The FA Cup draw has delivered one of the most thrilling storylines in the competition’s long history — Macclesfield FC of the National League North against Brentford FC of the Premier League in the FA Cup 5th round. It’s the kind of fixture that makes this competition truly magical.
Whether you’re searching for when is the FA Cup draw, what channel the FA Cup is on TV tonight, or everything about the FA Cup 5th round draw 2026 results — this is your complete guide. We’ve also covered Wrexham vs Chelsea, Mansfield Town‘s incredible run, Port Vale vs Bristol City, and every other key fixture.
The FA Cup 5th round draw takes place live on BBC or ITV — check listings for the exact time on the day. Macclesfield vs Brentford is already the stand-out tie of the round.
The FA Cup — officially the Football Association Challenge Cup — is the oldest national football competition in the world, founded in 1871. It is famous above all for one thing: the giant-killing. Non-league clubs regularly knock out Premier League giants, making the FA Cup draw one of the most-watched moments in English football.
The FA Cup runs from August through to the final at Wembley Stadium in May. By the time we reach the FA Cup 5th round, every remaining club — from non-league to Premier League — is genuinely in with a chance of glory.
The structure of the FA Cup rounds: Extra Preliminary → Preliminary → 1st–4th Qualifying Rounds → 1st & 2nd Rounds Proper → 3rd Round (Premier League clubs enter) → 4th Round → 5th Round → Quarter-Final → Semi-Final → Final at Wembley.
Macclesfield FC against Brentford FC is exactly what the FA Cup was made for. Macclesfield — also known as Macclesfield Town — compete in the National League North, the sixth tier of English football. Brentford play in the Premier League, five divisions above them. The gap in resources, facilities, and full-time professionals is enormous — which is why this tie has captured the imagination of the entire country.
Macclesfield FC — semi-professional, National League North (6th tier). Brentford FC — Premier League (1st tier). That’s a 5-division gap — one of the biggest in recent FA Cup history. A Macclesfield win would rank among the all-time great upsets.
One of the biggest questions fans are asking is what channel is Macclesfield on today and is Macclesfield v Brentford on TV. Given the drama of this fixture, it has attracted significant broadcast attention. FA Cup 5th round matches are broadcast on BBC One, BBC Two, ITV, and ITV4. Check your Macclesfield vs Brentford TV listings for the confirmed channel and use BBC iPlayer or ITV Sport apps to stream if needed.
Macclesfield FC was reformed in 2020 after the original Macclesfield Town FC was wound up. The club has rapidly worked its way back through non-league football and their FA Cup run in 2025–26 has been nothing short of extraordinary. Playing at the Moss Rose ground, Macclesfield football has now captured national attention.
Brentford FC are an established Premier League club based in west London, playing at the Gtech Community Stadium. Known for their data-driven recruitment and pressing football, facing Macclesfield in the FA Cup 5th round will be a test of character as much as quality.
The FA Cup 5th round draw — also called the FA Cup draw last 16 or fifth round draw — is the moment the 5th round ties are confirmed. This is one of the most-watched draws in English football, second only to the 3rd round draw when Premier League clubs enter.
When is the FA Cup draw? The draw typically takes place on the evening after the final 4th round result. What time is the FA Cup draw? Usually around 7:30–8:00pm. What channel is the FA Cup draw on? BBC Sport and ITV both broadcast draws — check on-the-night TV listings. Watch the FA Cup draw live free via BBC iPlayer or ITVX.
Here are the confirmed FA Cup fixtures for the 5th round as revealed in the FA Cup draw today:
| Home | Away | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Macclesfield FC | Brentford FC | ⭐ Giant-killing tie |
| Chelsea | Wrexham | Hollywood club challenge |
| Mansfield Town | TBC | League One giant killers |
| Port Vale | Bristol City | Championship tie |
| Further fixtures confirmed after draw — check BBC Sport for the full list | ||
The standout tie from the FA Cup 5th round draw is undoubtedly Macclesfield vs Brentford. But Wrexham vs Chelsea is another blockbuster — Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham against one of England’s biggest clubs. Mansfield Town‘s continued run is another incredible story, while Port Vale vs Bristol City offers a lower-league cup battle full of pride.
BBC Sport and ITV share FA Cup broadcast rights in the UK. BBC One, BBC Two, ITV, and ITV4 all show games during the competition. All covered games are available free via BBC iPlayer and ITVX — meaning every UK viewer can watch the FA Cup on TV without a subscription.
BBC iPlayer — free, no subscription
ITVX — free with UK TV licence
BBC Sport app — live scores & radio
Sky Sports — selected broadcast rights
Check your TV guide on the day for exact channel and kick-off times.
Beyond the scoreline, the FA Cup is about individual stories. Here are the key names from Macclesfield’s remarkable run:
The FA Cup‘s greatest gift to English football is the giant-killing. Macclesfield vs Brentford stands in the finest tradition of this history.
Some of the most iconic giant-killings in FA Cup history include: Hereford United 2–1 Newcastle United (1972), Wrexham 2–1 Arsenal (1992), Sutton United 2–1 Coventry City (1989), and Wimbledon beating Liverpool in the 1988 final. Macclesfield FC‘s 2025–26 run could be added to that legendary list.
Mansfield Town have been one of the other stories of FA Cup 2025–26. The Stags, competing in League One, have shown that punching above your weight remains a proud English football tradition. Mansfield fans will be dreaming of a deep run as the FA Cup 5th round approaches.
For live updates, results, and official information on the FA Cup draw, Macclesfield vs Brentford, and all FA Cup fixtures:
- BBC Sport — FA Cup · Live scores, TV schedules, fixtures and results for every round
- Sky Sports — FA Cup · Fixtures, draws, news and video highlights
- The FA — Official FA Cup Page · Official rules, draw procedures, and competition history
- Wikipedia — FA Cup · Full history, records, past winners and competition format
- Macclesfield FC — Official Website · Club news, squad information and ticket details
Stay up to date with all the FA Cup draw results, fixtures, and giant-killing stories right here.
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Last updated: February 2026 · Approx 2,200 words · 10 min read
