FA Cup Draw: Arsenal Away, Chelsea vs Wrexham & More

The FA Cup’s fifth round is set, promising a compelling mix of Premier League powerhouses and lower-league hopefuls vying for a place in the quarter-finals. Several standout ties have emerged from the draw, setting the stage for potentially dramatic clashes across the weekend of March 7-8, 2026.

Upsets and Dominance in the Fourth Round

The road to the fifth round saw a range of results. Arsenal convincingly defeated Wigan 4-0, while Chelsea secured a 4-0 victory over Hull. Liverpool also advanced with a 3-0 win against Brighton, and Manchester City overcame Salford with a 2-0 scoreline. These results demonstrate the strength of the Premier League contenders as they progress through the tournament.

Giant-Killing Runs

Not all results followed the expected script. Nigel Clough’s Stags of League Two pulled off a stunning upset, defeating Burnley 2-1. This victory earns them a challenging tie against the current Premier League leaders. Wrexham, the club co-owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, also advanced, narrowly beating Ipswich 1-0 and earning a home match against Chelsea.

Did You Know? Wrexham, currently in the Championship, will host Chelsea in the fifth round, marking a significant occasion for the club and its high-profile owners.

Challenges and Postponements

Some teams faced more straightforward paths than others. Macclesfield, the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition, saw their run ended by a 1-0 defeat to Brentford. The tie between Port Vale and Bristol City was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, meaning Sunderland will have to wait to learn their opponent. Fulham will play host to Championship side Southampton.

Familiar Faces

Leeds United will face a familiar opponent in Norwich, as their manager, Daniel Farke, takes on his former club. This adds an extra layer of intrigue to the tie.

Expert Insight: The FA Cup consistently provides opportunities for lower-league teams to test themselves against the elite, and the presence of Wrexham and Macclesfield in the later stages highlights the tournament’s enduring appeal and potential for unexpected results.

FA Cup Fifth Round Draw in Full

Port Vale or Bristol City vs Sunderland

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the fifth-round matches be played?

Fifth round matches are scheduled to be held across the weekend of March 7-8, 2026.

Which Premier League teams are still in the competition?

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City are all still in the competition.

What is the status of the Port Vale vs. Bristol City match?

The fourth-round encounter between Port Vale and Bristol City was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, and Sunderland will have to wait to learn their opponent.

With a blend of established Premier League clubs and determined lower-league sides, which of these teams do you believe has the best chance of lifting the FA Cup trophy?