The 2026 FA Cup quarter-finals are one of the biggest stages of English domestic football, bringing together a mix of Premier League heavyweights and surprise challengers. This round is always special because the stakes become much higher: win here and you move just two games away from lifting the trophy at Wembley.
The 2025-26 FA Cup quarterfinals are scheduled across the weekend of 28–29 March 2026, with the exact fixture times confirmed after the draw. The winners will advance to the semi-finals at Wembley, keeping their dream of FA Cup glory alive.
2026 FA Cup Quarter-finals: Draw, Fixtures, Dates, Venues, Format & Road to the Final
Draw
The quarter-final draw was made in early March 2026 after the Fifth round, setting up some high-profile matchups. One of the headline ties is Manchester City vs Liverpool, a clash that could easily pass for a final. Another standout fixture is Chelsea vs Port Vale, which gives the League One side a chance to create one of the biggest upsets of the competition.
Other clubs still in the competition include Southampton, Preston North End, Birmingham City, Nottingham Forest, and Brighton & Hove Albion, making this a quarter-final line-up full of variety and interest.
2026 FA Cup Fixtures
The quarter-final ties confirmed after the draw are:
- Manchester City (1) vs Liverpool (1) – Manchester
- Chelsea (1) vs Port Vale (3) – Fulham
- Southampton (2) vs Arsenal (1) – Southampton
- West Ham United (1) vs Leeds United (1) – Stratford
This mix of elite clubs and lower-league sides is exactly what makes the FA Cup so special. The possibility of an upset is always part of the magic, especially with clubs like Port Vale and Preston trying to shock top-flight opponents.
Dates and Venues
The 2026 FA Cup Quarter-finals are set to be played over the final weekend of March 2026.
Most ties are scheduled on Saturday, 28 March and Sunday, 29 March 2026, depending on broadcast selections and stadium logistics.
| Date | Match | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 4 April 2026 | Manchester City vs Liverpool | Manchester |
| 4 April 2026 | Chelsea vs Port Vale | Fulham |
| 4 April 2026 | Southampton vs Brighton & Hove Albion | Southampton |
| 5 April 2026 | Southampton vs Brighton & Hove Albion | Stratford |
Typical venue rules apply:
- The first team named in the tie hosts the match.
- If the tie is drawn after 90 minutes, the match goes to extra time and then penalties if needed.
- There are no replays at this stage of the competition.
How the FA Cup Quarter-finals Work
The 2026 FA Cup Quarter-final are single-leg knockout matches, meaning each club has one chance to progress. That format increases the pressure and usually produces more drama than a two-legged tie.
If the scores are level after 90 minutes:
- The game goes to 30 minutes of extra time
- If still level, the winner is decided by a penalty shootout
This is why the quarter-finals are often remembered for last-minute goals, penalty drama, and big upsets.
Teams to Watch
Several teams go into the quarter-finals with genuine belief:
- Manchester City are among the favourites because of their depth and experience in big knockout games.
- Liverpool always brings intensity and cup pedigree.
- Chelsea are expected to control their tie against Port Vale, but the pressure of being favourites can work both ways.
- Brighton and Southampton have enough quality to make this a very competitive all-Premier League clash.
- Port Vale and Preston North End are the underdog stories fans will be watching closely.
TV and Live Coverage
2026 FA Cup Quarter-finals are shown live in the UK on BBC and TNT Sports, with broadcast selections confirmed after the draw.
The matches are also available via streaming platforms linked to those broadcasters, so fans can watch online and on mobile devices.
Kick-off times vary depending on TV selection, but the FA usually spreads the ties across the weekend to maximise viewership. This helps avoid fixture clashes and gives each match its own spotlight.
Road to Wembley
The reward for winning a quarter-final is huge. The four winning teams advance to the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley, where they will be just one step away from the final.
For the underdogs, a quarter-final win means history. For the favourites, it means staying on course for a major trophy. That contrast is exactly why this round is one of the most exciting weekends in English football.
Why This Round Matters
The 2026 FA Cup Quarter-finals are where the tournament really begins to feel like a straight sprint to the finish. There are no second chances, and every goal can change the whole shape of the competition.
This year’s quarter-finals are particularly interesting because they combine:
- a blockbuster tie in Manchester City vs Liverpool
- a classic cup upset opportunity in Chelsea vs Port Vale
- two evenly matched battles in Southampton vs Brighton and Nottingham Forest vs Preston
That balance of star power and underdog energy is exactly what keeps the FA Cup relevant year after year.
