Full Breakdown
Emirates FA Cup Third Round Broadcast Selections Announced
12/12/2025, 7:50:49 PM
Overview of Live Broadcasts
The 2025-26 Emirates FA Cup Third Round Proper will feature eight matches broadcast live on various channels from January 9 to January 12, 2026. The matches will be available on TNT Sports, with BBC Sport also airing two of the fixtures. The schedule includes notable matchups such as Wrexham against Nottingham Forest and Macclesfield facing Crystal Palace.
Detailed Broadcast Schedule
The confirmed schedule for the live broadcasts is as follows:
- Friday, January 9, 2026:
- Wrexham vs. Nottingham Forest at 7:30 PM GMT on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+.
- Saturday, January 10, 2026:
- Macclesfield vs. Crystal Palace at 12:15 PM GMT on BBC One, iPlayer, TNT Sports 1, and discovery+.
- Tottenham Hotspur vs. Aston Villa at 5:45 PM GMT on BBC One, iPlayer, TNT Sports 1, and discovery+.
- Charlton Athletic vs. Chelsea at 8:00 PM GMT on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+.
- Sunday, January 11, 2026:
- Derby County vs. Leeds United at 12:00 PM GMT on TNT Sports 2 and discovery+.
- Portsmouth vs. Arsenal at 2:00 PM GMT on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+.
- Manchester United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion at 4:30 PM GMT on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+.
- Monday, January 12, 2026:
- Liverpool vs. Barnsley at 7:45 PM GMT on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+.
The draw for the Fourth Round will also take place live on TNT Sports prior to the Liverpool vs. Barnsley match.
Financial Implications for Clubs
Participating clubs will receive an £80,000 fee for being featured in the live broadcasts, in addition to guaranteed payments from the competition’s prize fund. Clubs that progress to the Fourth Round will earn £121,500, while those eliminated in the Third Round will receive £26,500.
Notable Matches and Teams
The Third Round will showcase several intriguing matchups, particularly for non-league teams like Macclesfield, who will face the defending champions, Crystal Palace. This match represents a significant opportunity for Macclesfield, who previously advanced by defeating Slough Town in the second round.
Other notable fixtures include Portsmouth hosting Premier League leaders Arsenal, Barnsley facing Liverpool, and Exeter City challenging Manchester City.
Criticism & Opposition
While the broadcast selections provide exposure and financial benefits to the clubs involved, some critics argue that the focus on high-profile matches may overshadow smaller clubs and their achievements in the tournament. The emphasis on commercial viability in match selection could lead to a lack of representation for less prominent teams.
Verbatim Quotes
This year's Emirates FA Cup Third Round promises to deliver exciting matchups and significant financial incentives for participating clubs, while also highlighting the ongoing debate about the representation of non-league teams in televised fixtures.
