The draw for the 2025/26 FA Cup quarterfinals has officially been confirmed, setting up a series of fascinating encounters as the historic competition moves closer to its climax at Wembley Stadium. Conducted on Monday, March 9, 2026, ahead of the fifth-round clash between West Ham United and Brentford at the London Stadium, the draw produced a mix of heavyweight battles and classic underdog storylines.
With only eight teams remaining, the quarter-final stage now promises drama, intrigue, and the possibility of giant-killing results that have long defined England’s oldest football competition.
FA Cup Quarter-Final Draw in Full
The confirmed quarter-final fixtures are:
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Southampton vs Arsenal
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Chelsea vs Port Vale
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Manchester City vs Liverpool
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West Ham United vs Leeds United
These ties are scheduled to be played across the weekend of April 4–5, 2026, with the winners advancing to the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley.
The draw ensures a compelling mix of Premier League powerhouses, ambitious challengers from the lower divisions, and several fascinating tactical battles.
Manchester City vs Liverpool – The Tie of the Round
Undoubtedly the headline fixture of the quarterfinals is the clash between Manchester City and Liverpool, two of England’s most dominant teams of the modern era.
This encounter promises high intensity and elite quality, as both sides continue their pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts. Manchester City have been one of the most consistent FA Cup performers in recent seasons and will view the competition as another opportunity to add to their trophy cabinet.
Liverpool, meanwhile, remain one of the most decorated clubs in FA Cup history and will relish the opportunity to knock out a major rival on the road to Wembley.
With world-class players on both sides and a history of dramatic encounters between the clubs, this match could easily feel like a final before the final.
Arsenal Face Tricky Trip to Southampton
Another intriguing tie sees Arsenal travel to Southampton.
Although Southampton currently compete outside the Premier League, cup competitions have often shown that lower-division teams can rise to the occasion against top opposition. The Saints earned their quarter-final spot after a dramatic victory over Fulham and will be eager to continue their run.
For Arsenal, the FA Cup holds special significance. The North London club is the most successful team in the competition’s history and has built a reputation for thriving in knockout tournaments.
The clash also carries historical echoes, as the two clubs famously met in the 2003 FA Cup final, which Arsenal won 1-0.
Chelsea Draw Giant-Killers Port Vale
One of the biggest stories of the FA Cup this season has been the remarkable journey of Port Vale, the League One side who stunned Sunderland to reach the last eight.
Their reward is a trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea, an eight-time FA Cup winner.
For Port Vale, this match represents more than just a footballing challenge. A tie against a Premier League giant provides significant financial benefits through broadcasting revenue and gate receipts, an invaluable boost for a club outside the top tier.
Chelsea will be overwhelming favorites on paper, but the FA Cup has a long tradition of shocks, and the Blues will need to remain focused if they want to avoid becoming the latest victims of a giant-killing story.
West Ham vs Leeds United – An All-Premier League Battle
The final tie sees West Ham United host Leeds United in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.
West Ham booked their place in the quarterfinals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Brentford, a match that showcased the Hammers’ resilience under pressure.
Leeds United, meanwhile, progressed with an impressive performance against Norwich City, demonstrating the attacking quality that has defined their campaign.
Both teams will view this tie as a realistic pathway to the semi-finals. With no overwhelming favorite between them, the matchup could produce one of the most competitive games of the round.
Road to Wembley
The quarterfinals represent the final hurdle before teams reach the iconic Wembley Stadium, where the FA Cup semi-finals will be played later in April.
Progression to that stage not only brings the dream of lifting the trophy closer but also carries significant financial rewards. Clubs that reach the semi-finals receive additional prize money and the prestige of playing at England’s national stadium.
For smaller clubs like Port Vale or Southampton, the opportunity to reach Wembley would be historic. For giants such as Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea, the FA Cup remains a chance to add another major trophy to their collection.
A Classic FA Cup Mix
One of the enduring charms of the FA Cup is the way it brings together clubs from different levels of the English football pyramid.
The 2026 quarter-final lineup perfectly reflects that tradition. Elite Premier League teams must battle each other while also navigating the unpredictable challenge posed by lower-league sides who have nothing to lose.
From blockbuster clashes like Manchester City vs Liverpool to potential fairy-tale runs by clubs like Port Vale, the stage is now set for another thrilling chapter in the competition’s rich history.
And as the road to Wembley narrows, every match becomes bigger, every moment more dramatic, and every goal potentially historic.
