FA Cup Third Round 2026: Macclesfield to Host Crystal Palace as Giant-Killing Dreams Continue

The FA Cup is, without question, one of the most enchanting competitions in world football. Every year, it captures the imagination of fans across England and beyond, offering a unique blend of history, drama, and the irresistible appeal of “giant-killing” narratives. As the 2026 third round approaches, the excitement is building, with fixtures that promise to deliver unforgettable moments, high-stakes clashes, and the kind of storytelling that only the FA Cup can provide.

This season, one headline stands out above the rest: sixth-tier Macclesfield will host reigning champions Crystal Palace. For a club operating outside the Football League, this is more than just another game—it is a rare and exhilarating opportunity to test themselves against elite opposition, to play on a national stage, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.

The Underdogs Take Centre Stage

The romance of the FA Cup has always been built on its unpredictability. Unlike league competitions, where consistency over many months determines success, the FA Cup thrives on the drama of single-elimination matches. Here, lower-league sides have the chance to shock the footballing world, to defy odds, and to carve out their own stories in the annals of English football.

This year, the underdog narrative is alive and well. Macclesfield, competing in the sixth tier, finds themselves in the spotlight. Drawing Crystal Palace, the defending champions, is the kind of fixture that defines the competition. Fans, players, and club staff alike are aware that the odds are heavily stacked against them, but in the FA Cup, anything is possible. The beauty of the tournament lies in its history of surprises—from Lincoln City’s unforgettable giant-killing exploits to Wrexham’s historic cup runs, lower-league clubs have repeatedly proven they can rise to the occasion.

Macclesfield: A Sixth-Tier Club with Dreams

For Macclesfield, this match is monumental. Players who normally compete in the lower tiers will have the opportunity to face world-class athletes and showcase their talents on a platform that television cameras and social media bring to millions. For supporters, the excitement is tangible; a day at Moss Rose stadium against a Premier League giant promises the kind of drama and emotion that only the FA Cup can deliver.

Matches like this remind football fans why the FA Cup endures: it is not just about the silverware, but about moments that transcend league tables, budgets, and expectations. Every corner kick, every save, and every goal has the potential to become a part of football folklore.

Weston-super-Mare Make History

Macclesfield is not the only lower-league team capturing attention. Weston-super-Mare, another sixth-tier club, have reached the third round for the first time in their 138-year history. They will face League Two side Grimsby Town, marking a historic occasion for the Somerset-based club. Reaching this stage is an achievement in itself, providing players with a rare chance to compete under the spotlight, gain invaluable experience, and potentially write a fairy-tale chapter in the club’s story.

For fans, these matches are a celebration of community and pride. Clubs like Weston-super-Mare remind us that the FA Cup is not solely the domain of global superclubs—it is a competition where the passion, perseverance, and dedication of local teams can shine.

Premier League Giants Enter the Fray

The third round also brings all 20 Premier League clubs and 24 Championship teams into the competition, elevating the stakes and creating a mix of glamour, skill, and drama. The combination of lower-league heroes and elite teams ensures that every match is unpredictable and brimming with potential narratives.

Some of the key fixtures involving top-flight clubs include:

• Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa: A high-profile clash between two Premier League sides, where tactical battles and attacking flair could dominate the narrative. Spurs, eager to recover form, will look to assert their authority on home turf.
• Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion: At Old Trafford, United face a Brighton side renowned for tactical discipline. While United will aim to avoid an embarrassing cup exit, Brighton’s organized play promises a competitive and intriguing contest.
• Newcastle United vs Bournemouth: St James’ Park hosts a fixture likely to deliver attacking football and end-to-end excitement, as both sides look to impress and progress.
• Everton vs Sunderland: Sunderland will travel to Goodison Park in a clash that pits historical significance against ambition, highlighting the rich narrative of English football.

Additionally, Arsenal will travel to Portsmouth, a classic David vs. Goliath encounter that has become synonymous with the FA Cup’s magic. Manchester City will host League One Exeter City, and Liverpool will welcome third-tier Barnsley, further illustrating the stark contrasts that define the tournament and the potential for stunning upsets.

London Derbies and Regional Rivalries

The third round is also packed with local derbies and regional showdowns that add extra spice to the proceedings:

• Chelsea vs Charlton Athletic: A London derby combining Premier League quality with Championship passion.
• West Ham vs Queens Park Rangers: Another capital clash, offering intensity, local pride, and the chance for the underdog to shine.
• Fulham vs Middlesbrough and Leeds United vs Derby County: These fixtures showcase the depth and competitiveness of English football beyond the top flight, proving that drama and quality are present at every level.

These matches exemplify why the FA Cup is more than a competition—it is a celebration of football culture, communities, and rivalries across the country.

Non-League Heroes: Boreham Wood and the Power of Opportunity

Boreham Wood, the only other non-league side remaining in the draw, will face Burton Albion, who themselves advanced after defeating Brackley. Boreham Wood’s continued presence underlines the FA Cup’s enduring charm: it is a tournament where ambition and determination can level the playing field, where talent can emerge under pressure, and where the smallest clubs can make a national impact.

