The FA Cup semi-final draw for the 2025-26 season will take place on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at approximately 6:45 PM BST. The draw is scheduled to follow the final quarter-final match of the weekend between West Ham United and Leeds United. If that match requires extra time or a penalty shootout, the start time for the draw will be pushed back to roughly 7:15 PM or 7:30 PM BST. Fans can watch the draw live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK, as well as via the official Emirates FA Cup social media channels.
2026 Semi-Final Draw Details
The semi-final draw is the penultimate stage of the tournament where the final four teams discover their path to the Wembley final.
The draw will be conducted live from the London Stadium immediately following the conclusion of the West Ham vs. Leeds United fixture. Unlike earlier rounds, there are no replays at the quarter-final stage, meaning the final four teams will be confirmed on the night. The draw is typically hosted by a sports presenter and features two former players who have a historical connection to the competition.
Ball Numbers for the Draw
While the specific ball numbers are confirmed 24 hours before the event, they usually follow the order of the quarter-final ties. For the 2026 semi-final draw, the numbers represent the winners of the following matches:
Manchester City or Liverpool
Chelsea or Port Vale
Southampton or Arsenal
West Ham United or Leeds United
Key Dates for the 2025-26 Season
The FA Cup follows a strict calendar, moving from the qualifying rounds in late summer to the showpiece final in mid-May.
The 2025-26 campaign saw the Third Round Proper kick off on January 10, 2026, marking the entry of the Premier League and Championship clubs. Following the quarter-finals on April 4 and 5, the winners will progress to the semi-finals, scheduled for the weekend of April 25 and 26, 2026. Both semi-final matches will be held at Wembley Stadium, serving as a “neutral” ground for the four qualifying teams.
The FA Cup Final 2026
The season concludes with the FA Cup Final on Saturday, May 16, 2026. This remains the most prestigious date in the English domestic football calendar. The final usually kicks off at 5:15 PM BST, though this can be subject to change based on police advice and television broadcasting requirements.
How to Watch the FA Cup Draw
Broadcasting rights for the FA Cup are shared between major networks to ensure maximum reach for fans across the country.
In the United Kingdom, the draw is predominantly aired on BBC One or ITV, depending on which network has the broadcasting rights for the preceding match. For the semi-final draw in 2026, coverage is also provided by TNT Sports 1. International viewers in the United States can stream the draw and all matches via HBO Max or ESPN+, while fans in other regions can often find a live stream on the FA’s official YouTube channel, “FATV.”
Practical Information and Planning
For those planning to attend matches or watch the draw at a public venue.
Broadcasters: TNT Sports, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max (USA).
Venues: Semi-finals and the Final are held exclusively at Wembley Stadium, London.
Ticket Prices: Semi-final tickets typically range from £30 to £80, while Final tickets can cost between £45 and £145 depending on the category.
Travel: Wembley Park and Wembley Central stations are the primary transport hubs for the stadium.
What to Expect: High security, fan zones outside the stadium, and a strictly enforced “neutral” zone for the draw guests.
FAQs
What time is the FA Cup draw today?
The semi-final draw takes place at approximately 6:45 PM BST on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
What channel is the FA Cup draw on?
It will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 and streamed via the BBC iPlayer and the official FA Cup social media accounts.
Who is in the FA Cup semi-final draw 2026?
The winners of the quarter-finals: Manchester City/Liverpool, Chelsea/Port Vale, Southampton/Arsenal, and West Ham/Leeds.
Where is the FA Cup final held?
The final is held at Wembley Stadium in London.
When is the FA Cup final 2026?
The final is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Are there replays in the FA Cup quarter-finals?
No, replays have been removed from the quarter-final stage; matches are decided by extra time and penalties if necessary.
How can I watch the FA Cup in the USA?
The competition is available to stream on HBO Max and ESPN+ for US-based viewers.
What are the ball numbers for the semi-final draw?
The numbers are 1 (Man City/Liverpool), 2 (Chelsea/Port Vale), 3 (Southampton/Arsenal), and 4 (West Ham/Leeds).
When are the semi-final matches played?
They will be played over the weekend of Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, 2026.
Can Port Vale still win the FA Cup?
As of April 3, 2026, Port Vale is the “giant-killer” of the tournament, having reached the quarter-finals to face Chelsea.
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