When Was the FA Cup 4th Round Draw for 2026?

Key Insights from the Draw

• The draw took place at Anfield ahead of the Liverpool versus Barnsley third-round match.
• Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist presented the broadcast for TNT Sports.
• Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole were tasked with drawing the ball numbers.
• The 32 teams were split into two pots for the draw.
• Several high-profile ties emerged, including Hull City against Chelsea and Arsenal hosting Wigan Athletic.
• Fourth-round matches are scheduled for the weekend of 14–15 February 2026, with replays possible where required.
• Clubs from League Two and the National League, such as Port Vale and Wrexham, secured their places in the draw after notable third-round results.

Snapshot Facts of the Fourth Round

What Were the Key Fixtures and Results of the FA Cup 4th Round?

Notable Matchups from the Draw

The fourth round produced several standout ties. Arsenal were drawn at home against Wigan Athletic, while Hull City faced a daunting trip from Chelsea. One of the most intriguing matchups saw Wrexham, fresh from their third-round victory, pitted against Ipswich Town. Port Vale continued their cup run with a home tie against Bristol City. Stoke City were drawn against Fulham, and Birmingham City faced Leeds United in a tie that would go to penalties.

Fourth Round Results Summary

Matches were played predominantly on 14 and 15 February 2026, with some ties extending beyond this window due to scheduling. Notable results include Wrexham 1-0 Ipswich Town, Hull City 0-4 Chelsea, and Arsenal 4-0 Wigan Athletic. Burnley suffered a home defeat to Mansfield Town, losing 1-2, while Southampton secured a 2-1 victory over Leicester City. Birmingham City and Leeds United drew 1-1, with Leeds advancing after winning 4-2 on penalties. Port Vale edged Bristol City 1-0, and Stoke City fell 1-2 to Fulham.

How Was the FA Cup 4th Round Draw Accessed by Fans?

Television and Streaming Coverage

In the United Kingdom, the draw was broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and streamed on Discovery+. The TNT Sports YouTube channel also carried the draw live. This provided multiple access points for supporters wanting to follow the proceedings from Anfield. International viewers could check local broadcasters for availability. Coverage of the Fa Cup Games on TV – UK Schedule BBC TNT Sports 2025/26 provides further details on which matches were selected for broadcast during the season.

Ticket Information for the Ties

Ticketing for the fourth round was managed by the home club for each respective tie. There is no single central ticket sale from The FA for this round. Supporters were advised to monitor the official website of their club for sale dates, pricing, and allocation details. The FA’s official ticket portal may offer some availability, but primary distribution runs through the participating clubs. Specific ticket prices and sale procedures for the 2025-26 fourth round vary by venue and opponent, and were confirmed by clubs after the draw.

FA Cup 2025-26: Full Schedule of Remaining Rounds

The FA Cup continues through the spring, with the fifth round, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final all scheduled. The Emirates FA Cup round dates from The FA confirm the season schedule. The fifth round proper is set for Saturday 7 March 2026. The quarter-finals will take place on Saturday 4 April 2026. The semi-finals are scheduled for Saturday 25 April 2026, with the final taking place on Saturday 16 May 2026 at Wembley Stadium. The draw for the fifth round typically occurs shortly after the fourth round matches are completed.

Timeline of Key FA Cup 2025-26 Events

1. August 2025: Qualifying rounds of the FA Cup begin.
2. 10 January 2026: Third Round Proper matches are played.
3. 12 January 2026: Fourth Round Proper draw takes place at Anfield.
4. 14–15 February 2026: Fourth Round Proper matches are scheduled.
5. 7 March 2026: Fifth Round Proper matches are scheduled.
6. 4 April 2026: Quarter-Final matches are scheduled.
7. 25 April 2026: Semi-Final matches are scheduled at Wembley Stadium.
8. 16 May 2026: FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.

What Information Is Confirmed and What Is Still Pending?

The Significance of the FA Cup Fourth Round

The fourth round of the FA Cup has traditionally been the stage where Premier League teams enter the competition, although the current structure brings top-flight clubs in during the third round. By the fourth round, the field is often a mix of established top-tier sides and lower-league giant killers. The 2025-26 draw continued this tradition, with League Two Port Vale and National League Wrexham both featuring prominently after winning their third-round ties. The Emirates sponsorship, which began in the 2015-16 season, remains in place for this edition of the competition.

For smaller clubs, reaching the fourth round can provide significant financial benefits from television revenue and gate receipts. The draw at Anfield also highlighted the competition’s connection to historic venues, with the home of Liverpool FC serving as the backdrop for the proceedings.

Official Statements on the Fourth Round Draw

“The draw for the Emirates FA Cup fourth round proper of 2025-26 has been made…”

The Football Association, official announcement (12 January 2026)

“The draw took place on Monday January 12, 2026. Among the standout ties were the game…”

Goal.com roundup article (January 2026)

Full confirmation of the ball numbers and tie details is available on The FA’s official Fourth Round Proper draw article. A comprehensive guide to the draw, fixtures, and results for the entire tournament is maintained by Goal.com’s FA Cup 2025-26 guide. Broadcast coverage details for the competition are available via BBC Sport’s FA Cup page and ITV Sport’s FA Cup coverage.

Summary: Looking Ahead After the Draw

With the fourth round draw complete, attention now turns to the matches themselves. Clubs will finalise their preparations for the weekend of 14 February 2026. Fans should monitor official club channels for ticket details and match timings. The fifth round draw will follow the conclusion of the fourth round ties, continuing the road to Wembley. For a detailed look at one of the standout matches from the round, read about the Portsmouth vs West Brom – Dominant 3-0 Win at Fratton Park.

Frequently Asked Questions About the FA Cup 4th Round Draw 2026