FA Cup draw LIVE!
Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are among the seven Premier League clubs who have learnt their FA Cup quarter-final opponents this evening. The fifth-round of the competition is not yet complete, though, with West Ham and Brentford still due to face off at the London Stadium tonight, capping what has been a thrilling weekend of action, including two huge upsets.
Fulham and Sunderland saw themselves unceremoniously knocked out of the running, having been on the losing end of 1-0 defeats by Southampton and Port Vale, respectively. The latter club, who sit rock bottom in League One, are now the lowest-ranked team left in the competition. Arsenal, conversely, are the highest, and they eased past Mansfield to confirm their progression on Sunday. Chelsea had a rather more stressful outing, requiring extra time to get by Championship side Wrexham.
Liverpool routed Wolves at Molineux thanks to an impressive performance from Andy Robertson, while Manchester City downed Newcastle at St James’ Park to book their spot in the quarter-finals. Catch up with the draw as it happened LIVE below with Standard Sport’s dedicated blog!
FA Cup draw latest news
- FA Cup quarter final draw in full
- Quarter-final dates
UPDATE
Monday 9 March 2026 22:55 , Arthur FerridgeWest Ham have knocked Brentford out of the FA Cup on penalties!
They will host Leeds in the quarter-finals.
That's all!
Monday 9 March 2026 19:40 , Arthur FerridgeThank you very much for following Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of the FA Cup quarter-final draw - and what a draw it was.
Be sure to come back for coverage of the matches themselves in the first week of April!
Manchester City vs Liverpool
Monday 9 March 2026 19:35 , Arthur FerridgeThis quarter-final clash will be the first FA Cup meeting between City and Liverpool since they met in the semi-finals back in 2022.
The Reds came away from Wembley with a 3-2 win that day, with Sadio Mane and Ibrahima Konate the scorers.
Southampton vs Arsenal
Monday 9 March 2026 19:30 , Arthur FerridgeArsenal have a very favourable record against Southampton, winning 54 of their 107 meetings, and have had their number in recent years.
They have lost only twice in their last 12 meetings with the Saints, a run which dates back to February 2019.
What it means
Monday 9 March 2026 19:24 , Arthur FerridgeArsenal and Chelsea get off easy, it must be said, as they face the only two non-Premier League sides left in the running.
Over 60 places separate the Blues from Port Vale in the football pyramid, but it will be a level playing field as they head to Stamford Bridge next month.
And we could see a sort of relegation scrap if West Ham get the better of Brentford tonight and set up a quarter-final match with Leeds.
The headline tie, though, sees Manchester City host Liverpool in a continuation of what is arguably the biggest Premier League rivalry of the last decade.
FA Cup quarter-final draw in full
Monday 9 March 2026 19:10 , Arthur FerridgeSouthampton vs Arsenal
Chelsea vs Port Vale
Manchester City vs Liverpool
West Ham or Brentford vs Leeds United
FA Cup quarter-final draw
Monday 9 March 2026 19:10 , Arthur FerridgeThat does it!
FA Cup quarter-final draw
Monday 9 March 2026 19:10 , Arthur FerridgeWest Ham or Brentford vs Leeds United
FA Cup quarter-final draw
Monday 9 March 2026 19:09 , Arthur FerridgeManchester City vs Liverpool
FA Cup quarter-final draw
Monday 9 March 2026 19:08 , Arthur FerridgeChelsea vs Port Vale
FA Cup quarter-final draw
Monday 9 March 2026 19:08 , Arthur FerridgeSouthampton vs Arsenal
FA Cup quarter-final draw
Monday 9 March 2026 19:07 , Arthur FerridgeThe balls are out of the velvet bag and into the bowl...
FA Cup quarter-final draw
Monday 9 March 2026 19:06 , Arthur FerridgeTwo Joes, Cole and Hart, will execute the draw for us tonight.
Here we go!
Monday 9 March 2026 19:06 , Arthur FerridgeWe’re getting proceedings underway at the London Stadium, with Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist hosting.
