Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Monday, January 12, 2026 10:06 p.m. / Updated Monday, January 12, 2026 10:21 p.m.
The draw for the FA Cup 4th round is a short but extremely well put together event. Although the public sees only one shot, transmitted live, in reality the procedure is carried out twice, and the reason is not related to any attempt to influence the matches.
Before the televised event, the organizers and broadcasters conduct a dress rehearsal. This has a strictly technical and logistical role.
Why is there a “secret” pull before the official one
Former shooting presenter Jake Humphrey explained why this rehearsal is necessary:
“It is about checking lights, camera positions, satellite connection stability, TV graphics operation and time allotted. It has nothing to do with the outcome of the shooting.”
At one of these rehearsals, Humphrey revealed that Manchester United had been drawn with Liverpool, but that result had no official value.
The only valid draw is live, broadcast in England by TNT Sports. The rehearsal has no influence on the final pairings, being only a technical test for the event to proceed without errors, notes the sportbible.com publication.
The matches of the 4th round of the FA Cup
Crystal Palace, the holders of the trophy, were knocked out of the competition on Saturday. League Six opponents Macclesfield pulled off “the biggest upset in FA Cup history” to beat the 13th-placed Premier League side 2-1.
Matches to be played in the 4th round:
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Stoke vs Fulham
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Liverpool/Barnsley vs Brighton
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Southampton vs Leicester
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Arsenal vs Wigan
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Hull vs Chelsea
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Burnley vs Mansfield
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Port Vale vs Bristol City
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Manchester City vs Salford City/Swindon Town
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Macclesfield vs Brentford
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Birmingham vs Leeds
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Wrexham vs Ipswich
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Burton vs West Ham
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Oxford vs Sunderland
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Norwich vs West Bromwich Albion
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Grimsby vs Wolverhampton
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Aston Villa vs Newcastle
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It should be noted that the match Liverpool – Barnsley is played tonight, with the winner going through to the 4th round to meet Brighton. The match is in the same situation Salford City – Swindon Townwhich will be contested on Saturday. The winner will face Manchester City.
The winner of the FA Cup earns a place in the UEFA Europa League, but this place is subject to certain conditions. If the winning team has not already qualified for European competition through the Premier League, they will gain a place in the group play-offs. Conversely, if the winning team is already qualified for the Europa League or Champions League through their place in the Championship, the Europa League place will be allocated to the 6th-placed team in the Premier League.
The FA Cup winner will also play for the FA Super Cup against the Premier League champions.
