The draw for the first round of the FA Cup takes place tonight.
Non-league hopefuls up and down the country have been battling it out for weeks now in a bid to reach the competition proper and hope of landing a plum tie against opponents from either League One or League Two.
While Premier League and Championship clubs still do not enter the fray until the third round of world football’s oldest club competition, there are still plenty of high-profile opponents awaiting.
62 clubs were involved over the weekend in the fourth qualifying round, which was split geographically into northern and southern sections and several replays now needed on Tuesday.
The lowest-ranked side left in contention are eighth-tier Maldon & Tiptree of the Isthmian League North Division, after they overcame Flackwell Heath thanks to a goal from former West Ham forward Freddie Sears.
When is the FA Cup first round draw?
The draw for the first round proper of the 2025/26 FA Cup takes place today on Monday October 13, 2025, before Worthing host Robbie Savage’s National League leaders Forest Green Rovers in the fourth stage of qualifying at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium.
Proceedings are due to begin at approximately 6:40pm BST, with host Becky Ives joined for the draw by former West Ham forward Michail Antonio and ex-Crystal Palace stalwart Joel Ward.
Where to watch FA Cup first round draw
TV channel: The FA Cup draw is being shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 ahead of Worthing vs Forest Green Rovers, coverage of which begins at 6:30pm for a 7:30pm kick-off.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also watch the draw live online via the Discovery+ app and website. Live coverage is also available through the TNT Sports YouTube page.
When will FA Cup first round matches take place?
First round games are scheduled to take place across the weekend of November 1/2, 2025.
FA Cup first round ball numbers
51. Gainsborough Trinity or Hartlepool United
62. Altrincham or Harborough Town
63. Worthing or Forest Green Rovers
65. Woking or Brackley Town
76. Banbury United or St Albans City
78. AFC Totton or Truro City
80. Farnham Town or Sutton United
