The FA Cup first round draw takes place tonight, with non-league clubs hoping to cause upsets against EFL opposition. The draw for the 2026/27 Emirates FA Cup will be held on Monday October 19, 2026, with television coverage starting at 6:30pm BST and the draw itself expected to begin at approximately 6:35pm.
Matt Smith will host proceedings, with the draw conducted by Martin Keown and Fara Williams.
How to watch the FA Cup first round draw
The draw will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1, with coverage beginning at 6:30pm. TNT Sports subscribers can watch it live online via the HBO Max app, while TNT Sports are also streaming it on their official YouTube channel. Standard Sport's live blog will also follow the draw as it happens.
Teams from the Premier League and the Championship do not enter the FA Cup until the third round in January.
Non-league clubs eyeing upsets
Four clubs have reached the first round proper for the first time ever: AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Berkhamsted, Plymouth Parkway and Sholing. Wimborne Town and Guiseley have also made it through.
Last season saw shocks aplenty, with holders Crystal Palace dumped out by sixth-tier Macclesfield. Boreham Wood, Brackley, Carlisle and Gateshead were among the biggest winners of the first round as they scored wins over EFL opposition, while Chelmsford, Slough and Weston-super-Mare also took out teams from higher divisions.
Ball numbers and first round dates
The 80 ball numbers include League One and League Two clubs such as Leicester City, Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield Town, alongside non-league sides like Harborough Town and Marine.
Matches in the FA Cup first round will be held across and around the weekend of November 7/8, 2026.