Draw is imminent
Monday 9 March 2026 18:58 , Arthur FerridgeJoe Cole has been chatting to TNT Sport on the pitch at the London Stadium but has just been dispatched to find his way up to a studio and participate in the draw!
That can only mean one thing. We’ll be underway shortly!
Ball numbers
Monday 9 March 2026 18:55 , Arthur FerridgeA quick reminder of tonight’s ball numbers before we get underway:
1. Southampton
2. Port Vale
3. Manchester City
4. Leeds
5. Arsenal
6. Liverpool
7. Chelsea
8. West Ham or Brentford
Alexis Mac Allister issues contract talks update
Monday 9 March 2026 18:50 , Arthur FerridgeAlexis Mac Allister has revealed he is not in active contract talks with Liverpool.
The Argentine’s current deal runs through 2028, so in some ways that is no great surprise.
But after Ryan Gravenberch agreed a new long-term deal earlier this week, questions were raised as to what other Reds might be in talks over new deals.
“We are not in contract talks but I’m not in a rush,” Mac Allister explained. “That’s only a fact.”
He added: “I want to congratulate Ryan as it’s really good for him and he deserves it.
“He’s been a really important player for us in the season we won the Premier League which is not easy at all, so congratulations to him.”
We will be underway shortly
Monday 9 March 2026 18:45 , Arthur FerridgeThe FA Cup quarter-final draw is expected to get underway in about 20 minutes!
Tonight's action: West Ham vs Brentford
Monday 9 March 2026 18:40 , Arthur FerridgeNuno Espirito Santo’s relegation-threatened West Ham face high-flying Brentford this evening as they look to secure their own place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
The Bees won 2-0 on their previous visit to the London Stadium, with Igor Thiago and Mathias Jensen scoring as Nuno’s wait for a first win with the Irons was extended.
West Ham are on middling form coming into this tie, having taken one win, one draw and one loss from their last three matches.
But then, so too do Brentford, whose goalless draw with Bournemouth last time out followed a seven-goal defeat of Burnley and a 2-0 loss to Brighton.
Arsenal make history against Mansfield
Monday 9 March 2026 18:31 , Arthur FerridgeMikel Arteta named a historically significant squad against Mansfield!
The future trusted on the big stage as @Arsenal back their youngsters ✨
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 9, 2026
The Gunners become the first Premier League club to start two 16-year-olds in a competitive match while booking their place in the #EmiratesFACup quarter-finals! 🤝 pic.twitter.com/Qr58tFjqI6
Leeds United 3-0 Norwich City
Monday 9 March 2026 18:22 , Arthur FerridgeLeeds complete the Premier League line-up in tonight’s draw.
They breezed past Norwich on Sunday to book their spot in the next round, winning 3-0 thanks to goals from Sean Longstaff, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Joel Piroe.
Daniel Farke said at full-time that he was more focused on staying in the Premier League than he was on his cup run: “Of course we want to write history in one competition to make sure that we stay in the Premier League on a permanent level. We can't take it for granted as a club. We have an unbelievable big history, but in the last 25 years we have spent three years on a permanent level.
"So this will be the first big achievement. And yes, the FA Cup is the most traditional cup in the whole of western Europe, and to be in the quarter-final is a big topic.
“It's still not realistic for us to win this cup, but who knows? We want to enjoy this cup run a bit longer. The dream is still ongoing, and we're looking forward to the draw, hopefully another home game.
"We didn't have too many home games in the FA Cup in the last decades, and for that, we took it as motivation to be able, perhaps, to write another piece of this amazing history of this club, and long may this dream continue, who knows what the outcome will be.”
Eckert: Southampton 'suffered' in defeat of Fulham
Monday 9 March 2026 18:13 , Arthur Ferridge"We are willing to suffer; I think that's been a thing for this football club for a long time.
"Not everything is just going to look beautiful on the eye and I think we did have some good moments on the ball.
"It's a top team that we faced today and you just need to make sure that you are able to find a structure to defend, but first and foremost a desire to put your body on the line when blocking that last shot and I think we did that today.
"It's something that we've been working on for a long time in the league."
