When is the FA Cup third round happening?

The FA Cup third round matches will take place in early January 2025, after the draw on December 8th, 2025.

Which teams are playing in the FA Cup third round?

The FA Cup third round features all Premier League and Championship teams, alongside lower-league clubs like Macclesfield and Weston-super-Mare.

Who is Wrexham playing in the FA Cup?

Wrexham will host two-time FA Cup winners Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup.

Home / Sports / FA Cup Draw: Giant Killers Emerge!

FA Cup Draw: Giant Killers Emerge!

8 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Macclesfield faces holders Crystal Palace in FA Cup.
Wrexham hosts Nottingham Forest for first time since 2015.
Lowest-ranked Weston-super-Mare plays Grimsby Town.

The FA Cup third round draw has revealed a host of compelling matchups, igniting anticipation for the next stage of the competition. National League North side Macclesfield earned a significant tie against holders Crystal Palace, setting up a classic cup upset potential. Meanwhile, Wrexham, now under new ownership, will host Nottingham Forest, marking their first encounter with Premier League opposition since 2015.

Several Premier League heavyweights are set for internal battles, with Tottenham Hotspur hosting Aston Villa and Manchester United welcoming Brighton & Hove Albion. Liverpool faces a potentially tricky home tie against League One's Barnsley, a rematch of their famous 2008 fixture. Championship side Portsmouth will host Premier League leaders Arsenal, adding another layer of intrigue.

The draw also highlighted the magic of the cup for lower-league teams. National League South's Weston-super-Mare, the lowest-ranked club left, will have home advantage against League Two's Grimsby Town. These ties represent the entry point for Premier League and Championship clubs into this prestigious tournament.