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FA Cup: A Tournament for All Levels

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, January 9th 2026 at 9:45 GMT by Sporting News

A Tournament for All: The FA Cup's Unique Appeal

The beauty of the FA Cup lies in its inclusivity. Unlike many top-tier competitions, the FA Cup welcomes teams from all levels of the English football pyramid, creating a unique blend of David-versus-Goliath clashes and a genuine opportunity for underdog stories. The early rounds feature amateur and semi-professional clubs, offering a glimpse into the grassroots of English football. As the tournament progresses, these sides face increasingly tough opposition, ultimately culminating in a final showdown at the iconic Wembley Stadium.

Key Dates: Mark Your Calendars

The 2025-2026 FA Cup kicked off with the Extra Preliminary Round on September 5th, 2025, setting the stage for a season-long competition. The road to Wembley is a long one, segmented into qualifying and proper rounds. Here's a detailed look at the crucial dates:

• September 5, 2025: Extra Preliminary Round - The very beginning of the journey, featuring the lowest-ranked teams.
• September 19, 2025: Preliminary Round - Teams progress through the first hurdle.
• October 11, 2025: First Round Qualifying - The competition begins to take shape.
• November 1, 2025: Second Round Qualifying - More teams enter the fray.
• November 22, 2025: Third Round Qualifying - The field starts to narrow.
• December 6, 2025: Fourth Round Qualifying & First Round Proper - The initial rounds of the main competition begin.
• December 13-16, 2025: Second Round Proper - Increased media attention on surviving teams.
• January 3-6, 2026: Third Round Proper - Premier League clubs enter the competition, adding star power and intensity.
• January 24-27, 2026: Fourth Round Proper - The competition heats up, with fewer teams remaining.
• February 18-20, 2026: Fifth Round Proper - Quarter-final spots are within reach.
• March 7-10, 2026: Quarter-Finals - The final eight battle for a place in the semi-finals.
• April 18-19, 2026: Semi-Finals - A thrilling penultimate stage at Wembley.
• May 23, 2026: Final - The grand finale at Wembley Stadium, crowning the 2025-2026 FA Cup champions.

How to Watch: Canadian Viewers

For football fans in Canada eager to follow the FA Cup, several options are available. TSN and RDS will be broadcasting select matches throughout the tournament, providing coverage of key clashes and highlights. However, to ensure comprehensive access to every game, streaming services are the most reliable choice.

• TSN Direct: TSN's streaming platform offers live and on-demand access to matches broadcast on TSN channels. This is a popular option for dedicated sports fans who also enjoy TSN's other programming.
• RDS Direct: For French-speaking viewers, RDS Direct provides live streaming of matches broadcast on RDS, offering a dedicated French-language experience.

It's important to check the TSN and RDS schedules regularly to confirm which matches will be aired or streamed, as not all games will be available. Some matches may also be subject to regional restrictions.

The FA Cup: More Than Just a Tournament

The FA Cup remains a significant fixture in the English football calendar, offering a unique blend of tradition, excitement, and the potential for fairytale runs. The 2025-2026 edition promises to be no different, providing ample opportunities for drama, upsets, and memorable moments. With readily available viewing options, particularly for Canadian audiences, fans can fully immerse themselves in the magic of the world's oldest national football competition.