Oxford vs Sunderland: FA Cup Fourth Round – Kick-Off & Team News

Oxford United and Sunderland Battle to FA Cup Fifth Round After Pitch Inspection Drama

Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium played host to a tense FA Cup fourth-round tie against Sunderland on Sunday, February 15, 2026, with the match proceeding only after two pitch inspections due to persistent heavy rainfall. Sunderland ultimately advanced to the fifth round, overcoming a determined Oxford side.

The Black Cats, having previously dispatched Everton on penalties in the third round, travelled to Oxfordshire facing a Championship opponent and challenging weather conditions. Concerns over the state of the pitch grew throughout the morning, with heavy rainfall raising doubts about the match’s viability. A first inspection at 11:00 am gave the green light for play, but with a scheduled kick-off time of 2:00 pm, the situation remained precarious.

Reports from Oxford indicated that referee Thomas Kirk would continue to monitor conditions, as rain continued to fall. A further inspection took place at 1:00 pm, and the game was given the go-ahead, though the surface was described as “very heavy” with “wet patches along the touchline” and in one of the goalmouths. Both teams were permitted to warm up on the surface before the match began.

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris fielded a strong starting XI, making six changes from the side that faced Liverpool. Le Bris had previously acknowledged the need to balance squad rotation with the desire to progress in the FA Cup, stating, “We’ll probably adjust the squad, but it will be important to go strong. I think the schedule won’t be too busy during this second part of the season. It’s possible to combine both.”

The Sunderland lineup featured Roefs in goal, with a defense of Hume, Mukiele, O’Nien, and Cirkin. The midfield comprised Geertruida, Le Fee, and Diarra, while Talbi, Mundle, and Isidor led the attack. The bench included Ellborg, Sadiki, Jocelin, Rigg, Angulo, Brobbey, Jenson Jones, Whittaker, and Mayenda.

The match itself was a hard-fought contest, played out on a surface that increasingly impacted the quality of play. While details of the match’s progression are not available, Sunderland ultimately secured their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup, according to reports. The victory continues their cup run and provides a boost as they navigate their Premier League campaign.

The challenging conditions at the Kassam Stadium highlighted the unpredictable nature of the FA Cup and the resilience required to succeed in the competition. The pitch inspections added an extra layer of drama to the occasion, underscoring the importance of ground staff and match officials in ensuring the safety and fairness of the game.

For Oxford United, the defeat marks the end of their FA Cup journey for this season. However, their performance against a Premier League opponent demonstrated their competitive spirit and potential for future success. Manager Matt Bloomfield will likely focus on league duties as the season progresses.

Sunderland’s victory sets up an intriguing fifth-round tie, with the Black Cats aiming to continue their cup run and potentially challenge for silverware. The team will undoubtedly analyze their performance against Oxford United and prepare for their upcoming fixtures, both in the FA Cup and the Premier League.

Fans can stay updated on Sunderland’s progress through the club’s official WhatsApp group and newsletter, as well as by following the Chronicle’s Sunderland AFC page on Facebook.