For players, these matches offer a platform to display their skills in front of scouts, coaches, and a wider audience, potentially changing the trajectory of their careers. For the clubs, it is a chance to attract sponsorship, grow their profile, and galvanize their supporters in ways that league matches alone often cannot achieve.

Format Changes Add Extra Drama

This season, the FA Cup has done away with replays. Drawn matches will now go to extra time, followed by penalties if required. This single-elimination format intensifies the stakes, especially for lower-league clubs balancing ambition with limited squad depth. Each game carries the weight of finality, adding urgency, tension, and excitement that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.

For players and supporters alike, this ensures that every kick, tackle, and save matters. The absence of replays also favors decisive, attacking football, encouraging teams to go for glory rather than settle for stalemate.

A Closer Look at Selected Third-Round Fixtures

Beyond the non-league stories, several fixtures promise to deliver intrigue and drama:

• Wolves vs Shrewsbury Town: A chance for Shrewsbury to test themselves against Premier League opposition and gain national exposure.
• Doncaster Rovers vs Southampton: Championship side hosting a Premier League club, likely to feature tactical battles and attacking play.
• Port Vale vs Fleetwood: A matchup between lower-league sides, where momentum and confidence could determine the outcome.
• Ipswich Town vs Blackpool and Preston North End vs Wigan Athletic: Fixtures highlighting the depth, history, and competitiveness of English football.
• MK Dons vs Oxford United and Cheltenham Town vs Leicester City: Classic FA Cup David vs. Goliath ties, where lower-tier teams can aim for memorable victories.

These matches, along with others in the draw, ensure there is something for every fan—whether following the elite clubs or supporting a local underdog.

Scheduling and Viewer Experience

All third-round matches will take place over the weekend beginning Saturday, 10 January 2026. This centralized schedule allows fans to enjoy a football-packed weekend and ensures broadcasters can showcase the most compelling fixtures to a national audience. Winter football, local rivalries, and the drama of knockout competition promise an unforgettable few days of sport.

Why the FA Cup Remains a National Treasure

Despite the dominance of the Premier League and other international tournaments, the FA Cup continues to hold a special place in the hearts of football fans:

• Giant-Killing Opportunities: Lower-league teams can challenge elite clubs, creating memorable upsets that capture national attention.
• Historic Legacy: Clubs with long histories, like Weston-super-Mare, can finally step into the spotlight, writing their own chapters in FA Cup history.
• Community Engagement: Local supporters have the chance to see their teams compete on a national stage, fostering pride, unity, and a sense of belonging.
• Competitive Drama: The single-elimination format with extra time and penalties ensures tension and excitement from start to finish, keeping fans engaged throughout.

These elements combine to make the FA Cup a unique celebration of English football.

The Romance of the Cup in 2026

As the third round approaches, the spotlight naturally falls on underdog stories: Macclesfield, Weston-super-Mare, and Boreham Wood. These clubs embody the heart and soul of the FA Cup, reminding us that football is not solely about wealth, global fame, or superstar players. It is about opportunity, grit, perseverance, and the joy of competing against the odds.

Premier League clubs bring star power and technical brilliance, but it is the lower-tier sides that bring narrative, passion, and unpredictability—making each game a potential classic.

What Fans Can Expect

The 2026 FA Cup third round promises to deliver everything fans love about this historic tournament:

• High-profile clashes featuring Premier League stars and tactical intrigue.
• Historic moments for non-league and lower-league teams.
• Local derbies and regional rivalries adding extra excitement.
• Unpredictable results, as the magic of the cup ensures anything is possible.

For Macclesfield, Weston-super-Mare, Boreham Wood, and other underdogs, the tournament is a chance to dream big, create lasting memories, and inspire their communities. For fans of Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, and other top-flight clubs, it is a reminder that in the FA Cup, nothing can be taken for granted.

Full Third-Round Draw (Selected Highlights)

• Wolves vs Shrewsbury Town
• Doncaster Rovers vs Southampton
• Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa
• Port Vale vs Fleetwood
• Preston North End vs Wigan Athletic
• Ipswich Town vs Blackpool
• Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest
• Charlton Athletic vs Chelsea
• Manchester City vs Exeter City
• West Ham vs Queens Park Rangers
• Fulham vs Middlesbrough
• Everton vs Sunderland
• Liverpool vs Barnsley
• Newcastle United vs Bournemouth
• Portsmouth vs Arsenal
• Manchester United vs Brighton
• Macclesfield vs Crystal Palace
• Boreham Wood vs Burton Albion
• Grimsby vs Weston-super-Mare

Conclusion

The 2026 FA Cup third round is shaping up to be a festival of football, uniting players, fans, and communities across England in a celebration of a competition that has stood the test of time. From giant-killing dreams to elite matchups, regional rivalries, and historic firsts, this weekend promises drama, passion, and unforgettable moments.

For every fan, whether cheering for a local hero or following the big names, the FA Cup offers a story worth watching—one where the unexpected is always possible, and where every team, no matter how small, has a chance to shine.