FA Cup 2025-26: Palace Begin Title Defence Against Macclesfield - All You Need To Know About 3rd Round Draw

FA Cup is all set to return next month with the 3rd round set to take place on January 10 across different regions of the country, featuring 32 matches

Outlook Sports Desk

Curated by: Rohan Mukherjee

Updated on: 9 December 2025 8:15 am

Palace Begin Title Defence Against Macclesfield - All You Need To Know About 3rd Round Draw

Crystal Palace members after winning FA Cup Photo: AP

Summary of this article

FA Cup returns for the 3rd round of the 2025-26 season next month
A total of 32 matches will be played on January 10
Check full list of matches

One of England's oldest sporting competitions - the FA Cup is all set to return next month with the 3rd round set to take place on January 10 across different regions of the country.

A few exciting fixtures are on the cards as some Premier League clubs have been drawn against each other for the upcoming round. That includes the likes of Newcastle United who will welcome AFC Bournemouth at the St. James' Park.

Unai Emery's Aston Villa will take an away trip to face Tottenham Hotspur. Newly promoted side Sunderland will be visiting the Hill Dickinson Stadium to take on Everton, while Manchester United have been given a home draw against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Weston-super-Mare AFC, the competition's lowest ranked team, will be locking horns with league 2 side Grimsby Town in an away game. Top-flight leaders Arsenal, who will be vying for their record 13th FA Cup title, have a date with Portsmouth in the 3rd round.

FA Cup holders Crystal Palace will begin their title defence against National League outfit Macclesfield FC. Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, who were beaten 1-0 in the 2024-25 finale earlier this year, have been drawn against Exeter City from League One.