Emirates FA Cup fifth-round draw delivers Wrexham vs Chelsea and Manchester City vs Newcastle
The draw for the Emirates FA Cup fifth round has produced a mouthwatering slate of ties to be played across the weekend of March 7-8, 2026 (ET). The eight-match lineup features blockbuster Premier League matchups alongside intriguing fixtures for lower-league sides chasing giant-killing glory.
Showpiece ties, Hollywood reaction and local buzz
Perhaps the most talked-about pairing is Wrexham hosting Chelsea at the Racecourse Ground, a tie that captured global attention when Wrexham's Hollywood co-owner reacted live to the draw. Filming the moment, he expressed disbelief before celebrating the prospect of a home tie against one of English football's most decorated clubs. His companion, also a high-profile supporter, declared the outcome exactly what they'd hoped for, adding to the instant excitement among fans.
Wrexham's rise back up the leagues since new ownership has rekindled broader interest in the club, and a visit from Chelsea in the fifth round promises a rare, high-profile home fixture with significant local and national interest. Elsewhere in the draw, a heavyweight contest sees Newcastle United host Manchester City, renewing an intense top-flight rivalry, while Wolverhampton Wanderers are paired with Liverpool in another standout Premier League fixture.
Prize money, scheduling and logistics
Winning clubs in the fifth round will receive £238, 500 from the competition prize fund for the 2025-26 season, a sum that can be particularly impactful for lower-league sides balancing tight budgets. The final match schedule will be confirmed in due course after discussions with clubs, broadcast partners and local authorities to ensure policing, travel and supporter arrangements are properly coordinated.
The draw itself was conducted by two former international players and took place ahead of a Monday evening fourth-round tie between Macclesfield and Brentford. Organisers have stated that exact kick-off times and potential date adjustments will follow those stakeholder talks, but the weekend window of March 7-8, 2026 (ET) remains the target for these fifth-round fixtures.
Full fifth-round draw
- Fulham v Southampton
- Port Vale or Bristol City v Sunderland
- Newcastle United v Manchester City
- Leeds United v Norwich City
- Mansfield Town v Arsenal
- Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool
- Wrexham v Chelsea
- West Ham United v Brentford (or West Ham United v Macclesfield if Macclesfield progress)
The draw hands both traditional powers and lower-tier clubs invitations to dream. For League Two and National League sides, a run into the quarter-finals would bring not only financial reward but also national exposure and memorable moments for supporters and communities.
Fixture confirmations and ticket information are expected to be released once club and competition officials complete logistical planning. For now, fans can mark the weekend of March 7-8, 2026 (ET) in their calendars and begin anticipating what promises to be a thrilling next chapter of the oldest domestic cup competition in world football.
