Ball Numbers, How to Watch, Fixture Dates and Potential Opponents – 2025/26 FA Cup Fourth Round Draw
Manchester City will soon discover their opponents for the fourth round of the 2025/26 FA Cup following a dominant victory at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
It proved to be a straightforward route into the next stage of the competition for Pep Guardiola’s side, despite the Catalan being absent from the touchline due to suspension. Assistant coach Pepijn Lijnders oversaw proceedings as City delivered a ruthless attacking display.
The opening 45 minutes alone produced four goals, with strikes from Max Alleyne and a Rodri brace supplemented by two unfortunate own goals from Exeter City. The pattern continued relentlessly after the break.
A quick-fire double from Rico Lewis and Antoine Semenyo took City to six before the hour mark, while further goals from Tijjani Reijnders, Nico O’Reilly, Ryan McAidoo, and a second from Lewis pushed the hosts into double figures.
The travelling supporters did have a moment to celebrate late on, as George Birch produced a stunning long-range strike that flew into the top corner beyond James Trafford, sealing a 10-1 scoreline at full-time.
With progression secured, attention now turns to the fourth round draw. Below are all the key details supporters need to know.
When Is the FA Cup Fourth Round Draw?
The FA Cup fourth round draw will take place on Monday 12 January at Anfield, ahead of the final third-round fixture between Liverpool and Barnsley.
How Can I Watch the FA Cup Fourth Round Draw?
The draw will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, streamed on discovery+, and available via the TNT Sports YouTube channel at approximately 6:35pm GMT.
FA Cup Fourth Round Ball Numbers
1. Wolverhampton Wanderers
2. Southampton
3. Aston Villa
4. Port Vale
5. Wigan Athletic
6. Ipswich Town
7. Wrexham
8. Chelsea
9. Manchester City
10. West Ham United or Queens Park Rangers
11. Brentford
12. Fulham
13. Sunderland
14. Liverpool or Barnsley
15. Burnley
16. Norwich City
17. Arsenal
18. Leeds United
19. Swansea City or West Bromwich Albion
20. Salford City or Swindon Town
21. Burton Albion
22. Grimsby Town
23. Hull City or Blackburn Rovers
24. Newcastle United
25. Oxford United
26. Leicester City
27. Birmingham City
28. Bristol City
29. Stoke City
30. Macclesfield
31. Manchester United or Brighton & Hove Albion
32. Mansfield Town
When Will the FA Cup Fourth Round Matches Be Played?
The fourth round ties are scheduled to take place over the weekend of Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February 2026.
Remaining FA Cup Fixture Dates – 2025/26
Fifth Round: Saturday 7 March 2026
Quarter-finals: Saturday 4 April 2026
Semi-finals: Saturday 25 April 2026
Final: Saturday 16 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where will the FA Cup fourth round draw take place?
The draw will be conducted at Anfield before Liverpool’s third-round tie against Barnsley.
Which ball number is Manchester City?
Manchester City have been assigned ball number 9.
Can Manchester City face Premier League opposition?
Yes. There is no seeding at this stage, meaning City can be drawn against any remaining club.
Is the draw available to stream online?
Yes. The draw can be streamed via discovery+ and the TNT Sports YouTube channel.
Conclusion
Manchester City head into the FA Cup fourth round draw in emphatic fashion after a statement victory, and attention now turns to who stands between Guardiola’s side and a place in the competition’s latter stages. With several Premier League and Championship sides still in the hat, the upcoming draw promises intrigue as the road to Wembley continues.
