FA Cup Draw USA: Your Ultimate Guide to Watching Live & Streaming Every Match on ESPN+
The Emirates FA Cup, a competition steeped in history and renowned for its giant-killing upsets, continues to captivate football fans worldwide. For supporters in the United States, the excitement of each round, especially the highly anticipated draws, is easily accessible. If you've been wondering
where to watch the FA Cup draw live in the USA or how to catch every thrilling match, look no further. ESPN+ is your dedicated portal to all the drama, passion, and unpredictable magic of the world's oldest knockout football competition.
The Allure of the FA Cup: A Historic Tradition Unleashed
The FA Cup isn't just another tournament; it's a testament to footballing tradition, a competition where dreams are made and shattered in equal measure. Now in its 145th edition for the 2025/26 season, it draws an astounding 747 teams from across the English football pyramid, from amateur clubs to the Premier League giants. This vast participation is what makes the FA Cup so unique – any team, on any given day, has the potential to cause a seismic upset.
Take, for instance, the recent shock of defending champions Crystal Palace, who lifted their first-ever major trophy in the previous season, only to be dramatically dumped out in the third round by non-league Macclesfield. These are the stories that define the FA Cup, creating narratives that captivate fans globally. The journey from hundreds of hopefuls down to a final 16, and then ultimately to Wembley, is a roller coaster of emotions, and the draws are where the next chapter of this epic tale begins to unfold. For US fans, understanding this rich history enhances the viewing experience, making every match and every draw feel more significant.
FA Cup Fifth Round Draw: Key Details for US Fans
The fourth round is now complete, and attention swiftly turns to the FA Cup Fifth Round draw. This is the moment when the remaining 32 teams are whittled down to a final 16, with the big hitters anxiously awaiting their fate and the smaller clubs dreaming of a lucrative home tie against a Premier League giant. Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming draw, specifically tailored for viewers in the United States.
When and Where to Catch the Draw Live
The Emirates FA Cup fifth-round draw is scheduled for:
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Date: Monday, February 16, 2026
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Time: 6:35 PM GMT / 1:35 PM ET
The draw will be held live from Macclesfield, taking place ahead of their pivotal fourth-round match against Brentford. For fans in the UK, the draw will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, discovery+, and streamed on the TNT Sports YouTube channel as part of the tie’s pre-match coverage.
So, **where to watch the FA Cup draw** if you're in the USA? While TNT Sports is a UK broadcaster, the draw proceedings, being part of live football coverage, will be a key moment. For American audiences, the most direct way to get the results and potentially stream highlights or re-runs of the draw will be through ESPN platforms. While ESPN+ holds the rights to *every match*, official details for *live streaming the draw itself* on ESPN+ often emerge closer to the date. However, rest assured that all the crucial information, including the matchups and reactions, will be immediately available on ESPN's digital channels and sports news platforms. Your best bet for official live access to the draw itself will be to check ESPN+ schedules on the day, or follow reputable sports news outlets for immediate updates.
Meet the Hosts and Draw Makers
Adding to the excitement, the draw will be presented by the familiar voices of Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist. The crucial task of making the draw, pulling out those all-important ball numbers, will be entrusted to former football stars Joe Cole and Karen Carney. Their insights and reactions often provide an entertaining prelude to the main event.
The Teams and Their Ball Numbers
Thirty-two teams are battling it out, hoping to secure their place in the fifth round. Here are the ball numbers for the potential teams involved in the draw:
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1: Liverpool
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2: Fulham
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3: Sunderland
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4: Southampton
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5: Wrexham
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6: Arsenal
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7: Chelsea
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8: West Ham United
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9: Mansfield Town
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10: Norwich City
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11: Port Vale or Bristol City
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12: Wolverhampton Wanderers
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13: Newcastle United
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14: Manchester City
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15: Macclesfield or Brentford
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16: Leeds United
Keep an eye out for potential David vs. Goliath clashes, as well as the thrilling prospect of all-Premier League showdowns!
When Will the Fifth Round Matches Be Played?
