FA Cup Fifth-Round Draw: Key Details on Timing, TV Coverage, and Ball Numbers

The FA Cup continues to captivate football fans this weekend as top-tier clubs and underdogs battle to advance to the prestigious fifth round of the competition. All attention is focused on the thrilling matchups, including potential giant-killing acts and high-stakes clashes that could reshape the tournament's landscape.

When is the FA Cup Fifth-Round Draw?

The highly anticipated fifth-round draw is scheduled for Monday, 16 February 2026. It is expected to occur just before the kickoff of Macclesfield's tie against Brentford, which begins at 7:30 PM GMT. The draw will be broadcast live, starting at approximately 6:35 PM GMT, as part of the pre-match coverage that commences at 6:30 PM GMT.

How to Watch the FA Cup Draw on TV

Football enthusiasts can catch the FA Cup fifth-round draw live on multiple platforms. The event will be televised on TNT Sports 1, with additional streaming options available on discovery+ and the TNT Sports YouTube channel. This ensures fans have flexible viewing choices to follow every moment of the draw as it unfolds.

FA Cup Fifth-Round Match Dates

The fifth round of the FA Cup is set to take place around the weekend of Saturday, 7 March 2026. Matches are likely to be spread from Friday to Monday, depending on television scheduling selections. This scheduling allows for maximum coverage and audience engagement across the tournament's critical stages.

FA Cup Ball Numbers for the Draw

The specific ball numbers for the fifth-round draw have not yet been officially confirmed. However, they will be announced in due course, providing clarity for clubs and supporters alike as they await the random selection process that determines the next round's fixtures.

Upcoming FA Cup Fixtures and Key Matches

This weekend's fourth-round ties promise excitement and drama, with several notable clashes on the horizon. Highlights include an all-Premier League encounter between Brighton and Liverpool, as well as a match between Aston Villa and Newcastle. Manchester City will host neighbours Salford City after a dominant performance against Exeter City, while Wigan travels to face Arsenal, whose ambitions for a quadruple remain intact.

Macclesfield, the National League North side, continues its fairy-tale run after a historic upset against defending champions Crystal Palace. Their upcoming match against Brentford on Monday night is poised to be a focal point, potentially adding another chapter to their remarkable cup journey.