FA Cup Draw LIVE: Liverpool Learn Next Opponent as Fifth Round Ties Decided

The Emirates FA Cup fifth-round draw took place live on TNT Sports on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 6:35pm GMT, building excitement ahead of the Macclesfield vs. Brentford match.[1][5]

Liverpool FC, fresh from a convincing 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in the fourth round at Anfield, entered the draw as ball number one.[1][5] The Reds advanced comfortably on Saturday night, ensuring their place among the Premier League heavyweights progressing to this stage.[1][2]

The fourth round delivered thrills, with Chelsea and Wrexham securing big wins early, followed by triumphs for Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Manchester City on Saturday.[2] Sunday brought further Premier League success for Arsenal, Sunderland, Wolves, Fulham, and Leeds, alongside underdog stories.[2] The round concluded with Brentford facing cup specialists Macclesfield that evening and a postponed Port Vale vs. Bristol City tie set for March 3.[2]

Teams in the hat included top-flight giants like Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City, plus non-league surprises such as Wrexham and Mansfield Town, promising intriguing matchups.[2] Liverpool fans eagerly awaited their next challenge, with the club officially confirming their participation and draw details.[1]

The fifth-round ties are scheduled for the weekend of March 7/8, 2026, setting the stage for more cup drama en route to the quarter-finals on April 4.[1][3][4] As balls were drawn—Liverpool (1) paired against [opponent to be revealed live]—the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation for potential giant-killings and marquee clashes.[2][5]

This draw keeps the 2025-26 FA Cup season alive, following a packed schedule from August qualifiers to the fourth round on February 14.[4] Stay tuned for post-draw reactions and fixture confirmations as the competition heats up toward the May 16 final.[4]

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