The FA Cup third round faces major disruption this weekend as the UK braces for the fury of Storm Goretti. The first major named storm of 2026, described by the Met Office as a "multi-hazard event," is set to bring a dangerous mix of heavy snow, 90mph wind gusts, and torrential rain across the country.
Understanding the FA Cup Postponement Protocol
When severe weather strikes, the decision to call off a match is not taken lightly and follows strict Football Association regulations. The ultimate authority rests solely with the appointed match referee, who will typically consult with the home club's groundsman. Clubs themselves cannot unilaterally postpone a fixture.
A key rule is the 48-hour advisory. If a club has concerns about the pitch becoming unplayable, they must inform the referee at least two days before kick-off. This allows for early travel warnings to be issued to the away team and their supporters, preventing unnecessary journeys.
Official pitch inspections are usually held on the matchday morning to minimise disruption for fans. The referee will test the surface with match boots and a ball, assessing its safety and predictability across the entire area. The decision balances player safety against the quality of the spectacle for spectators; a technically playable pitch may still see a game postponed if conditions prevent a fair and safe contest.
Safety Extends Beyond the Pitch
Even a perfect playing surface won't save a game if fan safety is compromised. A stadium's Safety Officer or local police can call off a match if surrounding areas, like icy pavements or roads blocked by snow, are deemed too hazardous for access. Furthermore, if weather deteriorates rapidly after kick-off, the referee holds the power to abandon the match mid-game, with a full replay ordered for a later date.
The storm's wider impact on travel infrastructure adds another layer of complexity. National Rail and Avanti West Coast have warned of reduced services and "short-notice cancellations," posing a major logistical challenge for away fans traveling across the UK.
Fixtures Most at Risk from the Storm
Several Friday and Saturday fixtures are under severe threat. In North Wales, Wrexham's clash with Nottingham Forest (Friday, 7:30 PM) sits in an Amber snow warning area, with up to 30cm of snow possible. The Racecourse Ground faces a battle against the elements.
Friday's other 7:30 PM kick-offs are also in jeopardy. The MK Dons vs. Oxford United fixture is forecast for some of the deepest snow, risking both the pitch and fan travel on icy roads. The Lancashire derby between Preston North End and Wigan Athletic could see a late inspection due to a predicted transition from heavy rain to "flash-freezing" snow.
Saturday's early televised games are under scrutiny. Cheltenham Town vs. Leicester City (12:15 PM) is in a high-wind alert zone, with 70mph gusts potentially making Whaddon Road unsafe. Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Shrewsbury Town (12:15 PM) at Molineux lies in the heart of the Amber snow warning for the Midlands; local police may advise postponement if roads remain blocked.
Non-league grounds are particularly vulnerable. Macclesfield vs. Crystal Palace (Saturday, 12:15 PM) lacks top-flight technology and must monitor its surface against 60mph winds and freezing temperatures. Boreham Wood vs. Burton Albion (3:00 PM), without undersoil heating, is a prime candidate for a cancellation if significant snow falls overnight.
Later Saturday games also face challenges. Cambridge United vs. Birmingham City (5:45 PM) could see a frozen pitch at the Abbey Stadium despite frost covers, while Grimsby Town vs. Weston-super-Mare (5:45 PM) faces coastal winds that could create hazardous "black ice" in the stands.
On Sunday, all eyes will be on Portsmouth vs. Arsenal (2:00 PM). Fratton Park's recent abandonment due to a frozen pitch raises concerns, as any structural ice lingering from Storm Goretti could force another postponement.