Liverpool injury latest
Monday 9 March 2026 18:04 , Arthur FerridgeAlisson will not play for Liverpool against Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The Reds’ first-choice goalkeeper complained of some discomfort following his side’s open training session on Monday.
The Brazilian has not travelled with his team-mates to Istanbul, and second-choice Giorgi Mamardashvili will deputise for the No1.
The issue is believed to be a minor one, although Arne Slot will be sweating over his shot-stopper’s fitness for the visit of Tottenham this weekend.
Should that be the case, he should be back fit in time to play in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Lavia makes injury comeback for Chelsea - but he has a long road back
Monday 9 March 2026 17:55 , Arthur FerridgeDom Smith analyses Romeo Lavia’s return to the pitch for Chelsea at the Racecourse Ground...
Rewind to August 2023 and there was a frisson of excitement around Chelsea at their signing of one of the most promising young midfielders in English football.
The arrival of Romeo Lavia, 19 at the time, was a real coup but also one which had required a significant outlay. £58million was spent in order to prise him away from Southampton, where he had developed a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most hard-working and talented teenagers.
His Chelsea career could not be said to have gone to plan since. Lavia has spent almost as many months at Stamford Bridge as he has made appearances for the club - just 33 outings spread over 30 months.
Injuries have plagued Lavia - first an ankle problem, then hamstring and thigh issues - and his 64 minutes in Saturday’s 4-2 extra-time FA Cup victory over Wrexham marked his first start in four months due to the latest obstacle, a quad injury sustained early in November’s Champions League game at Qarabag.
His rustiness showed at the Racecourse Ground, and though Liam Rosenior was keen to stress that Lavia will not instantly return to his top level, it was still tough to watch how behind the pace of the game he was - and a bleak thought to ponder how long it may take him to get back to his best.
Eze hails Dowman
Monday 9 March 2026 17:46 , Arthur FerridgeEberechi Eze was full of praise for Max Dowman after his impressive performance for Arsenal against Mansfield.
He said: “He is a special, special player.
“To be able to play in these types of conditions and do so well on the ball, and dribble the way he was, showed he is a special talent.
“We are all trying to support and help him as much as possible to grow, improve and fulfil his potential.
“Max is very different to a lot of players, but he is someone that is confident. He believes in his ability a lot. To be fair, that is the same with a lot of the players coming through the academy these days.
“Once they come to train with the first team, they believe in themselves. It is a positive energy to be around.
“He is a special player, but also a special person as well. You can see that he is maturing well and he’s a good guy. It’s fun to be around.”
When were Port Vale last in the FA Cup quarter-final?
Monday 9 March 2026 17:36 , Arthur FerridgeGreat question - I’m so glad you asked!
It was 1954 when Port Vale last reached this stage of the FA Cup.
They were drawn away at Leyton Orient and won 1-0, but their run ended at the semi-final stage as they lost to eventual champions West Bromwich Albion, who beat Preston North End in the final.
Pictured below, the Port Vale squad at Euston Station en route to face Leyton at Brisbane Road.
Weekend recap: Fulham dumped out by Southampton
Monday 9 March 2026 17:28 , Arthur FerridgeFulham were subject to a huge cupset on Sunday, losing 1-0 to Southampton at Craven Cottage, but Marco Silva refused to take the blame.
He made nine changes to his side for the match, but his side could not get the better of the Saints, who sit mid-table in the Championship.
Speaking at full-time, he pointed the finger at his players: “It's more than [my selection]. It was a bad afternoon for us and for our fans. We need to look deeper because I'm not pleased at all with what has happened this afternoon.
“This one is more than a defeat - if it's because of the changes then fine, I get it - but [Ryan] Sessegnon and [Timothy] Castagne have played this season against top Premier League sides, Oscar Bobb and Samuel Chukwueze are at the level.
“We have to look deeper. I understand that I get the blame for making the changes."
He added: “Nine changes are nine changes, but I look at it in a different way because all these players have been starting games for us against Premier League sides, and most of them ten or 15 games so far this season.”
