FA Cup 2026-27: First Round Preview

The magic of the FA Cup returns as the 2026–27 First Round Proper brings together clubs from League One, League Two and the non-league pyramid.

For smaller sides, this is an opportunity to make headlines by knocking out an established Football League club, while the EFL teams will be keen to avoid an early exit from the competition.

The first-round draw has produced 40 ties, featuring some intriguing match-ups and potential giant-killings. Non-league clubs will be looking to take advantage of home support, while the arrival of League One and League Two teams adds another level of quality and competition.

With matches scheduled across several days, supporters can look forward to a packed weekend of FA Cup action. Read on for the confirmed fixtures, kick-off times, competition dates and information about the results.

When Is The FA Cup First Round?

The Emirates FA Cup First Round Proper for the 2026–27 season is scheduled for the weekend of Saturday 7th November 2026. However, television selections have resulted in fixtures being spread across Friday 6th, Saturday 7th, Sunday 8th and Monday 9th November.

The First Round Proper is an important stage of the competition because it marks the entry of League One and League Two clubs. These sides join the non-league teams that have successfully progressed through the qualifying rounds.

There are no replays from the First Round Proper onwards. If a match is level after 90 minutes, the teams play extra time, followed by a penalty shootout if the scores remain level.

What Are The Fixtures For The FA Cup First Round?

The draw for the 2026–27 Emirates FA Cup First Round Proper took place on Monday 19th October 2026. A total of 40 ties were drawn, bringing together the surviving non-league clubs and teams from League One and League Two.

Here are the confirmed first-round fixtures:

Friday, 6 November

Bristol Rovers vs Cambridge – 7:30pm

Oxford City vs Leicester – 7:45pm

Saturday, 7 November

Accrington vs Wycombe – 3pm

Fleetwood vs Rochdale – 3pm

Leyton Orient vs Harborough Town – 3pm

Bardford vs Marine – 3pm

York vs Northampton – 3pm

Hornchurch vs Blackpool – 3pm

Oxford United vs Stevenage – 3pm

Burton Albion vs Rushden and Diamonds – 3pm

Salisbury vs Sholing – 3pm

Carlisle vs Salford – 3pm

Kidderminster vs Doncaster – 3pm

Plymouth vs Alvechurch – 3pm

Harrogate vs Flyde – 3pm

Eastleigh vs Shrewsbury – 3pm

Boreham Wood vs Wigan – 3pm

Cheltenham vs Halifax – 3pm

Crewe vs Wimbledon – 3pm

Huddersfield vs Exeter – 3pm

Newport vs Walsall – 3pm

Mansfield vs Macclesfield – 3pm

Barnsley vs Aldershot – 3pm

Guiseley vs Sutton – 3pm

Bromley vs Rotherham – 3pm

Barnet vs Tranmere – 3pm

Dover Athletic vs Wealdstone – 3pm

MK Dons vs Swindon – 3pm

Port Vale vs Scunthorpe – 3pm

Gillingham vs Barrow – 3pm

Luton vs Forest Green – 3pm

Colchester vs Worcester City – 3pm

Chesterfield vs Yeovil – 3pm

Altrincham vs Notts County – 5:30pm

Peterborough vs Reading – 8pm

Sunday, 8 November

Stafford Rangers vs Grimsby – 12pm

Cray vs Stockport – 2:15pm

Wimbourne Town vs Crawley Town – 3pm

Oldham vs Sheffield Wednesday – 5:15pm

Monday, 9 November

Plymouth Parkway vs Berkhamsted – 7:30pm

There are several interesting ties to watch, including Oxford City against Leicester City, where the non-league side will have the opportunity to test themselves against former Premier League champions.

Other notable fixtures include Hornchurch against Blackpool, Kidderminster Harriers against Doncaster Rovers and Cray Wanderers against Stockport County. These matches offer lower-league and non-league teams the chance to create memorable FA Cup moments.

What Are The Results For The FA Cup First Round?

The 2026–27 FA Cup First Round Proper matches have not yet been played. The first fixtures are scheduled for Friday 6th November, with the remaining matches taking place between Saturday 7th and Monday 9th November.

The FA Cup first round results are:

The First Round Proper is often one of the most exciting stages of the competition, as non-league clubs get the opportunity to challenge established Football League sides. With 40 matches taking place, there will be plenty of opportunities for surprises, memorable performances and potential giant-killings.

Bet on the FA Cup First Round at Bet442

The FA Cup offers plenty of talking points, from potential giant-killings and underdog victories to closely contested matches between Football League clubs.

If you enjoy following the competition, you can explore the available FA Cup betting markets at Bet442, including markets such as match winners and in-play options.

Bet442 is licenced and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring a safe and secure betting experience.

Always remember to gamble responsibly by sticking to a strict budget within your means and making use of any responsible gambling tools available.


**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.