FA Cup on TV: Your Complete Broadcasting Guide for 2025-26

Introduction: The FA Cup Returns to Television Screens

The FA Cup, the world’s oldest football competition, has reached its most exciting stage as eight ties will be shown live on linear channels between Friday 9 and Monday 12 January 2026, with all eight of these available to watch on TNT Sports, and BBC Sport also showing two of them. For football fans across the United Kingdom, knowing where and when to watch these historic matches has become increasingly important as broadcasting arrangements have evolved this season.

There has been a change for this season, with a vast reduction in the level of free-to-air coverage of the FA Cup in the UK. Understanding the new television landscape is essential for supporters who don’t want to miss a moment of cup action.

Where to Watch FA Cup Matches on Television

UK broadcast rights for the 2025/2026 FA Cup are split between TNT Sports / Discovery+ and the BBC. TNT Sports has significantly expanded its coverage, with 26 live games in total across 10 days, including 22 live men’s matches with three Friday night fixtures, headlined by Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest.

The BBC continues to provide free-to-air coverage for select matches, ensuring some games remain accessible to all viewers without subscription requirements. This split arrangement means fans need to plan ahead to catch their favourite teams in action.

Third Round Television Schedule Highlights

The Third Round represents the stage where Premier League giants enter the competition, creating potential giant-killing opportunities. The action culminates on Monday 12 January, with defending Premier League champions Liverpool hosting League One challengers Barnsley at Anfield.

High-profile fixtures include several all-Premier League encounters and intriguing matchups between top-flight clubs and lower-league opposition. Those involved in television broadcast selections on linear channels will receive an additional £80,000, and the fee for clubs participating in the matches streamed on discovery+ only is £40,000, highlighting the financial significance of television coverage for participating clubs.

Conclusion: Planning Your FA Cup Viewing Experience

With multiple broadcasters sharing FA Cup rights, football supporters must navigate between TNT Sports, discovery+, and BBC platforms to follow the competition. The reduced free-to-air coverage represents a significant shift in how fans access this historic tournament, making subscription services increasingly important for comprehensive coverage.

For those passionate about the FA Cup’s tradition of upsets and drama, securing access to the right television channels and streaming platforms before kick-off is essential. As the competition progresses toward its May finale at Wembley Stadium, the broadcasting arrangement will continue to shape how millions experience one of football’s most cherished competitions.