FA Cup third-round draw in full as Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool learn their fates

Callum Vurley

By Callum Vurley


Published: 08/12/2025

- 20:22

The FA Cup third-round draw has taken place with Premier League clubs included

Crystal Palace will kick off their FA Cup defence against Macclesfield Town, who currently play in the sixth tier of English football.

The draw took place earlier today, with former England stars Joe Cole and Peter Crouch pulling the balls from the pot.


It's a fascinating tie for the holders, who'll be heavy favourites against their non-league opponents.

All 20 Premier League sides and 24 Championship clubs entered at this stage, alongside the winners from the second round.

Crystal Palace won the FA Cup last season in stunning fashion after beating Manchester City

Crystal Palace won the FA Cup last season in stunning fashion after beating Manchester City

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PA

Fans won't have long to wait for the action, with fixtures set to take place around the weekend of Saturday 10 January 2026.

Palace's triumph last season was truly historic, marking the club's first major trophy.

They secured the silverware with a 1-0 victory over Manchester City at Wembley back in May.

Eberechi Eze, who has since moved to Arsenal, netted the decisive goal in the first half to deny Pep Guardiola another piece of silverware.

Goalkeeper Dean Henderson was equally brilliant on the day, saving a penalty and producing several stunning stops to keep City at bay.

The FA Cup third round will commence the weekend of January 10

The FA Cup third round will commence the weekend of January 10

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PA

It was a memorable afternoon for Eagles supporters, and now they'll be hoping for another magical cup run this time around.

There's a twist to this year's competition that fans should know about – replays have been scrapped entirely.

If any match finishes level after 90 minutes, it'll head straight to extra-time and penalties to settle things on the day.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace won their first-ever trophy after winning the FA Cup

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GETTY

Macclesfield aren't the only non-league outfit dreaming of a giant-killing, either.

Boreham Wood from the National League made it through to the third round, along with Weston-super-Mare from the sixth tier.

Brackley Town could also join them if they manage to see off Burton Albion in their outstanding second-round tie.

FA Cup third round draw in full

Wolves vs Shrewsbury Town

Doncaster Rovers vs Southampton

Tottenham vs Aston Villa

Port Vale vs Fleetwood Town

Preston North End vs Wigan Athletic

The FA Cup is the oldest cup competition in football history

The FA Cup is the oldest cup competition in football history

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PA

Ipswich Town vs Blackpool

Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest

Charlton Athletic vs Chelsea

Manchester City vs Exeter City

West Ham United vs QPR

Sheffield Wednesday vs Brentford

Fulham vs Middlesbrough

Everton vs Sunderland

Liverpool vs Barnsley

Burnley vs Millwall

Norwich City vs Walsall

Portsmouth vs Arsenal

Derby County vs Leeds United

Swansea City vs West Brom

Salford City vs Swindon Town

Boreham Wood vs Brackley Town or Burton Albion

Grimsby Town vs Weston-super-Mare

Hull City vs Blackburn Rovers

Newcastle United vs Bournemouth

MK Dons vs Oxford United

Cheltenham Town vs Leicester City

Cambridge United vs Birmingham City

Bristol City vs Watford

Stoke City vs Coventry City

Macclesfield FC vs Crystal Palace

Manchester United vs Brighton

Sheffield United vs Mansfield Town