The FA Cup has always been a stage for the dramatic, the unexpected, and the downright magical. But this season, it’s taken a turn that no one saw coming. After sixth-tier Macclesfield stunned holders Crystal Palace, the tournament is guaranteed a new champion—and the football world is buzzing with anticipation. Who will be their next opponent? And can they keep this fairy tale run alive? These are the questions on everyone’s lips as we head into the fourth round draw.
But here’s where it gets even more exciting: On Monday, 32 teams will discover their fate in the next step toward Wembley Stadium. Among them are giants like Manchester City and Newcastle United, but also underdogs from lower leagues who’ve already defied the odds. This isn’t just a draw—it’s a collision of dreams, where Premier League powerhouses meet scrappy outsiders in a battle for glory.
And this is the part most people miss: The FA Cup isn’t just about the big names. It’s about stories like Macclesfield’s, where a team from the National League North can shake up the entire tournament. Or Wrexham, the Championship side with a Hollywood backing, proving that football is as much about heart as it is about skill. So, who’s your money on? The favorites or the underdogs?
Controversial take alert: While many are rooting for the little guys, some argue that the FA Cup’s magic is fading as the gap between top-tier and lower-league teams grows. Do you agree? Or is the tournament’s charm still intact, no matter the outcome?
Here’s what you need to know about the fourth round draw:
When is the FA Cup fourth round?
The action kicks off around the weekend of February 14-15, with matches potentially spilling over to Friday the 13th and Monday the 16th. Mark your calendars—this is one you won’t want to miss.
How to watch the draw:
- Date & Time: 1:30 PM ET, Monday, January 12
- Stream: Catch it live on YouTube.com (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwmI7pi4dKg)
Qualified Teams:
So far, these teams have secured their spots:
- Premier League: Wolves, Newcastle United, Manchester City, Fulham, Brentford, Sunderland, Burnley, Aston Villa
- Championship: Southampton, Wrexham, Oxford United, Leicester City, Ipswich Town, Stoke City, Bristol City, Birmingham City
- League One: Port Vale, Wigan Athletic, Burton Albion
- League Two: Grimsby Town
- National League North: Macclesfield
Ball Numbers for the Draw:
1. Wolves
2. Southampton
3. Aston Villa
4. Port Vale
5. Wigan Athletic
6. Ipswich Town
7. Wrexham
8. Charlton Athletic or Chelsea
9. Manchester City
10. West Ham United or Queens Park Rangers
11. Brentford
12. Fulham
13. Sunderland
14. Liverpool or Barnsley
15. Burnley
16. Norwich City or Walsall
17. Portsmouth or Arsenal
18. Derby County or Leeds United
19. Swansea City or West Bromwich Albion
20. Salford City or Swindon Town
21. Burton Albion
22. Grimsby Town
23. Hull City or Blackburn Rovers
24. Newcastle United
25. Oxford United
26. Leicester City
27. Birmingham City
28. Bristol City
29. Stoke City
30. Macclesfield
31. Manchester United or Brighton & Hove Albion
32. Sheffield United or Mansfield Town
Thought-provoking question for you: With Macclesfield’s historic run, are we witnessing the rebirth of the FA Cup’s underdog spirit, or is this just a one-off miracle? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your take!
