FA Cup 2025/26: Fourth Round Drama & The Road to Wembley

The Fourth Round of the Emirates FA Cup has officially concluded, leaving us with a Fifth Round bracket that perfectly balances heavyweight collisions with quintessential "Cup Magic." From non-league heartbreak to League One heroics, the last few days have reminded us why this competition remains the soul of English football.

🚨 The Headline Result: Macclesfield’s Fairytale Ends in Pride

The eyes of the nation were on Moss Rose on February 16th as sixth-tier Macclesfield FC, the lowest-ranked team left in the competition, hosted Premier League Brentford.

The Silkmen, who famously dumped out holders Crystal Palace in the Third Round, held the Bees to a goalless deadlock for 70 minutes. However, the fairytale ended most cruelly when a deflected cross resulted in a Sam Heathcote own goal, securing a slender 1–0 win for Brentford. Macclesfield exit with their heads held high and a deserved standing ovation, while Brentford move on to a London derby against West Ham.

The sixth-tier side are far from disappointed as their history-setting upset against holders Crystal Palace will forever go down in the history of the club and this legendary competition.

Macclesfield bow out with national admiration. Brentford march on to face West Ham United in the next round.

🌟 Mansfield’s Moment: The Stags Stun Turf Moor

The biggest shock of the weekend belonged to Mansfield Town, who travelled to Premier League Burnley and left with a historic 2–1 victory.

• Hero: Captain Louis Reed, whose spectacular 80th-minute free-kick sealed the upset.

• Reward: A dream Fifth Round home tie against league leaders Arsenal.

  
  

The FA Cup once again proved ruthless for the favourites.

📊 Fourth Round Notable Results

• Wrexham 1–0 Ipswich Town: The Hollywood fairytale rolls on.

• Manchester City 2–0 Salford City: Professional and controlled from Guardiola’s side.

• Liverpool 3–0 Brighton: Dominant at Anfield.

• Hull City 0–4 Chelsea: A Pedro Neto hat-trick seals safe passage for Chelsea.

• Aston Villa 1–3 Newcastle United: The Magpies impress away from home.

🔮 Fifth Round Draw: Heavyweights and Underdogs

The draw for the Round of 16 has thrown up some mouth-watering fixtures scheduled for the weekend of March 7–8, 2026.

1. Newcastle United vs. Manchester City: A colossal clash between two of the tournament's favourites at St James' Park.

2. Wrexham vs. Chelsea: A glamour tie at the Racecourse Ground pitting Ryan Reynolds’ side against the 8-time winners.

3. Wolves vs. Liverpool: A tricky all-Premier League away day for Arne Slot’s Reds.

4. Mansfield Town vs. Arsenal: Can the giant-killers take down the league leaders?

5. West Ham vs. Brentford: A spicy all-London clash at the London Stadium.

📅 What’s Still to Come

One Fourth Round tie remains unresolved: Port Vale vs Bristol City, postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. That replay, set for March 3, will determine Sunderland’s opponent.

💫 Looking Ahead

With Arsenal chasing multiple trophies, Wrexham dreaming of another miracle, and giants set to collide, the FA Cup continues to disrupt expectations in the best possible way.

The Fifth Round promises tension, romance, and the possibility of more history.

If there is one thing the FA Cup continues to prove is that favourites are not favourites and anything can happen on the road to Wembley. The magic of the FA Cup is very much alive and in full stride.