Football fans across the country are set for a major fixture highlight as the draw for the prestigious FA Cup third round is confirmed. The event marks the moment when the giants of the Premier League and Championship enter the world's oldest cup competition, offering the potential for epic giant-killings.
When and Where to Watch the Draw
The FA Cup third-round draw is scheduled for Monday, 8 December 2025. It will be conducted live in the build-up to the final televised second-round match between Brackley Town and Burton Albion. Organisers typically begin the draw ceremony at approximately 6:45pm GMT, aiming to conclude before the evening's match kicks off at 7.30pm.
For viewers in the United Kingdom, exclusive live coverage will be provided by TNT Sports 1. The broadcaster holds the rights to both the draw and the concluding second-round tie. Supporters wishing to stream the event can do so via the Discovery+ platform. Additionally, the Football Association usually provides a free live stream on the official FA Cup social media channels and YouTube for those without a subscription.
Key Details for the Third Round
The magic of the cup truly begins in earnest in the new year. The third-round matches are slated for the weekend of Saturday, 10 January 2026. To accommodate broadcast schedules, fixtures will be spread from Thursday through to Monday, ensuring maximum coverage for fans.
This stage sees a total of 44 clubs from the Premier League and Championship join the competition. They will be drawn against the winners from the second round, which is guaranteed to include at least two teams from the sixth tier of English football, preserving the tournament's famous romance. Crystal Palace enter as the current holders, looking to defend the trophy they won in the previous season.
Anticipation Builds for Cup Magic
The draw invariably sparks dreams of glory for lower-league sides and anxiety for top-flight managers. It represents one of the most iconic dates in the English football calendar, where non-league minnows can land a life-changing tie against a global superpower. All eyes will be on the draw procedure to see which clubs are handed a favourable home tie and which face a daunting trip to a lower-division fortress.
As the football world remembers legendary figures like Chelsea's FA Cup winner Marvin Hinton, who recently passed away, the upcoming draw serves as a timely reminder of the competition's deep history and enduring capacity to create new heroes. The countdown to Monday's event is now firmly on.
