Get ready, football fans, because the 2025-26 Emirates FA Cup Third Round is officially locked in, and it’s shaping up to be a weekend of unforgettable action! But here’s where it gets exciting: with 22 matches spread across four days, from Friday 9 to Monday 12 January 2026, there’s something for every supporter to cheer about. And this is the part most people miss—not only are the fixtures finalized, but the kick-off times and broadcast details are now set in stone, ensuring you won’t miss a single moment of the drama. All times are in GMT, so mark your calendars!
FRIDAY 9 JANUARY 2026 kicks things off with four thrilling clashes, all streaming live on discovery+ at 19:30. Highlights include Wrexham taking on Nottingham Forest, a match that’s sure to draw attention. But here’s the controversial bit: is Wrexham’s fairy-tale rise enough to challenge a seasoned side like Nottingham Forest? Let’s see.
SATURDAY 10 JANUARY 2026 is a football feast, with 16 matches across the day. From Cheltenham Town hosting Leicester City at 12:15 on discovery+ to Tottenham Hotspur facing Aston Villa at 17:45 on BBC One, iPlayer, TNT Sports 1, and discovery+, there’s no shortage of action. And this is where it gets interesting: Macclesfield vs. Crystal Palace is one of the few matches available on multiple platforms, including BBC One—a rare treat for free-to-air viewers. Why this match? It’s a question worth debating.
SUNDAY 11 JANUARY 2026 brings seven more fixtures, including Manchester United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion at 16:30 on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+. But here’s a thought-provoking question: With so many matches on discovery+, are traditional broadcasters losing their grip on the FA Cup’s magic? Let us know what you think in the comments.
MONDAY 12 JANUARY 2026 wraps up the round with Liverpool vs. Barnsley at 19:45 on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+. And this is the part most people miss: the fourth round draw will take place live before this match, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the evening.
Financially, all 64 clubs are guaranteed a payout from the prize fund, win or lose. Clubs featured on linear TV broadcasts receive an additional £80,000, while those streamed exclusively on discovery+ get £40,000. But here’s a controversial take: Is this distribution fair, or should smaller clubs get a bigger slice of the pie? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
The scheduling of live broadcasts is a collaborative effort involving clubs, local authorities, police, and broadcasters—a logistical marvel that ensures safety and maximum viewership. Ties for the fourth round will be played around the weekend of 14-15 February 2026, so the excitement is far from over.
For the latest Emirates FA Cup results, visit https://www.thefa.com/competitions/thefacup/results.
By Competitions department
