The Emirates FA Cup, football's oldest and most prestigious knockout competition, continues to capt captivate fans across the globe. As the drama of the Fourth Round unfolds, attention rapidly turns to the eagerly anticipated Fifth Round Draw. This is the moment when dreams are made or shattered, as smaller clubs hope for a lucrative tie against a Premier League giant, while the big hitters aim to avoid an early exit against a spirited underdog. With thirty-two teams vying for a place in the last sixteen, the stakes couldn't be higher. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential details on the FA Cup Fifth Round Draw, including exactly where to watch the FA Cup draw, the date, time, and how you can catch all the action live, no matter where you are.
When and Where to Catch the FA Cup Fifth Round Draw Live
Mark your calendars, football fans! The draw for the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round is set to take place on Monday, February 16, 2026. This pivotal event will be held live from Macclesfield, adding an extra layer of excitement as it precedes their highly anticipated Fourth Round clash against Brentford.
For those in the UK, tuning in to this crucial moment is straightforward. The draw will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, ensuring fans with a subscription don't miss a single ball drawn. Additionally, viewers can stream the event through the discovery+ platform, offering flexibility for those on the go or preferring to watch on various devices. A fantastic, free-to-access option for many is the TNT Sports YouTube channel, which will also be carrying the draw live. This means you have multiple reliable options for where to watch the FA Cup draw as it happens.
The live coverage of the draw is scheduled to commence at approximately 6:35 PM GMT, forming an integral part of the pre-match build-up for the Macclesfield vs. Brentford tie. This timing is perfect for football enthusiasts to settle in and witness the unfolding drama before the final Fourth Round fixture kicks off. Whether you're hoping for a local derby, a giant-killing opportunity, or a clash of the titans, knowing how to access the draw live is key to experiencing the magic of the FA Cup firsthand. For more detailed information on specific timings and streaming options, you might find our guide on FA Cup 5th Round Draw: Date, Time, How to Watch Live on TV & Stream incredibly useful.
Who's Pulling the Strings? Draw Presenters and Ball Numbers Revealed
The FA Cup draw ceremonies are often as captivating as the matches themselves, a tradition steeped in anticipation and potential upsets. This year, the Fifth Round draw will be no different, featuring a lineup of familiar faces from the football world. Hosting the proceedings will be the charismatic duo of Darren Fletcher and pundit extraordinaire Ally McCoist, known for their insightful commentary and entertaining banter.
The all-important task of drawing the balls and shaping the destiny of the remaining teams falls to former England internationals Joe Cole and Karen Carney. Their experience on the pitch means they understand the significance of each selection, adding a layer of authenticity to the event.
As the draw takes place, each team will be represented by a unique ball number. Here’s a list of the confirmed and potential contenders for the Fifth Round, along with their respective ball numbers, as they aim to avoid the fate of big names like Manchester United and Tottenham, who were dramatically knocked out in earlier rounds:
- 1: Liverpool
- 2: Fulham
- 3: Sunderland
- 4: Southampton
- 5: Wrexham
- 6: Arsenal
- 7: Chelsea
- 8: West Ham United
- 9: Mansfield Town
- 10: Norwich City
- 11: Port Vale or Bristol City (Replay to be determined)
- 12: Wolverhampton Wanderers
- 13: Newcastle United
- 14: Manchester City
- 15: Macclesfield or Brentford (To be played on draw night)
- 16: Leeds United
The inclusion of non-league heroes like Wrexham and potential contenders from the Macclesfield vs. Brentford tie adds immense intrigue. Will Wrexham get a dream home tie against Liverpool or Arsenal? Will the winners of Port Vale/Bristol City face another challenging away day? The 'magic of the cup' truly comes alive in these moments, where every club, regardless of stature, has a chance to make history.
The Road Ahead: Key Dates for the Fifth Round and Beyond
Once the ball numbers are drawn and the fixtures are set, the focus will shift entirely to the upcoming matches. The Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round proper is scheduled to be played around the weekend of Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8, 2026. This gives the teams a few weeks to prepare, strategize, and perhaps even secure new signings if the transfer window permits.
For the victorious teams, progressing to the Fifth Round means they are just three wins away from a Wembley final. The atmosphere at this stage intensifies, with every game potentially being a season-defining moment. The Fifth Round is typically a single-leg affair, with replays historically being scrapped from this stage onwards to alleviate fixture congestion, especially for clubs involved in European competitions. This means sudden death for every match, amplifying the excitement and the potential for drama right up to the final whistle.
The FA Cup, now in its 145th edition for the 2025/26 season, saw defending champions Crystal Palace suffer one of its biggest shocks in recent memory, dumped out by non-league Macclesfield in the third round. This serves as a stark reminder that in this competition, no result is guaranteed and every team must be at their best. The Fifth Round promises to deliver more unforgettable moments as clubs battle it out for a spot in the quarter-finals, keeping the dream of lifting that historic trophy alive.
FA Cup Draw Viewing Options Beyond the UK: Focus on the USA
While the UK has comprehensive coverage, football fans across the Atlantic in the United States also have excellent options for where to watch the FA Cup draw and every single match throughout the tournament. For the 2025/26 season, ESPN holds the exclusive broadcast rights to the FA Cup in the USA, making it the go-to destination for American viewers.
For select matches, you can tune into traditional TV channels such as ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN Deportes (for Spanish-language coverage). However, the real game-changer for comprehensive coverage is ESPN+. Every single match in the entire FA Cup competition, from the early rounds right through to the final, will be streamed live on ESPN+. This makes ESPN+ an indispensable subscription for any dedicated FA Cup fan in the U.S.
How to Watch the FA Cup Draw and Matches on ESPN+ in the USA:
- Download the ESPN App: Ensure you have the latest version of the ESPN app on your smart TV, streaming device, phone, or tablet.
- Sign In or Subscribe to ESPN+: If you already have an ESPN account, sign in. If you're new to ESPN+, you can easily subscribe within the app. Look for the "Subscribe to ESPN Select" option.
- Access Live Sports: Once subscribed, you'll gain access to live sports, exclusive originals, and a vast library of content, including all FA Cup fixtures and, crucially, the Fifth Round Draw.
- Free Trial Option: New users might be eligible for a free trial for ESPN+ or free trials through services like Hulu + Live TV or Sling TV, which can include ESPN channels. This is a great way to experience the coverage before committing.
ESPN+ offers unparalleled access, ensuring you won't miss a minute of the action, whether it's the live draw or the thrilling matches themselves. It represents the best answer to where to watch the FA Cup draw and the subsequent games if you're in the United States. For a deeper dive into how to leverage ESPN+ for all your FA Cup needs, check out our specific guide: FA Cup Draw USA: How to Watch Live & Stream Every Match on ESPN+.
Conclusion
The FA Cup Fifth Round Draw is more than just an administrative step; it's a spectacle that ignites the passion of football fans, setting the stage for what promises to be another round of thrilling encounters. With all the details on where to watch the FA Cup draw live in the UK and USA, including specific channels, streaming platforms, and key timings, you're now fully equipped to follow every moment. From the anticipation of the ball numbers being drawn by Joe Cole and Karen Carney, to the subsequent planning for the matches around March 7th and 8th, the journey to Wembley continues. Get ready for more upsets, more drama, and more of the timeless magic that only the FA Cup can deliver!