FA Cup draw RECAP: Man Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal learn third-round opponents

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The FA Cup third-round draw has delivered several intriguing matchups involving Premier League heavyweights and lower league clubs. Manchester United will host Brighton in what promises to be a competitive fixture, while Liverpool are set to welcome Barnsley to Anfield.

Arsenal, who are 14-time FA Cup winners, face an away tie at Portsmouth, a club that famously won the FA Cup in 2008. Another notable London derby will see Chelsea travel to Charlton Athletic’s The Valley.

Defending champions Crystal Palace have been drawn to visit non-league side Macclesfield, currently competing in the National League North. Similarly, Wrexham, another lower league side, have drawn a notable home fixture against Nottingham Forest.

The draw also produced four all-Premier League ties, including Tottenham against Aston Villa, Everton versus Sunderland, Newcastle facing Bournemouth, and Brighton traveling to Manchester United.

Manchester City, last season's runners-up, are set to play Exeter City from League One at home. Several other lower league and non-league teams are involved across the draw, such as Weston-super-Mare visiting Grimsby Town and Boreham Wood hosting either Brackley Town or Burton Albion.

The third-round matches will be played on the weekend of January 10-11, 2026, with the FA Cup schedule continuing into the spring culminating in the final on May 16, 2026.