FA Trophy 2026: Fifth Round Draw Completed as Competition Heats Up

Introduction: England’s Premier Non-League Cup Competition

The FA Trophy continues to capture the imagination of non-league football fans across England as the 2025-26 season reaches a crucial stage. The draw for the Isuzu FA Trophy fifth round proper for the 2025-26 season has been made, marking another milestone in this prestigious knockout competition. Aldershot Town are the defending champions, having won the 2024–25 edition, and clubs across the non-league pyramid are battling to follow in their footsteps.

Fifth Round Draw Details

Hosted by Olly Clink, the draw was made by former Arsenal, Carlisle and Southend United player and broadcaster Adrian Clarke. The draw for the next stage of the competition was made this afternoon, live on talkSPORT2 radio. The excitement builds as clubs learn their opponents for what promises to be an enthralling round of fixtures.

Match Schedule and Prize Money

The fifth round will be staged on Saturday 31 January 2026, with winning clubs picking up £6000 from the prize fund and losing clubs receiving £1750. This financial incentive represents a significant boost for non-league clubs, where such prize money can make a substantial difference to budgets and operations. The stakes are high as teams prepare for their crucial encounters later this month.

Competition Structure and Road to Wembley

The FA Trophy has been running throughout the 2025-26 season following a comprehensive qualifying structure. The Final: Sunday 17 May 2026 will take place at Wembley Stadium, providing the ultimate incentive for competing clubs. The tournament began back in August 2025 with preliminary rounds, and surviving teams are now just three rounds away from a semi-final appearance.

Significance for Non-League Football

The FA Trophy remains vitally important for clubs in the National League system, offering them a realistic pathway to Wembley glory. With the fifth round now set, sixteen teams remain in contention for silverware. The competition provides not only financial rewards but also prestige and memorable occasions for clubs, players, and supporters alike. As January progresses, anticipation builds for the upcoming fixtures that could define seasons for the participating clubs.