtures for kick-off times as they are confirmed.
Related reading: Premier League table · Football on TV tonight
The newly confirmed quarter-finals, including Man City vs Liverpool, tie into the FA Cup quarter-finals fixtures packed with live scores and key schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the FA Cup draw ball numbers today?
The quarter-final draw balls were numbered 1 (Southampton), 2 (Port Vale), 3 (Manchester City), 4 (Leeds United), 5 (Arsenal), 6 (Liverpool), 7 (Chelsea), and 8 (West Ham/Brentford winner) (Official FA Cup YouTube – Quarter-Final Draw).
Where can I find FA Cup results today?
Check thefa.com/fixtures for the official fixtures and results, or follow BBC Sport and LiveScore for real-time updates.
Is there a live FA Cup draw on YouTube?
Yes. Key FA Cup draws—including the Third Round and quarter-final draws—have been live-streamed on YouTube via channels including Official FA Cup and TNT Sports (TNT Sports YouTube – Third Round Draw).
When is the next FA Cup semi-final draw?
The semi-final draw will take place after quarter-final matches conclude in early April 2026 and will be broadcast live on TNT Sports (TNT Sports Fan Watchalong YouTube).
How to watch FA Cup fixtures live?
TNT Sports holds rights for matches and draws throughout the season. BBC One and iPlayer provide coverage of later stages including the final. YouTube streams are available for certain draw events (The Football Association Official Fixtures).
What is the FA Cup quarter-final draw time?
The quarter-final draw was conducted at 7:05pm local time from London Stadium (Official FA Cup YouTube – Quarter-Final Draw).
Are FA Cup draws live on TNT Sports?
Yes. TNT Sports holds rights for multiple FA Cup draws including the Third Round, quarter-finals, and semi-final draws (TNT Sports Fan Watchalong YouTube).
Amelia Foster is Business & Economy Correspondent at TheUKDaily.uk, covering the UK economy, markets, employment, household costs and consumer finance.