FA Cup Fifth Round Draw: Key Details and Broadcast Information
The highly anticipated FA Cup fifth round draw is scheduled for tonight, Monday 16 February 2026, setting the stage for the next phase of England's premier domestic cup competition. This draw follows a thrilling fourth round that saw dramatic upsets and compelling matches across the weekend.
When and How to Watch the Draw
The draw will commence at approximately 6:35pm GMT, occurring during the pre-match broadcast for the evening's fixture between non-league Macclesfield and Premier League side Brentford. The broadcast begins at 6:30pm GMT on TNT Sports 1, with additional live coverage available on discovery+ and the official TNT Sports YouTube channel.
Presenters Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist will oversee the event, while former England internationals Joe Cole and Karen Carney have been confirmed as the draw conductors. This ensures an experienced and knowledgeable team will guide the proceedings.
Confirmed Ball Numbers for the Draw
The following clubs have been assigned ball numbers for the fifth round draw, reflecting their progression through the competition:
- Liverpool
- Fulham
- Sunderland
- Southampton
- Wrexham
- Arsenal
- Chelsea
- West Ham United
- Mansfield Town
- Norwich City
- Port Vale or Bristol City
- Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Newcastle United
- Manchester City
- Macclesfield or Brentford
- Leeds United
Fourth Round Results and Context
The fourth round produced several notable outcomes, headlined by Macclesfield's historic victory over holders Crystal Palace, widely regarded as one of the greatest upsets in FA Cup history. This result has captured the imagination of football fans nationwide, with Macclesfield now preparing to host Brentford at Moss Rose.
Other significant results included Wrexham's 1-0 win against Ipswich Town, Mansfield Town's 2-1 triumph over Burnley, and Arsenal's commanding 4-0 victory against Wigan Athletic. The postponed match between Port Vale and Bristol City will determine the final participant in the draw.
Fifth Round Fixture Dates and Future Schedule
The fifth round matches are scheduled to be played around the weekend of Saturday 7 March 2026, with games likely to span from Friday to Monday depending on television selections. Looking further ahead, the quarter-finals are set for Saturday 4 April 2026, the semi-finals for Saturday 25 April 2026, and the final for Saturday 16 May 2026.
This draw represents a crucial moment in the competition, potentially pairing giants of English football with lower-league challengers in what promises to be an exciting continuation of FA Cup drama. Fans across the country will be eagerly tuning in to discover the matchups that will define the next stage of this historic tournament.
