FA Cup 2025-26: Five big matches to watch out for in January 2026 and streaming details

The FA Cup's magic returns this January with the 2025-26 Third Round, featuring exciting matchups between Premier League and Championship teams. Here are the 5 matches to watch out for in January.

Crystal Palace are the current holders of the FA Cup.

The magic of the FA Cup returns this January as the 2025-26 edition enters the iconic Third Round. This is the stage where the giants of the Premier League and Championship enter the fray, facing off against lower-league underdogs in a bid for domestic glory. With the schedule now finalized, the weekend of January 10-11, 2026, promises a feast of football. Here are the five biggest matches to watch out for and how you can catch them live in India.

When and where to watch in India?

Before we start the discussion about the matches to watch out for, this is how Indian fans can watch the FA Cup 2026 online in India. Fans can watch the whole tournament on SonyLIV, accessible via OTTplay Premium.

Now here are the five matches to watch out for in the FA Cup 2025-26.

1. Tottenham vs. Aston Villa (Jan 10, 11:25 PM IST)

Undoubtedly the "tie of the round," this all-Premier League blockbuster features two teams with high ambitions but recent trophy droughts they are desperate to end.

While Unai Emery has turned Aston Villa into a European force, Spurs are looking to shake off a historically difficult January record.

With stars like Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers, and Richarlison likely to feature, this high-octane clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is a "final-quality" match occurring far too early in the tournament.

2. Manchester United vs. Brighton (Jan 11, 10:00 PM IST)

Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United face a significant test against a Brighton side that has consistently acted as their "bogey team" in recent years.

United may have beaten the Seagulls 4-2 back in October, but the FA Cup brings a different pressure.

For United, the cup represents their most realistic path to silverware this season, while Fabian Hürzeler’s Brighton will be hunting for another "big-six" scalp to add to their collection.

Read also: 10 underdog wins in football that defined 2025

3. Portsmouth vs. Arsenal (Jan 11, 7:30 PM IST)

This is a classic "giant-killing" setup. Premier League leaders Arsenal travel to the south coast to face a Portsmouth side backed by a raucous Fratton Park crowd.

While Arsenal are record 14-time winners, they suffered a shock third-round exit last season and will be wary of Pompey’s physical style.

Expect Mikel Arteta to rotate his squad, giving Portsmouth a glimmer of hope for a historic upset.

Read also: United Cup 2026: Which stars are playing in the tournament? How to watch in India?

4. Wrexham vs. Nottingham Forest (Jan 10, 1:00 AM IST)

The Hollywood-owned Wrexham AFC continues to be the competition's most talked-about underdog.

Now competing in the Championship, Phil Parkinson’s "Red Dragons" host Premier League side Nottingham Forest in a Friday night special.

Wrexham has a storied history of beating Forest in this competition (notably in 1982), and with the STōK Cae Ras rocking, the world will be watching to see if Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney can witness another miracle.

Read also: The $65m ‘hijack’: Man City vs. Liverpool for Antoine Semenyo - who is winning the transfer window?

5. Derby County vs. Leeds United (Jan 11, 5:30 PM IST)

This will be a rivalry renewed. While these two historic clubs have shared many battles in the second tier, this Cup tie carries extra weight.

Leeds United, currently pushing for a high position in the Premier League, face a Derby County side that thrives on its "us against the world" mentality at Pride Park.

It’s a match steeped in history, tension, and the raw atmosphere that only the FA Cup can provide.

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