FA Cup Fifth Round Draw: Date, Time, Teams & How to Watch Live

The draw for the fifth round of the 2025-26 FA Cup is set to take place on Monday, February 16th, promising an intriguing glimpse into the potential path to Wembley for the remaining 16 teams. With several Premier League heavyweights still in contention alongside a handful of lower-league hopefuls, the draw will be closely watched by fans eager to see who will navigate the challenges ahead.

The draw is scheduled to begin at approximately 1:35 PM ET (6:35 PM GMT), coinciding with coverage of the fourth-round tie between Macclesfield and Brentford. This pairing, featuring a sixth-tier side hosting a Premier League opponent, underscores the FA Cup’s enduring appeal as a competition where David can genuinely challenge Goliath.

For those wishing to follow the draw live, several broadcast and streaming options are available. TNT Sports will carry the draw live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+, while in the United States, ESPN+ will provide streaming coverage. The draw will be freely accessible via the official TNT Sports YouTube channel and various social media platforms, ensuring broad accessibility for fans worldwide.

The teams vying for a place in the quarter-finals, arranged by ball number, are: Liverpool, Fulham, Sunderland, Southampton, Wrexham, Arsenal, Chelsea, West Ham United, Mansfield Town, Norwich City, Port Vale or Bristol City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Newcastle United, Manchester City, Macclesfield or Brentford, and Leeds United. The participation of Macclesfield and Bristol City remains contingent on the outcomes of their respective fourth-round matches.

The presence of Wrexham, representing the Championship, is a particularly compelling narrative. Their journey through the FA Cup has captured the imagination of fans, fueled by their Hollywood ownership and ambitious aspirations. Whether they can translate that momentum into a deep run in the competition remains to be seen, but their inclusion adds a unique dimension to the draw.

Several Premier League giants will be hoping for favorable draws. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool will all be keen to avoid potentially tricky ties against lower-league opposition, particularly those with a history of causing upsets in the FA Cup. The draw will inevitably shape the complexion of the competition, determining which teams are favored to progress and which face an uphill battle.

The fifth-round fixtures themselves are slated to be played across the weekend of March 7th and March 8th, with potential matches also scheduled for Friday, March 6th and Monday, March 9th. The scheduling will be influenced by television broadcast selections and logistical considerations.

The fourth round itself provided several notable results, setting the stage for an exciting fifth round. Wrexham’s victory over Ipswich Town, televised on BBC Wales and ESPN+, highlighted their growing stature within the English football pyramid. Other matches, including Chelsea’s win over Hull City and Liverpool’s victory against Brighton, showcased the quality and competitiveness of the Premier League sides still involved.

The FA Cup continues to hold a special place in the hearts of English football fans, offering a blend of tradition, drama, and the possibility of giant-killing upsets. The fifth-round draw represents a crucial step towards the final at Wembley, and the anticipation is already building as teams prepare to battle for a place in the last eight.

As the draw unfolds on Monday, fans will be analyzing the potential matchups, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each team, and speculating about the road to glory. The FA Cup, with its unpredictable nature and captivating storylines, is once again delivering on its promise of excitement and intrigue.