FA Cup Third Round Draw: Premier League Giants Clash and Underdogs Dream

Get ready for intense battles, local rivalries, and unforgettable upsets in the 2025-26 Emirates FA Cup.

The magic of the Emirates FA Cup is officially in full swing. The highly anticipated third-round draw for the 2025-26 season took place on Monday, December 8, setting the stage for a weekend of classic football drama. Consequently, with the entry of all Premier League and EFL Championship clubs, the competition has intensified, producing a thrilling mix of heavyweight battles, fierce local derbies, and potential fairy-tale matchups. Football fans across the globe can now look forward to an action-packed weekend of cup football.

All-Premier League Heavyweights Collide

The draw immediately served up several mouth-watering ties between England’s top-flight teams. These fixtures ensure that some big names will exit the competition early. Tottenham Hotspur are set to host Aston Villa in a clash of titans, while Manchester United will face a tough test at home against Brighton & Hove Albion. These all-Premier League encounters bring a level of intensity and quality that is usually reserved for the later rounds. Therefore, they are must-watch games for any neutral supporter.

Local Bragging Rights on the Line

Derbies always add extra spice to the FA Cup, and this year’s draw did not disappoint. In the capital, several London-based clashes are scheduled, including Charlton Athletic taking on Chelsea and West Ham United hosting Queens Park Rangers. In addition, Wolverhampton Wanderers will face nearby Shrewsbury Town, a fixture that promises a passionate atmosphere. These regional rivalries are often where the true spirit of the cup shines brightest, as local pride is at stake.

Stylized image of Charlton Athletic and Chelsea crests clashing ahead of their London derby in the FA Cup third round.

The Magic of the Cup: Giant-Killings in the Making?

Of course, the FA Cup is renowned for its incredible underdog stories. This round has presented several opportunities for “giant-killings,” where lower-league teams defy the odds to defeat a top-tier opponent. The most compelling of these sees the cup holders, Crystal Palace, traveling to non-league Macclesfield FC. This is the kind of David vs. Goliath story that makes the FA Cup so special. Elsewhere, Manchester City will host Exeter City, and Liverpool will welcome Barnsley, both ties where the smaller clubs will dream of causing a historic upset.

Abstract graphic of a large football and a small, glowing lime green football, representing the giant-killing potential in the FA Cup.

Key Fixtures and Match Details

The third-round proper ties are scheduled to be played across the weekend of Saturday, January 10, and Sunday, January 11, 2026. While the full schedule will be confirmed soon, here are some of the standout ties from the draw:

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Shrewsbury Town
Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa
Charlton Athletic v Chelsea
Manchester City v Exeter City
West Ham United v Queens Park Rangers
Liverpool v Barnsley
Portsmouth v Arsenal
Macclesfield FC v Crystal Palace
Manchester United v Brighton & Hove Albion

See the full draw on The FA’s official website.

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Conclusion

The FA Cup third-round draw has delivered a perfect blend of high-profile clashes, heated rivalries, and the potential for unforgettable underdog triumphs. From Premier League showdowns to the prospect of non-league heroes, the stage is set for a memorable weekend of football in January. As teams prepare for their cup journeys, fans everywhere will be eagerly awaiting the drama, passion, and unique magic that only the Emirates FA Cup can provide.