Fifth round FA Cup draw confirmed for 2026 Season

Key Points

• FA Cup fifth round draw to be broadcast live on TNT Sports at around 6.30pm from Macclesfield Town ahead of their match against Brentford, conducted by Joe Cole and Karen Carney.
• Ball numbers confirmed: 1 Liverpool or Brighton & Hove Albion, 2 Stoke City or Fulham, 3 Oxford United or Sunderland, 4 Southampton or Leicester City, 5 Wrexham, 6 Arsenal or Wigan Athletic, 7 Chelsea, 8 West Ham United, 9 Mansfield Town, 10 Norwich City, 11 Port Vale or Bristol City, 12 Grimsby Town or Wolverhampton Wanderers, 13 Aston Villa or Newcastle United, 14 Manchester City, 15 Macclesfield or Brentford, 16 Birmingham City or Leeds United.
• Fifth round ties scheduled for weekend of Saturday 7 March and Sunday 8 March 2026.
• Brighton face Liverpool at Anfield (Saturday 8pm kick-off) to decide ball 1; a cup run aids head coach Fabian Hurzeler amid criticism for one win in last 13 Premier League games.
• Hurzeler stated: “It’s definitely a feeling that we want to have in our memories because it wasn’t so long ago that we beat Manchester United. It’s very important that we always have the belief and the trust in our own quality.”
• Hurzeler added: “We will see a lot of players on the pitch who faced Manchester United a few weeks ago.
• The players still have an incredible quality and that’s very important that we never forget and never lose the belief in our own quality. That’s also what we need for Saturday.”

Wrexham (The Wales Times) February 14, 2026 – The FA Cup fifth round draw details have been confirmed, featuring ball numbers for Liverpool or Brighton & Hove Albion, Wrexham, Manchester City and others, to be held live on TNT Sports at 6.30pm from Macclesfield Town ahead of their Brentford clash.

What Are the FA Cup Fifth Round Draw Ball Numbers?

The draw pots include 16 entries pending fourth round outcomes. As listed by Sussex Express, ball 1 is Liverpool or Brighton & Hove Albion, 2 Stoke City or Fulham, 3 Oxford United or Sunderland, 4 Southampton or Leicester City, 5 Wrexham, 6 Arsenal or Wigan Athletic, 7 Chelsea, 8 West Ham United, 9 Mansfield Town, 10 Norwich City, 11 Port Vale or Bristol City, 12 Grimsby Town or Wolverhampton Wanderers, 13 Aston Villa or Newcastle United, 14 Manchester City, 15 Macclesfield or Brentford, 16 Birmingham City or Leeds United.

Wrexham enter as ball 5 after recent triumphs. These numbers set the stage for potential dream ties.

When and Where Is the Draw Taking Place?

The fifth round draw broadcasts on TNT Sports around 6.30pm from Macclesfield Town, prior to their Brentford encounter. Sussex Express confirmed Joe Cole and Karen Carney will conduct proceedings. This timing builds pre-match drama at Macclesfield. Ties follow weekend of 7-8 March.

Who Will Conduct the FA Cup Draw?

Joe Cole and Karen Carney handle ball selection, per Sussex Express details. Their involvement adds punditry insight to pairings.

The venue at Macclesfield underscores lower-league hosting prestige.

What Is Brighton’s FA Cup Challenge?

Brighton meet champions Liverpool at Anfield, 8pm Saturday kick-off, determining ball 1. Sussex Express noted a run benefits head coach Fabian Hurzeler, criticised for one Premier League win in 13.

Victory revives momentum. Seagulls hope for hat inclusion.

Why Does Hurzeler Need a Cup Run?

Hurzeler faces scrutiny amid slump. Sussex Express quoted: “It’s definitely a feeling that we want to have in our memories because it wasn’t so long ago that we beat Manchester United.”

He stressed continuity: “It’s very important that we always have the belief and the trust in our own quality.”

What Did Hurzeler Say About Player Quality?

The German coach affirmed: “We will see a lot of players on the pitch who faced Manchester United a few weeks ago. The players still have an incredible quality and that’s very important that we never forget and never lose the belief in our own quality.” Sussex Express highlighted belief for Anfield.

He concluded: “That’s also what we need for Saturday.”

When Are the Fifth Round Ties Played?

Matches occur around Saturday 7 March and Sunday 8 March 2026. Sussex Express outlined this post-draw weekend slot. Scheduling allows replays resolution first. Excitement builds post-draw.

Which Teams Are Already Confirmed?

Fixed entries: Wrexham (5), Chelsea (7), West Ham (8), Mansfield (9), Norwich (10), Manchester City (14). Sussex Express listed these non-pending sides. Lower league like Mansfield mix with giants. Wrexham’s presence captivates.

What Potential Dream Ties Exist?

Ball 5 Wrexham vs 14 Manchester City looms giant-killing. Ball 1 Liverpool/Brighton vs 9 Mansfield offers mismatch. Sussex Express coverage teases possibilities.

Arsenal/Wigan (6) vs Chelsea (7) pits intra-league foes.

How Does Macclesfield Host the Draw?

Macclesfield stage event pre-Brentford (ball 15). Sussex Express venue choice celebrates Silkmen’s progress.

TNT Sports coverage elevates non-league spotlight.

What Is Brighton’s Recent Form?

One win in 13 Premier League tests Hurzeler. Sussex Express linked cup as tonic post-Manchester United echo. Belief in squad quality central to revival message.

Who Are Joe Cole and Karen Carney?

Pundits Joe Cole and Karen Carney draw balls, blending experience. Sussex Express confirmed their roles. Cole’s Chelsea past, Carney’s analysis enhance broadcast.

What Makes Wrexham’s Involvement Special?

Wrexham’s ball 5 follows Hollywood-backed run. Sussex Express spotlights underdogs amid powerhouses.Potential big ties fuel narrative.

Why Focus on Liverpool vs Brighton?

Anfield clash decides top seed. Champions vs struggling Seagulls heightens stakes, per Sussex Express. Hurzeler eyes upset for momentum.

What Lies After the Draw?

Ties weekend 7-8 March spark replays if needed. Sussex Express anticipates glamour amid progression. FA Cup magic endures through pairings. The confirmed details heighten anticipation, blending minnows like Wrexham, Mansfield with elite. Hurzeler’s Brighton quest adds intrigue at Anfield. TNT Sports draw promises fireworks.