FA Cup TV Schedule 2025/26: Coverage, Fixtures & How to Watch Live

The magic of the FA Cup never fades. Whether it’s a non-league side pulling off a giant-killing or a dramatic final at Wembley, this historic competition continues to deliver unforgettable football moments. With the 2025/26 season approaching, fans are already asking: where can we watch the games? Who’s showing the action? And how do we stream it live?

Here’s everything you need to know about the FA Cup TV coverage, 2025-26 FA Cup dates, schedule, and live streaming options for the 2025/26 campaign.

Who's Showing the FA Cup in the UK?

TNT Sports: The New Main Broadcaster

Starting from the 2025/26 season, TNT Sports takes over as the lead broadcaster of the FA Cup in the UK. They’ve struck a major deal with the FA, reportedly worth around £264 million, which gives them the rights to show the lion’s share of matches.

Here’s what TNT Sports FA Cup coverage will include:

• Live games from the First Round Proper all the way through to the Final
• Every match from the FA Cup 3rd Round 2026 onwards
• Full coverage of the semi-finals and final
• Additional behind-the-scenes features, pre-match build-ups, and post-game analysis

This means TNT Sports subscribers can expect wall-to-wall FA Cup action throughout the season—except, of course, for the 3pm Saturday games, which remain under the UK blackout rule.

BBC Sport: Free-to-Air Access Remains

Thankfully, for those without a TNT Sports subscription, the FA Cup will still be partially free to watch. BBC Sport has renewed its partnership with the FA and will continue offering select matches to a wider audience.

The BBC’s deal includes:

• Two live games per round until the quarter-finals
• One semi-final and the final shown live
• Highlights and clips via BBC Sport and BBC iPlayer

Such coverage keeps the FA Cup accessible to millions of viewers and ensures some of the biggest games are still available without needing a paid service.

FA Cup Coverage Around the World

The FA Cup isn’t just a UK obsession—it’s a global spectacle. Broadcasters across the world will be showing matches live or offering streaming options.

United States: ESPN+

In the U.S., fans can continue watching the FA Cup through ESPN+, which holds exclusive rights to the tournament.

• Over 75 matches per season available on ESPN+
• Access begins from the First Round Proper
• Expect select matches to be simulcast on ESPN2 or ESPN Deportes

Other Key Regions:

• Australia: Optus Sport is your go-to platform for full FA Cup coverage.
• Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport continues to offer live matches.
• Europe & Asia: Rights vary by country, but most major sports channels cover key matches.

For a full breakdown of global broadcasting partners, the FA’s official site will have an updated list closer to the season’s start.

Key Dates for the 2025/26 FA Cup

While exact matchdays are typically confirmed round by round, here’s a rough calendar to pencil in based on the FA Cup 2025 26 timetable:

• First Round Proper – Early November 2025
• FA Cup 3rd Round 2026 – First weekend of January 2026
• Fourth Round – Late January 2026
• Fifth Round – Mid-February 2026
• Quarter-finals – Mid-to-late March 2026
• Semi-finals – April 2026
• Final at Wembley – Mid-to-late May 2026

Each round typically features multiple live matches across TNT Sports and BBC platforms, with schedules released a few weeks before matchdays.

How to Watch and Stream

Here’s a quick summary of how you can tune in depending on where you are:

• TNT Sports (UK) – Available via BT TV, Sky, and Discovery+. Requires subscription.
• BBC iPlayer (UK) – Free streaming of selected matches and highlights.
• ESPN+ (USA) – Subscription-based platform offering comprehensive coverage.
• Optus Sport (Australia) – Paid service with live and on-demand content.
• Other countries – Check local listings or sports broadcasters closer to kickoff.

Make sure to check your device compatibility and have the appropriate apps downloaded to avoid missing out.