The stage is set for the next chapter of football's most famous domestic cup competition. With the FA Cup third round delivering a weekend of unforgettable drama, attention now turns to the draw for the fourth round, where the 32 remaining teams will learn their fate.
When and How to Watch the Draw
The draw for the FA Cup fourth round will be held on Monday, January 12. It is scheduled to take place at approximately 6.35pm GMT, just ahead of the final third-round fixture between Liverpool and Barnsley at Anfield.
Coverage begins on TNT Sports 1 at 6.30pm GMT. For those streaming, the draw will be available via the Discovery+ app and website with a valid subscription, as well as on the official TNT Sports YouTube channel. The event will be presented by Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist, with the balls drawn by former England internationals Steve McManaman and Joe Cole.
Confirmed Ball Numbers for the Fourth Round
Each club has been assigned a ball number for the random draw. The full list is as follows:
- Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Southampton
- Aston Villa
- Port Vale
- Wigan Athletic
- Ipswich Town
- Wrexham
- Chelsea
- Manchester City
- West Ham United
- Brentford
- Fulham
- Sunderland
- Liverpool or Barnsley
- Burnley
- Norwich City
- Arsenal
- Leeds United
- West Bromwich Albion
- Salford City or Swindon Town
- Burton Albion
- Grimsby Town
- Hull City
- Newcastle United
- Oxford United
- Leicester City
- Birmingham City
- Bristol City
- Stoke City
- Macclesfield
- Brighton & Hove Albion
- Mansfield Town
Third Round Upsets and Progressing Giants
The third round lived up to its giant-killing reputation. The biggest shock saw National League North side Macclesfield FC eliminate the 2024/25 holders, Crystal Palace. In another significant result, Brighton & Hove Albion knocked out Manchester United at Old Trafford, with former Red Devil Danny Welbeck scoring the decisive goal.
Premier League heavyweights Tottenham Hotspur and Everton also made early exits. However, the likes of Aston Villa, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City all safely progressed. City were particularly emphatic, thrashing Exeter City 10-1 to book their place in the next round.
Key Dates for the Fourth Round
The fourth round fixtures are scheduled to be played across the weekend of Friday, February 13 through to Monday, February 16. Exact dates and kick-off times for each tie will be confirmed by the Football Association following the draw. Fans are advised to keep an eye on official club channels for the finalised details.
With the draw imminent, clubs from across the football pyramid will be dreaming of a favourable tie that could propel them one step closer to a historic day at Wembley.
