The draw for the 2025/26 FA Cup Quarter-Finals has delivered the ultimate heavyweight showdown. In a repeat of some of the greatest modern-day title races, Manchester City will host Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium in the marquee tie of the round.
The draw, conducted on Monday, by former West Ham stars Joe Cole and Joe Hart, has set the stage for a "final before the final" as the two most successful English clubs of the last decade fight for a spot at Wembley.
The Marquee Tie: Manchester City vs. Liverpool
Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot will meet for a high-stakes knockout clash that could define their respective seasons.
The Context: City secured their place with a dominant 3–1 win over Newcastle, while Liverpool earned their spot after a hard-fought 3–1 victory against Wolves.
The Venue: With the match being held at the Etihad, City will have the home advantage, but Liverpool’s cup pedigree under Slot has proven they are fearless on the road.
The Date: While the exact kickoff time is TBC, all quarter-final matches are scheduled for the weekend of April 4–5, 2026.
The Full Quarter-Final Draw
While the North-West derby takes the headlines, the rest of the draw offers a mix of Premier League battles and "Cinderella" stories.
| Home Team | vs | Away Team | Storyline |
| Manchester City | vs | Liverpool | The "Battle of the Titans" at the Etihad. |
| Southampton | vs | Arsenal | Championship side Saints look to topple the Gunners. |
| Chelsea | vs | Port Vale | League One "Giant-Killers" travel to Stamford Bridge. |
| West Ham | vs | Leeds United | An all-Premier League clash following the Hammers' penalty win. |
The Underdog Story: Port Vale’s Dream Continues
The most romantic tie of the round sees Port Vale—the lowest-ranked side left in the competition—rewarded for their historic win over Sunderland with a trip to face Chelsea. Sitting at the bottom of League One, Vale are fighting for survival in the league but find themselves just 90 minutes away from a historic Wembley semi-final.
Arsenal and West Ham’s Paths
Arsenal: Mikel Arteta’s men will be heavy favorites against Southampton, but the Saints have already proven they can handle top-flight opposition after knocking out Fulham on Sunday.
West Ham: Following a dramatic 5–3 penalty shootout win against Brentford on Monday night, the Hammers will host a struggling Leeds United side in what promises to be a tense, high-stakes encounter between two historic clubs.
Key Dates for Your Diary
Quarter-Final Weekend: Saturday, April 4 – Sunday, April 5, 2026.
Semi-Finals (Wembley): April 18–19, 2026.The Final (Wembley): Saturday, May 16, 2026.