Emirates FA Cup Quarter-Final draw details
Emirates FA Cup Quarter-Final draw details
The magic of the FA Cup continues as the competition reaches its business end, with the remaining teams just one step away from a trip to Wembley Stadium. Following a series of dramatic fifth-round encounters that saw giants hold firm and underdogs make history, fans across the globe are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the final eight pairings. This guide provides everything you need to know about the upcoming proceedings, including confirmed participants, broadcast information, and the crucial ball numbers that will determine the next chapter of this season's tournament.
The Emirates FA Cup Quarter-Final draw will take place on Monday, March 9, 2026, at approximately 7:05 pm GMT. The draw will be held live at the London Stadium prior to the final fifth-round match between West Ham United and Brentford. Fans in the UK can watch the event live on TNT Sports 1 or stream it for free via the TNT Sports and Emirates FA Cup YouTube channels. The eight remaining teams, including confirmed sides like Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City, will be assigned ball numbers 1 through 8 for the unseeded draw.
When and Where the Draw Happens
In keeping with tradition, the Football Association has scheduled the quarter-final draw to take place before the conclusion of the fifth round. This strategic timing serves to heighten the stakes for the final televised match of the stage. The event is set for Monday, March 9, 2026. The venue for this high-stakes ceremony is the London Stadium, the home of West Ham United.
The proceedings are expected to commence at roughly 7:05 pm GMT (2:05 pm ET). This timing places the draw firmly within the pre-match coverage of the West Ham vs. Brentford tie, ensuring a massive global audience is tuned in as the balls are drawn from the iconic velvet bag.
Confirmed Teams in the Hat
The fifth round has already delivered a blend of expected dominance and shocking upsets. As of now, seven of the eight spots have been filled. Premier League heavyweights have largely navigated their way through, but the presence of lower-league representation ensures the "magic of the cup" remains alive.
- Southampton: Secured their place with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham.
- Port Vale: The story of the round, the League One side stunned Premier League Sunderland with a 1-0 win to reach their first quarter-final since 1954.
- Manchester City: The reigning champions' challengers overcame Newcastle United 3-1 to keep their silverware hopes alive.
- Leeds United: Comfortably dispatched Norwich City with a 3-0 scoreline.
- Arsenal: Advanced after a 2-1 victory over Mansfield Town, reaching the last eight for the first time in six years.
- Liverpool: The Reds were the first to qualify, beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1 at Molineux.
- Chelsea: Needed extra time to overcome a resilient Wrexham side in a 4-2 thriller.
Ball Numbers for the Quarter-Final Draw
The FA has officially released the ball numbers for the draw. Since the draw takes place before the West Ham vs. Brentford match concludes, the final ball represents the winner of that specific tie. The numbers are as follows:
| Ball Number | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Southampton |
| 2 | Port Vale |
| 3 | Manchester City |
| 4 | Leeds United |
| 5 | Arsenal |
| 6 | Liverpool |
| 7 | Chelsea |
| 8 | West Ham United or Brentford |
How to Watch the Draw Live
For supporters wanting to catch every second of the action, there are several viewing options available. In the United Kingdom, TNT Sports 1 holds the primary broadcasting rights for this stage and will carry the draw live as part of their Monday Night Football presentation. Subscribers can also access the stream via the discovery+ app on various mobile devices and smart TVs.
For those without a paid subscription, the FA usually provides a free-to-air alternative. The draw is typically live-streamed on the official Emirates FA Cup YouTube channel and the TNT Sports Football YouTube channel. This global accessibility allows fans from every corner of the world to discover their team's fate in real-time.
The Selection Process and Hosts
The draw will be conducted by a panel of well-known footballing figures. For the 2025-26 quarter-final draw, veteran broadcasters Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist are set to host the segment. The physical act of drawing the balls will be handled by former England, Manchester City, and Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart.
It is important to note that the FA Cup draw remains unseeded. This means there are no protections for the "big six" clubs; any team can be drawn against any other. This format frequently results in "Final-caliber" matches occurring in the earlier rounds, such as a potential North London Derby or a clash between the current top two in the Premier League table.
Prize Money and Incentives
While the prestige of the trophy is the primary motivator, the financial rewards for progressing are significant, especially for clubs outside the Premier League's elite. Teams that emerge victorious in their quarter-final ties will receive a prize fund payment of £477,000 from the FA. For a club like Port Vale, these funds can be transformative, providing capital for stadium infrastructure, youth academy development, or future transfer windows.
In addition to the direct prize money, clubs benefit from shared gate receipts and increased television broadcast fees as the matches move to standalone time slots. Progression to the semi-finals also guarantees a match at Wembley Stadium, which provides its own unique set of commercial opportunities.
Scheduled Dates for the Quarter-Finals
Once the pairings are decided on Monday night, the FA and broadcasters will coordinate to set the specific fixture dates. The quarter-final round is officially scheduled for the weekend of Saturday, April 4, and Sunday, April 5, 2026. Typically, two matches are played on each day to maximize television coverage.
Fans should be aware that these fixtures often necessitate changes to the Premier League schedule. League matches originally set for that weekend involving the eight successful quarter-finalists will be postponed to a later date in the season, often creating "Double Gameweeks" for fantasy football managers and a congested run-in for the teams involved.
The Road to Wembley: Final Rounds
The quarter-final winners will move into the semi-finals, which are traditionally held at Wembley Stadium over a single weekend in late April. This season, the semi-finals are earmarked for Saturday, April 25, 2026. Following that, the winners will return to the national stadium for the showpiece Final on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Notably, replays have been completely removed from the competition proper starting from the 2024-25 season. This means all quarter-final ties will be decided on the night. If the scores are level after 90 minutes, the matches will proceed to 30 minutes of extra time, followed by a penalty shootout if a winner still hasn't been determined.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the FA Cup quarter-final draw?
The draw is scheduled to begin at approximately 7:05 pm GMT on Monday, March 9, 2026.
Where can I watch the FA Cup draw for free?
You can watch the draw for free on the official Emirates FA Cup and TNT Sports YouTube channels.
Which ball number is Arsenal in the draw?
Arsenal has been assigned ball number 5 for the quarter-final draw.
When will the FA Cup quarter-final matches be played?
The matches are scheduled for the weekend of April 4 and April 5, 2026.
Are there replays in the FA Cup quarter-finals?
No, replays have been abolished. Matches level after 90 minutes will go to extra time and penalties.
Conclusion
The upcoming Emirates FA Cup Quarter-Final draw represents a pivotal moment in the domestic football calendar. With powerhouses like Manchester City and Liverpool still in the mix alongside the fairytale story of Port Vale, the potential for iconic matchups is higher than ever. As Monday night approaches, all eyes will be on the London Stadium to see which paths are forged toward the historic final in May. Whether you are a die-hard supporter or a neutral observer of the beautiful game, the reveal of these fixtures is an event not to be missed.
Emirates FA Cup Quarter-Final draw details
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