CONFIRMED: 2025/26 FA Cup third round draw details

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The 2025-26 FA Cup third round draw has been officially confirmed, with the draw taking place to set the ties for the next stage of the competition.

The third round is scheduled for 10 January 2026, where 32 matches will be played, involving 64 teams. This stage introduces 20 Premier League clubs and 24 EFL Championship teams into the competition, joining the survivors from the previous rounds. The draw is known for its geographic split into northern and southern sections to minimize travel burdens for the clubs.

In the draw, teams are assigned ball numbers to determine the match-ups, with key teams such as Arsenal, Aston Villa, Birmingham, and Bournemouth among notable entrants drawing attention. The draw also considers clubs' league positions, and the matches promise to feature exciting clashes between top-tier clubs and lower-league teams who have progressed through the qualifying rounds.

The fixtures for this round come with prize money incentives, where winners earn £115,000, with £25,000 awarded to losing teams, reflecting the prestige and financial rewards at this stage.

The draw and matches are an eagerly anticipated part of the FA Cup, providing an opportunity for dramatic upsets and memorable moments as Premier League powerhouses take on eager challengers.

This third round marks a significant milestone in the FA Cup journey, setting the stage for the intense knockout phase that will lead up to the later rounds and eventually the final. Fans and clubs alike will be closely watching the draw to plan for the January fixtures.