The FA Cup quarter-final draw is poised to set the stage for some thrilling encounters as the competition's fifth-round matches unfold this weekend. Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester City, both still in contention across four tournaments this season, are among the heavyweights vying for a spot in the last eight. Their Carabao Cup final at Wembley looms in just a few weeks, but all eyes are now on whether managers Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola can steer their sides through the FA Cup as well.
Key Fifth-Round Fixtures and Storylines
Arsenal will make the trip to face League One underdogs Mansfield Town on Saturday, while Manchester City travel to Newcastle United. The Magpies, under Eddie Howe, are also fighting on multiple fronts this season and are desperate to clinch their first FA Cup title since 1955. In other notable matches, Liverpool seek redemption against Wolves after a recent 2-1 Premier League defeat at Molineux, and Wrexham, backed by their Hollywood owners, host Chelsea following their impressive fifth-round victory over Nottingham Forest.
When and How to Watch the Draw
The FA Cup fifth-round draw is scheduled for Monday 9 March 2026, preceding the West Ham versus Brentford match. It is expected to be broadcast live on TNT Sports during the pre-game coverage. Ball numbers for the draw will be confirmed by the Football Association, likely on Sunday 8 March, ahead of the event.
Full Fifth-Round TV Schedule
- Friday 6 March: Wolves v Liverpool, live on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+, BBC One and iPlayer at 20:00
- Saturday 7 March: Mansfield Town v Arsenal at 12:15, Wrexham v Chelsea at 17:45, and Newcastle United v Man City at 20:00, all on TNT Sports channels and discovery+, with select matches on BBC One and iPlayer
- Sunday 8 March: Fulham v Southampton at 12:00, Port Vale v Sunderland at 13:30, and Leeds United v Norwich City at 16:30, all on TNT Sports channels and discovery+
- Monday 9 March: West Ham United v Brentford at 19:30 on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+
Upcoming FA Cup Match-Days
Looking ahead, the quarter-finals are set to begin on Saturday 4 April 2026, followed by the semi-finals from Saturday 25 April 2026. The grand final will take place on Saturday 16 May 2026, promising a climax to what has already been a captivating tournament.
