The FA Cup 5th round draw for 2026 is scheduled to take place on Monday, February 16, 2026, following the conclusion of the fourth-round ties. The draw traditionally occurs live during the “The One Show” on BBC One or immediately following a televised fourth-round match, typically around 7:00 PM GMT. This crucial stage of the competition determines the final 16 teams that will move one step closer to the prestigious final at Wembley Stadium.
In this comprehensive guide, we cover the exact timing of the draw, how to watch it live across various platforms, and the full list of potential ball numbers for the remaining Premier League giants and underdog “Cinderella” teams. Whether you are looking for the latest results from the fourth round or scouting the potential path for favorites like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool, this authoritative analysis provides all the tactical and logistical details needed for the 2025-26 FA Cup campaign.
Draw Date and Time Details
The 5th round draw for the 2025-26 FA Cup is set for Monday, February 16, 2026. While the exact time can fluctuate based on the television broadcast schedule, it is expected to commence at approximately 19:00 (7:00 PM) GMT.
This timing ensures that nearly all fourth-round fixtures, including the major Sunday clashes, have been completed. Fans can tune in to BBC One or the FA’s official social media channels to see the legendary “velvet bag” determine the next set of knockout fixtures.
How to Watch the Draw
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the draw live on BBC One or stream it via the BBC iPlayer app. Additionally, the official FA Cup YouTube and X (formerly Twitter) accounts provide real-time updates and a live stream for international audiences.
For those in the United States, the draw and subsequent matches are typically broadcast on ESPN+. It is recommended to check local listings 24 hours in advance, as the draw is often integrated into pre-match or post-match analysis shows for the final televised fourth-round games.
Ball Numbers and Procedures
The ball numbers for the 5th round draw are usually released on the morning of the draw once the fourth-round results are finalized. There are 16 balls in total, representing the winners of the previous round’s ties.
| Ball Number | Potential Team/Fixture |
| Ball 1 | Manchester City or Salford City |
| Ball 2 | Arsenal or Winner of TBD |
| Ball 3 | Liverpool or Barnsley |
| Ball 4 | Chelsea or Hull City |
| Ball 5 | West Ham or Burton Albion |
Note: Ball numbers are subject to change based on the order in which fixtures were played during the fourth round. Always verify the final list on the official FA website an hour before the draw.
Favorites and Predicted Matchups
As of late January 2026, Manchester City remains the bookmakers’ favorite to reclaim the trophy they narrowly missed out on last year. Their incredible squad depth allows Pep Guardiola to navigate the fixture congestion of the Premier League and Champions League while maintaining a high standard in domestic cups.
Arsenal, the historical leaders in FA Cup titles, are also strong contenders under Mikel Arteta. Having found themselves seven points clear at the top of the Premier League, the Gunners are eyeing a domestic double, relying on their league-leading defense and clinical set-piece execution to see off mid-table challenges.
The Road to Wembley Schedule
The FA Cup 5th round matches are scheduled to be played during the week commencing Monday, March 2, 2026. Unlike earlier rounds, 5th-round matches are often played in a “midweek slot” to accommodate European schedules and prevent excessive fixture pile-up for top-flight clubs.
- Quarter-Finals: Weekend of March 21, 2026
- Semi-Finals: Weekend of April 18, 2026
- Final: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Practical Information for Fans
Attending a 5th round FA Cup match requires quick action once the draw is finalized. Tickets are primarily distributed through the participating clubs’ official websites rather than a centralized FA portal.
- Tickets: Prices for the 5th round generally range from £30 to £70 for adults, depending on the stadium and category of seating.
- Away Allocation: The FA Cup has a unique rule where away teams are entitled to up to 15% of the stadium capacity, often leading to a much louder and more diverse atmosphere than standard league games.
- Travel: Midweek fixtures mean fans should plan for late-night return journeys. Major rail operators often provide “football specials” for high-profile ties between northern and southern clubs.
Women’s FA Cup 5th Round
Parallel to the men’s competition, the Women’s FA Cup 5th round features standout ties such as Chelsea vs Manchester United, a repeat of last season’s final. These matches are scheduled for the weekend of February 22, 2026, showcasing the elite level of the WSL.
The women’s draw is often conducted separately, usually on a Monday morning following the fourth-round matches. Fans can follow the Women’s FA Cup specifically via BBC Sport and the FA Player for comprehensive live coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there replays in the FA Cup 5th round?
No, there are no replays from the 5th round onwards. If a match is level after 90 minutes, it proceeds to 30 minutes of extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout.
Which channel is showing the FA Cup draw?
In the UK, the draw is broadcast live on BBC One. It is also available via the BBC iPlayer and the official FA Cup social media channels.
What are the dates for the 5th round matches?
The ties are scheduled to be played in the midweek of March 2, 2026. This schedule helps manage the busy spring period for clubs in European competitions.
How many teams are in the 5th round?
There are 16 teams remaining in the competition during the 5th round, resulting in a total of eight fixtures.
Where is the FA Cup Final played?
The final is always held at Wembley Stadium in London. For the 2025-26 season, it is scheduled for May 23, 2026.
How much prize money do teams get for winning in the 5th round?
Winners of the 5th round ties in 2026 are expected to receive approximately £225,000 in prize money, in addition to significant television broadcast fees.
Are VAR and goal-line technology used?
VAR is used in FA Cup ties played at Premier League stadiums. Goal-line technology is standard for all matches from the third round onwards in professional venues.
Is Marcus Rashford playing in the FA Cup this year?
Yes, Marcus Rashford is part of the FC Barcelona squad as of 2026; however, he is not eligible for the English FA Cup unless he returns to an English club during the winter transfer window.
How do I get tickets for the FA Cup Final?
Tickets for the final are primarily sold to the two competing clubs’ season ticket holders. A small allocation is usually made available to the “football family” and through a public ballot on the FA website.
Final Thoughts
The FA Cup 5th round draw for 2026 represents a critical juncture in the world’s oldest football competition, bridging the gap between early-round upsets and the final charge toward Wembley. With the Monday, February 16 draw date fast approaching, fans of the final 16 teams are prepared for the transition into midweek knockout football—a schedule designed to intensify the drama under the floodlights. The stakes are notably high this season, with winning clubs securing £225,000 in prize money and a coveted spot in the quarter-finals.
As the tournament progresses, the absence of replays continues to favor teams with deep squads and clinical finishers, making every minute of the 5th round essential viewing. Whether you are following the men’s journey to the May 16 final or the Women’s FA Cup’s high-profile clashes like Chelsea vs Manchester United, the road to Wembley in 2026 is set to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Stay tuned to official broadcasters like the BBC and ITV to ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action.
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