The Emirates FA Cup, the world's oldest national football competition, is back for its 2025/26 edition, promising another season of exhilarating knockout football. From the grassroots clubs dreaming of a giant-killing act to the Premier League heavyweights vying for silverware, the FA Cup captures the imagination like no other. This season, Crystal Palace enter as the defending champions, having lifted the coveted trophy last term.
But when exactly does the action unfold? Let's break down the key dates for the 2025/26 FA Cup journey.
Key Dates for the 2025/26 FA Cup Journey
The FA Cup is a marathon, not a sprint, starting with hundreds of clubs from across the English football pyramid before culminating in a grand finale at Wembley Stadium.
The Road Less Travelled: Qualifying Rounds (August - October 2025)
For many non-league and lower-division clubs, the FA Cup journey begins long before the Premier League giants even consider entering. These early rounds are the lifeblood of the competition, offering smaller clubs not only the chance for glory but also vital prize money.
Extra Preliminary Round: Saturday, August 2, 2025
Preliminary Round: Saturday, August 16, 2025
First Round Qualifying: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Second Round Qualifying: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Third Round Qualifying: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Fourth Round Qualifying: Saturday, October 11, 2025
These rounds are where the true "magic of the cup" often begins, with local derbies, passionate crowds, and the raw emotion of amateur and semi-professional football.
The Main Event: Competition Proper (November 2025 - May 2026)
Once the qualifying rounds conclude, the competition proper begins, with professional clubs joining the fray in stages.
First Round Proper: Saturday, November 1, 2025
This is when clubs from EFL League One and League Two enter the competition, adding another layer of professional quality to the mix.
Second Round Proper: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Third Round Proper: Saturday, January 10, 2026
This is the eagerly anticipated stage where the big guns arrive! All 20 Premier League clubs and the 24 EFL Championship teams join the competition, setting the stage for potential upsets and blockbuster clashes.
Fourth Round Proper: Saturday, February 14, 2026
Fifth Round Proper: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Quarter-Finals: Saturday, April 4, 2026
Semi-Finals: Saturday, April 25, 2026 (held at the iconic Wembley Stadium)
The Final: Saturday, May 16, 2026 (the grand showpiece event at Wembley Stadium)
Competition Structure and What's at Stake
The FA Cup is truly unique in its inclusivity, featuring over 700 teams from all levels of the English football pyramid. This expansive structure is what allows for the unpredictable nature of the tournament. Teams progress through the rounds, with the prize money increasing significantly at each stage, providing crucial financial boosts to smaller clubs.
Beyond the glory of lifting the trophy, there's a significant reward for the winner: a coveted spot in the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League group stage. This adds another layer of incentive for clubs, particularly those outside the traditional "top six" in the Premier League, to go all the way.
What to Expect from the 2025/26 FA Cup Season
The Enduring "Magic of the Cup": This is what makes the FA Cup so special. Expect thrilling upsets where lower-league teams, fueled by passion and home advantage, manage to knock out higher-ranked opponents. These moments create unforgettable memories for players and fans alike.
Intense Competition: From the first whistle of the Extra Preliminary Round to the final kick at Wembley, every match is a knockout. This "do or die" format leads to incredibly intense and dramatic encounters, often decided by fine margins or moments of individual brilliance.
Thrilling Matches and Dramatic Moments: The FA Cup consistently delivers. Whether it's a last-minute winner, a penalty shootout, or a stunning comeback, the competition is renowned for its capacity to produce edge-of-your-seat football.
Extensive Broadcast Coverage: Fans won't miss a moment, as the FA Cup receives comprehensive broadcast coverage. Key matches across various rounds, including the semi-finals and the grand final, will be televised by official broadcasters like BBC Sport and TNT Sports, ensuring that the drama is accessible to millions.
Conclusion
The 2025/26 FA Cup is more than just a football tournament; it's a national institution, a symbol of sporting dreams, and a testament to the enduring appeal of knockout football. With its rich history, diverse range of participating clubs, and the promise of unforgettable moments, the FA Cup is set to deliver another captivating season. So, get ready to cheer on your team, witness some incredible football, and experience the unique magic that only the FA Cup can provide.