Women’s FA Cup Draw Sets Stage for Thrilling Fifth Round Clashes

20 January 2026 Women's Sports

Introduction: Major Fixtures Announced for Women’s FA Cup

The Adobe Women’s FA Cup fifth round draw has delivered a captivating set of fixtures that promise to showcase the best of English women’s football. The draw took place on Monday 19 January, setting up eight ties involving 16 clubs that will compete for a place in the quarter-finals. The competition continues to grow in stature, with significant prize money at stake and passionate support from fans across the country.

Standout Fixtures and Derby Clashes

Among the most anticipated matches is a highly anticipated Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton. The full draw also features several other compelling fixtures including Chelsea versus Manchester United, Arsenal versus Bristol City, and West Ham United versus Brighton & Hove Albion. Manchester City will face Sheffield United, whilst London City Lionesses will take on Tottenham Hotspur.

Chatham Town are the lowest-ranked side left in the cup, and their reward for victory over York City on Sunday is an away game against a WSL 2 side, Birmingham City. The Kent-based club’s remarkable cup run has captured the imagination of football fans nationwide.

Competition Details and What’s at Stake

The fifth round proper is scheduled to take place on Sunday 22 February 2026, with matches offering significant financial rewards. Winning clubs at this stage of the competition will receive £80,000 from the prize fund, with £20,000 for the losing teams. This represents a substantial investment in women’s football and demonstrates the FA’s commitment to growing the game.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Women’s Football

The fifth round draw represents a crucial juncture in the 2025-26 Women’s FA Cup campaign. With top-tier WSL sides now in the mix, underdogs like Chatham Town facing giant-killing opportunities, and fierce local derbies on the horizon, the competition is set to deliver compelling drama. For fans, players, and clubs alike, these fixtures offer a platform to showcase the rapidly evolving standards of English women’s football and continue building momentum for a sport that continues to break attendance records and capture public attention.