FA Cup quarter-finals 2025-26 draw: Man City vs Liverpool blockbuster, Arsenal at Southampton, Chelsea vs Port Vale, West Ham/Brentford vs Leeds. Full ties, dates, and analysis for the road to Wembley.
The Emirates FA Cup quarter-final draw for the 2025-26 season took place on Monday, March 9, 2026, live from the London Stadium ahead of the final fifth-round tie between West Ham United and Brentford. The draw produced several high-profile matchups, headlined by an all-Premier League heavyweight clash between Manchester City and Liverpool.
FA Cup Quarter-Final Draw in Full
The confirmed ties for the quarter-finals are:
- Southampton vs Arsenal
- Chelsea vs Port Vale
- Manchester City vs Liverpool
- West Ham United or Brentford vs Leeds United
These matches are scheduled to take place across the weekend of Saturday, April 4, and Sunday, April 5, 2026. Exact kick-off times and venues will be confirmed by the FA in due course, with ties typically played at the home ground of the team drawn first.
Key Highlights from the Draw
The standout fixture is undoubtedly Manchester City vs Liverpool, pitting two of English football's most dominant forces against each other. City, recent multiple-time winners of the competition, will host Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter between clubs that have claimed the last eight Premier League titles combined.
Arsenal travel to face Southampton, offering the Gunners a potentially favorable route against a side currently competing in the Championship. This matchup gives Arsenal a strong opportunity to progress toward the semi-finals without facing another top-tier Premier League opponent in this round.
Chelsea have been handed a home tie against Port Vale, the lowest-ranked team left in the competition. The League One side earned their place with a stunning fifth-round upset over Sunderland, but they now face a daunting challenge at Stamford Bridge against a Chelsea side aiming to reclaim domestic cup glory.
The final tie remains conditional on the outcome of Monday night's fifth-round replay between West Ham United and Brentford. The winner will host Leeds United, who advanced convincingly with a 3-0 victory over Norwich City.
Background and Context
The 2025-26 Emirates FA Cup has reached the last eight following an exciting fifth round completed on March 7-9, 2026. Premier League heavyweights Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, and others progressed, joined by Championship side Southampton, Leeds United, and surprise package Port Vale.
Port Vale's run has been one of the stories of the tournament so far, highlighting the magic of the FA Cup where lower-league teams can upset the odds and earn lucrative ties against elite opposition.
Impact and Implications
This draw sets up a mix of glamour clashes and potential giant-killings. The Man City-Liverpool tie could have significant implications for both clubs' seasons, especially with busy April schedules involving domestic and European commitments.
For Arsenal and Chelsea, favorable draws provide momentum in their quests for silverware. Southampton and Port Vale represent underdog stories, with the chance to create memorable upsets.
The winner of West Ham/Brentford vs Leeds will add further intrigue, as all involved sides remain in strong contention.
What’s Next for the FA Cup
Quarter-final winners will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, with the final set for Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Wembley Stadium.
Fans can expect intense buildup to the April weekend, with broadcasters likely prioritizing the Man City vs Liverpool clash for prime coverage.
The Emirates FA Cup continues to deliver drama and excitement, with the quarter-finals poised to produce more unforgettable moments on the road to lifting the famous trophy.