FA Cup 2025/26: Full Schedule and Round Dates Revealed
The magic of the FA Cup is set to return for the 2025/26 season, and fans across the country can start marking their calendars. The Football Association has officially confirmed the FA Cup dates 2025/26 for every round of the world’s oldest and most iconic cup competition — and there's plenty to look forward to.
As it has been the case in recent seasons, replays will not feature in any round. That means ties will be settled on the day with extra time and penalties if needed. This move is designed to ease fixture congestion and keep the season flowing smoothly, especially for clubs balancing multiple competitions.
Key FA Cup 2025/26 Dates
Qualifying Rounds
These early rounds give non-league and lower-tier clubs a chance to dream big and kick-start a memorable run. Here’s how the FA Cup dates 2025 26 fixtures timetable look for these stages:
- Extra Preliminary Round – Early August 2025
- Preliminary Round – Mid August 2025
- First Qualifying Round – Late August 2025
- Second Qualifying Round – Early September 2025
- Third Qualifying Round – Mid September 2025
- Fourth Qualifying Round – Late September 2025
First Round Proper to Final
This is where the big stories begin to unfold, especially when League One and League Two sides join the action. These are some of the most anticipated FA Cup dates 2025-26 for fans and clubs alike:
- First Round Proper – Weekend of 1–2 November 2025
- Second Round Proper – Weekend of 29–30 November 2025
The real excitement hits in January when Premier League and Championship teams enter the fray:
- Third Round Proper – Weekend of 10–11 January 2026
- Fourth Round Proper – Weekend of 31 January – 1 February 2026
- Fifth Round Proper – Midweek of 18–19 February 2026
- Quarter-Finals – Weekend of 14–15 March 2026
- Semi-Finals – Weekend of 18–19 April 2026
- The Final – Saturday, 23 May 2026
Whether you're tracking the FA Cup dates 2026, planning travel to see your team, or simply enjoying the matches from home, this FA Cup 2025 26 dates timetable gives you everything you need to follow the tournament from start to finish.
Note: All dates are subject to change depending on TV selections, club schedules, and any weather-related postponements.
TV Coverage and Fixture Spread
Recently fans have gotten used to FA Cup weekends stretching from Thursday to Monday, with just a handful of games kicking off at the traditional Saturday 3 PM slot. That format is expected to continue into the 2025/26 season, with broadcasters eager to showcase as many matches as possible.
Therefore, whether you're preparing for a matchday or simply enjoying the drama from home, be aware of the staggered kick-off times across the rounds in the 2025–26 FA Cup schedule.
Format and Rule Adjustments
One of the most significant changes in modern FA Cup history has been the removal of replays — and that rule stands again this season. Every match must produce a winner on the day. That means if it’s level after 90 minutes, extra time and possibly penalties will decide the outcome.
While this change has sparked some debate, especially among football purists who love a good old-fashioned replay, it's a necessary adjustment given how jam-packed the football calendar has become.
What’s at Stake?
While the official prize money breakdown for the 2025/26 season hasn’t been confirmed just yet, we can expect it to be similar to recent years. In the 2024/25 campaign, third-round winners earned around £115,000, while even losing teams took home £25,000 — not bad at all, especially for lower league or non-league sides.
Beyond the money, of course, there’s the glory — and the possibility of a place in European competition for the eventual winner.
