Overview of the 2025-26 Emirates FA Cup First Round Proper Draw
The Emirates FA Cup remains one of English football’s most cherished competitions, and the 2025-26 First Round Proper draw marks a key milestone in the tournament’s journey from the qualifying rounds to the stage where established EFL sides enter. The draw, held ahead of a weekend scheduled around Saturday 1 November 2025, pitted teams from the EFL Leagues One and Two against the winners from the earlier qualifying rounds. This stage is where the magic of the FA Cup often begins to unfold, with lower-league clubs dreaming of spectacular upsets and a potential path toward Wembley.
How the Draw was Conducted
The draw was broadcast live in the UK by TNT Sports, providing fans with the excitement of who would meet whom as the competition opens up. Former West Ham United striker Michail Antonio, alongside Joel Ward of Crystal Palace fame, announced the ties. Antonio’s high-profile personality and Ward’s Cup-winning experience added a sense of occasion to the proceedings as the roped-picked fixtures were revealed.
What’s at Stake
Forty ties are scheduled across the First Round Proper, with each match offering significant financial support to clubs navigating the early hurdles of the competition. The FA Cup prize fund for the 2025-26 season allocates £45,000 to the winning clubs at this stage, while the losing teams still receive £15,000. For clubs at the glow of FA Cup ambitions, those sums can prove crucial in sustaining squads, paying travel costs, and investing in development and facilities as they chase a potential fairy-tale run.
Implications for Clubs
Entering at the First Round Proper is a pivotal moment for many EFL Leagues One and Two sides. The format guarantees that, after a series of hard-fought qualifying rounds, the journey to progression into the lucrative later stages is now within reach for a broader group of clubs. For supporters, the draw offers fresh matchups and the prospect of a home tie that could transform a season. For players and managers, the challenge is to approach the First Round with focus, tactical discipline, and energy, recognizing that every fixture presents both a chance to advance and a test against seasoned opponents against whom a small club might measure up.
Schedule and Broadcast
While the fixture list is set for the weekend around Saturday 1 November 2025, the exact dates, kick-off times, and broadcast picks will be confirmed in due course. The involvement of TNT Sports as the live broadcaster ensures that fans across the country can follow the drama of the First Round Proper as it unfolds, with the usual mix of live commentary, analysis, and social buzz accompanying the matches.
Looking Ahead
As the First Round Proper draw settles into memory, clubs will turn their attention to preparation, training camps, and scouting for their upcoming opponents. The Emirates FA Cup has a storied history of providing a platform for smaller clubs to shine on a national stage, and this year’s draw continues that tradition. Supporters should monitor official FA communications for the finalised fixture list, broadcast selections, and any potential scheduling changes that could impact travel and attendance.
Conclusion
The Emirates FA Cup First Round Proper draw for the 2025-26 season sets the tone for an exciting autumn of football, with 40 ties and a clear financial incentive for clubs at this stage. As teams learn their opponents and prepare for the challenge ahead, fans can look forward to another chapter in the enduring romance of the FA Cup, where every match holds the promise of drama, upsets, and memorable moments.