Chelsea: Liam Rosenior calls for improvement
Monday 9 March 2026 17:19 , Arthur FerridgeLiam Rosenior has admitted Chelsea must learn to manage games better, writes Standard Sport’s Dom Smith.
The Blues were made to work hard to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday evening as they won 4-2 at Wrexham in a match that required extra-time against their ten-man hosts as it ended 2-2 after normal time.
Rosenior has made it clear that he was frustrated when his side conceded consolation goals in 3-1 wins over Crystal Palace and Wolves and he was again left annoyed by how his team kept Wrexham in the tie and allowed them to force extra time at the Racecourse Ground on Saturday.
“We have control and we need to find a way to get the game managed better,” said Rosenior, who made nine changes from the team that thrashed Aston Villa 4-1 in a huge Premier League victory on Wednesday night.
“In these cup ties, when you're in motion, you can feel the emotion of the game.
“They're very difficult games to play,” he added. “We won't be the only team in the Premier League in this round who are going to find it difficult against lower-level opposition. We need to find a way.
“I think you've got to take into account, again, when you make changes, there's a rhythm and a consistency and a rhythm that you need.
“That's a risk as a manager that you take. But also, if you don't give the players the opportunity to play, you'll never build accountability in the long term.”
Waine: Beating Sunderland a a dream
Monday 9 March 2026 17:10 , Arthur FerridgeBen Waine scored the winner as Port Vale stunned Sunderland in the FA Cup this weekend. Here’s what he had to say at full-time.
He told BBC Sport: "I didn't even clock it was the quarters we got into to be honest! I just heard that. It's amazing.
"It doesn't get better than that (beating Sunderland). That was something I've never even dreamt of, for it to go that way I think my family will be happy!
"Over the last couple of weeks we have come together as a team and found something to drive us forward. We're sticking together."
Mansfield Town 1-2 Arsenal
Monday 9 March 2026 17:01 , Arthur FerridgeEberechi Eze's second-half goal saw Arsenal safely through to the FA Cup quarter-finals despite suffering a scare against Mansfield Town.
Noni Madueke put a heavily rotated Arsenal ahead late in the first half, but their hosts levelled as substitute Will Evans took advantage of a defensive error to fire home.
Eze, though, extended his impressive FA Cup resume and found the top corner with a fierce effort shortly after his second-half introduction, adding to a goal catalogue in the competition which already features the winner in last season’s final.
Read the full match report here!
Who is hosting tonight's draw?
Monday 9 March 2026 16:52 , Arthur FerridgeAs tonight’s draw is on TNT Sports, it will be hosted by Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist.
Joe Hart, an FA Cup winner in 2011, will execute the draw.
Teams to watch: Port Vale
Monday 9 March 2026 16:43 , Arthur FerridgePort Vale stunned Sunderland 1-0 on Sunday to ensure their progression to the last eight of the tournament.
Sitting dead last in League One, they are the lowest-ranked side left in the competition by some distance.
The best part of their story? The winning goal against the Black Cats was scored by Ben Waine - a lifelong Newcastle fan who celebrated in the inimitable style of Alan Shearer.
When will quarter-final matches be played?
Monday 9 March 2026 16:35 , Arthur FerridgeFA Cup quarter-final matches are scheduled to be held across the weekend of April 4/5, 2026.
Ball numbers
Monday 9 March 2026 16:27 , Arthur Ferridge1. Southampton
2. Port Vale
3. Manchester City
4. Leeds
5. Arsenal
6. Liverpool
7. Chelsea
8. West Ham or Brentford
How to watch the FA Cup draw
Monday 9 March 2026 16:20 , Arthur FerridgeTV channel: In the UK, coverage of the draw will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.
Live stream: You can also follow along online via the Discovery+ app and website with a subscription, as well as on the TNT Sports YouTube channel.
Good evening
Monday 9 March 2026 16:14 , Arthur FerridgeHello, and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of the FA Cup quarter-final draw!
Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool are the only big six teams left in the running and will learn their next opponents in the coming hours. Will we see more cup derbies in the last eight?
All will be revealed at around 7pm! Stay tuned...
