By Samuel Adeola
The draw for the Third Round Proper of the 2025/26 Emirates FA Cup has set the stage for classic David-versus-Goliath clashes as Premier League teams enter the competition to face lower-league challengers.
Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham and other top-flight sides will meet opponents from across the Championship, League One, League Two and the non-league ranks, creating the prospect of dramatic upsets that define the historic tournament.
Among the standout ties, Portsmouth will host Arsenal, Macclesfield will face Crystal Palace, Wrexham take on Nottingham Forest, Charlton meet Chelsea, and Manchester United welcome Brighton.
Manchester City will play Exeter City, while Liverpool are paired with Barnsley and Tottenham draw Aston Villa.
The fixtures will be played over the weekend of January 10 and 11, 2026.
With elite teams travelling to smaller grounds and underdogs eyeing famous victories, fans are bracing for a weekend filled with suspense, surprises and the enduring magic of the FA Cup.
