The famous FA Cup third round faces a major battle with the elements this weekend as the brutal aftermath of Storm Goretti threatens to decimate the football schedule. The first casualty has already been confirmed, with Salford City's home tie against Swindon Town postponed due to a frozen pitch.
Storm Goretti's Icy Grip on Football
A rare red weather warning for dangerous winds has been just one feature of a storm that has brought travel chaos, school closures, and power cuts to tens of thousands across the UK. Sub-zero temperatures and persistent snow and ice warnings have created a nightmare scenario for ground staff up and down the country.
Their task is to provide a safe playing surface, but for Salford City, the fight was lost early. The club released a statement confirming the postponement, detailing extensive efforts to save the game. Protective sheets had covered the pitch for weeks and heat lamps were deployed, but sections remained frozen solid.
The early call was made in conjunction with the FA and Swindon Town to prevent unnecessary travel for fans. This proactive approach highlights the severity of the conditions facing all clubs this weekend.
Financial Stakes and Further Disruption
The third round represents a significant financial milestone for clubs. Every one of the 64 teams still competing is guaranteed a payment from the competition's prize fund, whether they win or lose. The stakes are raised further for televised matches, with an extra £80,000 for linear broadcasts and £40,000 for games streamed on discovery+.
The weather's impact extends beyond the FA Cup. The FA Trophy has also seen disruption, with Kidderminster Harriers' match against Morecambe postponed following a Friday pitch inspection. The Aggborough Stadium surface was waterlogged from rain and snow before the deep freeze set in, leaving 'no prospect of the pitch being playable' for Saturday. That match is now scheduled for Tuesday, 13 January.
Full Fixture List Under Threat
All eyes will now be on pitch inspections across the UK. The full schedule of FA Cup third-round fixtures for the weekend of 9-12 January 2026 is as follows, with the confirmed postponement marked.
Friday 9 January 2026
19:30: Milton Keynes Dons v. Oxford United
19:30: Port Vale v. Fleetwood Town
19:30: Preston North End v. Wigan Athletic
19:30: Wrexham v. Nottingham Forest
Saturday 10 January 2026
12:15: Cheltenham Town v. Leicester City
12:15: Everton v. Sunderland
12:15: Macclesfield v. Crystal Palace
12:15: Wolverhampton Wanderers v. Shrewsbury Town
15:00: Boreham Wood v. Burton Albion
15:00: Burnley v. Millwall
15:00: Doncaster Rovers v. Southampton
15:00: Fulham v. Middlesbrough
15:00: Ipswich Town v. Blackpool
15:00: Manchester City v. Exeter City
15:00: Newcastle United v. AFC Bournemouth
15:00: Salford City v. Swindon Town - POSTPONED
15:00: Sheffield Wednesday v. Brentford
15:00: Stoke City v. Coventry City
17:45: Bristol City v. Watford
17:45: Cambridge United v. Birmingham City
17:45: Tottenham Hotspur v. Aston Villa
17:45: Grimsby Town v. Weston Super Mare
20:00: Charlton Athletic v. Chelsea
Sunday 11 January 2026
12:00: Derby County v. Leeds United
14:00: Portsmouth v. Arsenal
14:30: Hull City v. Blackburn Rovers
14:30: Norwich City v. Walsall
14:30: Sheffield United v. Mansfield Town
14:30: Swansea City v. West Bromwich Albion
14:30: West Ham United v. Queens Park Rangers
16:30: Manchester United v. Brighton & Hove Albion
Monday 12 January 2026
19:45: Liverpool v. Barnsley
As Storm Goretti continues to bite, clubs, fans, and officials face an anxious wait to see if the magic of the cup can overcome the fierce winter weather. Further postponements are considered highly likely.
