The world's oldest domestic cup competition returns this weekend with a significant change to its famous format. The FA Cup third round, where the Premier League and Championship giants enter the fray, will now proceed without the traditional replay system that has decided many historic ties.
End of an Era: FA Cup Replays Scrapped
In a major shift for the competition, drawn matches in the third round will no longer go to a replay. This marks the end of a long-standing tradition that often gave smaller clubs a lucrative second chance against elite opposition. The change has been implemented due to the expanding schedule of UEFA European competitions, including the Champions League and Europa League, which has left fewer available dates in the football calendar.
The new format is designed to ensure FA Cup rounds can be played exclusively on weekends, avoiding direct clashes with Premier League fixtures and easing the fixture congestion faced by clubs involved in Europe.
How Ties Will Be Decided: Extra Time & Penalties
So, what happens if a third-round match is level after 90 minutes? The updated regulations are clear. Teams will immediately proceed to play two 15-minute halves of extra time. If the score remains tied after a total of 120 minutes, the match will be decided by a penalty shootout on the day.
This move brings the FA Cup's latter stages in line with many other major knockout competitions, prioritising a decisive result and reducing the burden of additional midweek matches for all involved clubs.
Third Round 2026: Fixtures and Key Dates
The third round for the 2025-26 season is scheduled for the weekend of January 10, 2026. This stage sees the entry of all 20 Premier League clubs and the 24 teams from the EFL Championship, joining the winners from the second round.
The action kicks off on Friday night with four fixtures, including Wrexham vs. Nottingham Forest. A packed Saturday schedule features ties such as Manchester City vs. Exeter City, Newcastle United vs. AFC Bournemouth, and Tottenham Hotspur vs. Aston Villa. Sunday's highlights include Portsmouth vs. Arsenal and Manchester United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion. The round concludes on Monday with Liverpool hosting Barnsley.
This fundamental rule change signifies a new chapter for the FA Cup, balancing the competition's rich heritage with the modern demands of a congested football schedule. Fans can expect immediate, high-stakes drama from the very first match of the weekend.
