The FA Cup third round draw is coming up today as fans across the country gear up for what remains one of the annual highlights on the English football calendar.
Despite many attempting to continually downplay the significance of the world’s oldest club competition in the modern game, year after year it continues to prove that reports over its demise have been greatly exaggerated.
Nowhere is that clearer than in the third round, where Premier League and Championship clubs all join the party to create some true David vs Goliath ties and inevitable thrilling upsets that will live long in the memory.
This season should be no different, with 38 teams fighting it out across 19 total games in the second round this weekend in the hope of landing a truly plum tie thereafter. There is still one more to come too after the draw.
The ‘magic of the cup’ has already been on show with sixth-tier Weston-super-Mare reaching the third round for the first time in their history. They are joined by fellow non-league side Macclesfield.
When is the FA Cup third round draw?
Proceedings will be held ahead of the final second round meeting between National League side Brackley Town and third-tier Burton Albion at St James Park, with a start time of approximately 6:40pm GMT.
Joe Cole and Peter Crouch will be drawing the teams.
Where to watch FA Cup third round draw
TV channel: In the UK, coverage of the draw is available live before Brackley vs Burton, live on TNT Sports 1.
Live stream: You can also follow along online via the Discovery+ app and website with a subscription, as well as on the TNT Sports YouTube channel.
Live blog: Follow the draw as it happens on Monday evening with Standard Sport’s live blog.
FA Cup third round ball numbers
7. Brighton & Hove Albion
43. Wolverhampton Wanderers
58. Brackley Town or Burton Albion
When will FA Cup third round ties take place?
Third round matches are scheduled to be held across the weekend of January 10-11, 2026.
