Ball numbers, how to watch, fixture dates, potential opponents – 2025/26 FA Cup quarter-final round draw

Manchester City will find out their possible opponents for the quarter-final of this season’s FA Cup having progressed beyond Newcastle at St James’ Park on Saturday night.

A first-half strike from Eddie Howe’s Harvey Barnes set the hosts on their way to what some had expected to be a statement win for the Magpies, before Manchester City responded themselves in fine fashion to progress.

An initial equaliser from Savinho took the game into the half-time interval with the scoreline at 1-1 before Omar Marmoush would conduct his usual goalscoring antics against the Magpies with a brace.

Beyond the weekend’s victory in the North-East now lies even more crucial fixtures, particularly a last-16 double-header in the Champions League against Real Madrid, beginning with a trip to the Bernabeu on Wednesday 11, March.

City will then return to England to take on West Ham at the London Stadium prior to welcoming Real Madrid to the Etihad Stadium for the return leg of their latest Champions League meeting.

But for now, and as Manchester City recover from their Northern trip and put together preparations for their jaunt into Europe, here are all of the details for the FA Cup’s quarter-final draw procedure!

FA Cup Quarter-Final Draw: Date, Time, and TV Channel

The FA Cup Quarter Finals draw will be made on Monday 9 March from approximately 7:05PM GMT.

The draw will be held live from the London Stadium ahead of West Ham United’s fifth round match against Brentford, available to watch on TNT Sports 1, discovery+ and the TNT Sports YouTube channel.

The draw will be presented by Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist, and completed by former Manchester City and England international goalkeeper, Joe Hart.

Ball Numbers: Who could Manchester City face in the last-eight?

1. Southampton

2. Port Vale

3. Manchester City

4. Leeds United

5. Arsenal

6. Liverpool

7. Chelsea

8. West Ham United or Brentford

When will the FA Cup fifth round ties take place?

The FA Cup quarter-finals will be played around the weekend of Saturday 4 April.

For Manchester City, that will mean the clash would be the first game back after the March international break and the 2026 Carabao Cup final against Arsenal on Sunday 22 March.

Following a potential FA Cup quarter-final tie, Manchester City would then face either a UEFA Champions League first-leg clash – should they progress beyond Real Madrid this month – or an away meeting with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday 12 April.

The Road to Wembley: Key dates for the semi-Final and final

Semi-finals: Saturday 25 April 2026

Final: Saturday 16 May 2026