In a thrilling turn of events in the FA Cup, Macclesfield Town will host Brentford in the fourth round after a stunning victory over Crystal Palace, the defending champions. This match is set to take place on the weekend of February 14, 2026, marking another significant challenge for the lower league side. Macclesfield’s triumph over Palace has been hailed as one of the greatest upsets in the tournament’s history.
Aston Villa also faces a formidable opponent in the next round, with Unai Emery’s side set to welcome Newcastle United to Villa Park. Villa has already demonstrated its strength by eliminating Tottenham Hotspur in the previous round, but the clash against Newcastle promises to be another tough battle.
Meanwhile, Hull City will see former manager Liam Rosenior return as they face Chelsea, creating an intriguing storyline for both clubs. The continuation of the tournament has also set the stage for a potential rematch at the Etihad Stadium, where Manchester City will host either Salford City or Swindon Town, depending on the outcome of their encounter.
In another noteworthy matchup, the winner of the upcoming game between Liverpool and Barnsley will play Brighton & Hove Albion at home. Brighton made headlines by knocking Manchester United out of the competition, showcasing their competitive edge.
Arsenal will welcome Wigan Athletic to the Emirates Stadium, while Grimsby Town is hoping to continue its impressive run by hosting Wolverhampton Wanderers. These matchups underscore the unpredictability and excitement that the FA Cup consistently delivers.
Other Premier League clubs, including Fulham, Sunderland, West Ham, and Leeds United, have drawn away fixtures against Stoke City, Oxford United, Burton Albion, and Birmingham City, respectively.
The complete schedule for the FA Cup fourth round is as follows:
– **Fourth round**: Saturday, February 14, 2026
– **Fifth round**: Saturday, March 7, 2026
– **Quarter-finals**: Saturday, April 4, 2026
– **Semi-finals**: Saturday, April 25, 2026
– **Final**: Saturday, May 16, 2026
The excitement surrounding the FA Cup continues to grow, with fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming matches. As the tournament progresses, the hope for more surprises and thrilling encounters remains high.
