The draw for the fifth round of the 2025/2026 Emirates FA Cup has been completed, setting the stage for a series of compelling matchups, including high-profile clashes between Newcastle United and Manchester City, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Liverpool. The draw, conducted in London on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, featured 18 teams vying for a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.
Notably, ten of the teams remaining in the FA Cup represent the Premier League, with three from the Championship and one from League One. This indicates the continued dominance of top-flight clubs in the early stages of the tournament, though lower-league sides still have opportunities to make a mark. The fifth round fixtures are scheduled to accept place between March 7-8, 2026, with a new format eliminating replays – meaning any ties will be decided through extra time or a penalty shootout.
Premier League Powerhouses Clash
The standout tie of the round sees Newcastle United hosting Manchester City. Both teams are currently competing at the highest level of English football, making this a particularly intriguing encounter. Manchester City, consistently a title contender in the Premier League, will be looking to advance in the FA Cup while facing a tough test against Newcastle.
Liverpool will also face a challenging home tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Wolverhampton Wanderers, also a Premier League side, will undoubtedly provide a stern test for Jürgen Klopp’s team as they continue their pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts.
Upsets and Intriguing Matchups
Beyond the Premier League clashes, the draw also produced some potentially captivating encounters. Arsenal will travel to face Mansfield Town, the sole remaining League One representative in the competition. This represents a significant opportunity for Mansfield Town to cause a major upset against one of England’s traditional giants. Chelsea will face Championship side Wrexham, a match that is sure to draw significant attention.
Other ties include Fulham versus Southampton, Leeds United versus Norwich City, and West Ham United versus either Macclesfield or Brentford. The full draw is as follows:
- Fulham vs Southampton
- Port Vale/Bristol City vs Sunderland
- Newcastle United vs Manchester City
- Leeds United vs Norwich City
- Mansfield Town vs Arsenal
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Liverpool
- Wrexham vs Chelsea
- West Ham United vs Macclesfield/Brentford
The @EmiratesFACup fifth round draw 🏆
FA Cup Format Changes
The decision to eliminate replays in the fifth round is a notable change to the traditional FA Cup format. This adjustment aims to alleviate fixture congestion and provide a more streamlined path to the quarter-finals. The FA Cup, founded in 1871, remains the oldest national football competition in the world, as detailed on Wikipedia. The change reflects a broader effort to modernize the competition while preserving its historic significance.
The upcoming round of matches promises excitement and drama as teams battle for a place in the last eight. With a mix of Premier League powerhouses and lower-league hopefuls, the FA Cup continues to deliver captivating moments for football fans across the country. Fans can find the full 2026 Premier League schedule on ESPN.
The matches scheduled for March 7-8, 2026, will be crucial for each team’s ambitions in the competition. The elimination of replays adds an extra layer of intensity, as every match will be decided on the day. Follow archyde.com for continued coverage of the FA Cup and all the latest developments in the world of football.