Wigan Athletic Set for Emirates Showdown with Arsenal in FA Cup Fourth Round

Historic FA Cup Draw Brings High-Profile Clash

The fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup has been made, with Premier League leaders Arsenal hosting 2013 winners Wigan Athletic. The fourth round of the world’s oldest cup competition will be played around the weekend of Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15, 2026, marking a significant moment for the League One side as they prepare to face one of England’s top clubs.

Latics progress into the Fourth Round of the Emirates FA Cup following a superb victory against Championship side Preston North End, demonstrating their cup fighting spirit with a hard-fought 1-0 win that earned them this prestigious fixture.

Current Season Performance and Transfer Activity

The 2025–26 season is the 94th season in the history of Wigan Athletic Football Club, and their third consecutive season in League One, with the club currently positioned 15th in the table. The 22-year-old would join a Wigan side that are slowly improving, having only lost two of their last five games, with those games coming against two of the top three teams in their division.

Manager Ryan Lowe’s squad is showing defensive improvement, with they haven’t conceded more than two goals in a game since September. The club is also active in the January transfer window, with Wigan Athletic have launched a six-figure bid for Accrington Stanley defender Benn Ward, as they attempt to secure his services whilst fending off other EFL interest in the player, according to the Daily Mail.

Looking Ahead: Crucial Period for the Latics

The FA Cup tie against Arsenal represents a major highlight in what could be a pivotal month for Wigan. The club famously lifted the trophy during the 2012-2013 season in a stunning final, giving them historical pedigree in the competition despite their current third-tier status.

A good January could see Wigan Athletic looking up in the table, and a bad one could put the Latics right back into trouble. The Emirates showdown offers not only potential cup glory but also valuable exposure and experience for Lowe’s developing squad. With defensive solidity improving and strategic reinforcements targeted in the transfer market, Wigan Athletic fans have reasons for cautious optimism as they prepare to test themselves against England’s elite.