Once the draw is complete, the focus shifts to the fixtures themselves. The FA Cup fifth round matches are scheduled to be played around the weekend of **Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8, 2026**. Make sure to mark your calendars!
For more in-depth information about the draw itself, including specific UK TV details and potential streaming options that might surface, check out our related article:
FA Cup 5th Round Draw: Date, Time, How to Watch Live on TV & Stream.
Where To Watch Every FA Cup Match Live in the USA: ESPN+ is Your Go-To
For American football fans, getting comprehensive coverage of the FA Cup is straightforward, thanks to ESPN. They hold the exclusive broadcast rights for the 2025/26 FA Cup season in the USA, ensuring that every moment of the competition is available.
Stream Every Match with ESPN+
The unequivocal answer for **where to watch FA Cup matches** in their entirety in the United States is ESPN+. This premier streaming service offers live coverage of *every single match* in the competition, from the early rounds right through to the final at Wembley.
Here's how to ensure you don't miss any of the action:
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Download the ESPN App: Start by downloading the official ESPN app to your smartphone, tablet, smart TV, or streaming device.
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Sign In/Subscribe: If you're an existing ESPN+ subscriber, simply sign in with your ESPN account. If you're new, you'll need to subscribe to ESPN Select (or the ESPN+ standalone subscription). The process is seamless within the app.
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Start Streaming: Once subscribed and logged in, you're all set! Navigate to the 'Live' section or search for 'FA Cup' to find upcoming matches, live broadcasts, and on-demand replays.
New users can often take advantage of a free trial, which is a fantastic way to experience the platform and catch some FA Cup action without an immediate commitment. Beyond the FA Cup, an ESPN+ subscription unlocks a vast library of live sports, exclusive originals, documentaries, and much more, making it an invaluable asset for any sports enthusiast.
Select Matches on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN Deportes
While ESPN+ offers comprehensive coverage, select FA Cup matches will also be televised on ESPN's linear channels: ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN Deportes (for Spanish-language commentary). These often include high-profile fixtures or crucial ties featuring top Premier League clubs. If a match is broadcast on one of these channels, you can typically stream it live through the ESPN app as well, provided you have a cable TV subscription that includes those channels, or access via a live TV streaming service. However, for guaranteed access to *every* game, ESPN+ remains the essential platform.
For full details on the various TV channels and streaming options for both the draw and the subsequent matches, our dedicated guide offers more comprehensive insights:
FA Cup Fifth Round Draw: Full Details, TV Channels & Live Stream Options.
Maximizing Your FA Cup Experience: Tips for US Viewers
Watching the FA Cup from the United States offers a unique perspective, but with a few tips, you can elevate your viewing experience:
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Master the Time Zones: Always convert GMT to Eastern Time (ET) or your local time zone. The 1:35 PM ET start for the draw is crucial to remember so you don't miss the live event. Match kick-off times will also be listed in ET on ESPN+.
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Set Reminders: With multiple matches and the draw spread across different days and times, set calendar alerts or use the ESPN app's notification features to ensure you never miss a moment.
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Engage with Pre-Match Coverage: While the draw itself might have limited live US-specific pre-coverage, ESPN+ often provides insightful pre-match analysis and build-up for the games. Dive into these segments to get expert opinions and team news.
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Follow the Underdogs: The magic of the FA Cup lies in the potential for upsets. Pay attention to the lower-league teams; researching their journey adds another layer of excitement to their matches.
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Utilize On-Demand: If you can't watch a match live, ESPN+ offers on-demand replays. This is perfect for catching up on games you missed or re-living thrilling moments.
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Stay Connected: Follow official FA Cup and ESPN social media channels for real-time updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content. This can enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the competition.
Conclusion
The FA Cup remains one of football's most cherished competitions, and for fans across the pond, the thrill of the draw and the drama of every match are more accessible than ever. With ESPN+ as your primary destination, you have a front-row seat to all the action, from the tension of the fifth-round draw on February 16th to the ultimate glory at Wembley. So, if you've been asking **where to watch the FA Cup draw** or how to stream the entire tournament, the answer is clear: gear up with ESPN+ and prepare for an unforgettable journey through the heart of English football.
