Emirates FA Cup First Round Proper Draw Locked In as EFL Clubs Enter the Magic
There is nothing in global sports quite like the Emirates FA Cup, and the 2026-27 competition just hit its first major milestone. The draw for the first round proper is officially in the books, bringing League One and League Two heavyweights into the fold alongside the non-league survivors who battled through fourth round qualifying.
With 40 ties set to play out over the weekend of Saturday, November 7, 2026, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Winners at this stage will pocket a crucial £47,750 from the prize fund, while even the losing sides take home £15,800: a game-changing cash injection for clubs further down the pyramid.
Non-League Dreams and EFL Blockbusters
The magic of the FA Cup always lies in the clash of worlds, and this first round proper features incredible matchups across the board.
History Makers and Giant-Killers Steal the Headlines
This year’s fourth qualifying round delivered non-league drama at its absolute finest, with several clubs carving out unforgettable chapters in their histories. Berkhamsted and AFC Rushden & Diamonds headline the historic runs, both reaching the first round proper for the very first time after pulling off massive giant-killing victories. The Comrades showed unbelievable resilience by coming from behind to stun Southend United 2-1 at Roots Hall, while Diamonds knocked off Morecambe to claim another Step 2 scalp and secure their ticket to the main draw.
They aren’t the only ones breaking new ground. Sholing, Plymouth Parkway, and Salisbury all fought through their qualifying ties to reach the first round proper for the first time in their respective club histories, setting up massive fixtures on the national stage.
Cinderella Runs and Replay Drama
Step 5 underdogs Tadley Calleva continued to steal the show with an inspirational performance against Aldershot Town. Tadley Calleva twice came from behind to earn a dramatic 2-2 draw away at the National League side, forcing a high-stakes replay to see who moves on to face Barnsley.
They are one of eleven fourth round qualifying ties that could not be decided in 90 minutes. Lower-ranked sides like Bury, Leatherhead, and Stafford Rangers will all feature in Tuesday night’s replays on October 20, aiming to conjure up one more dose of FA Cup magic to complete the first round grid.
- Tough Tests for EFL Powerhouses: Huddersfield Town host Exeter City in an all-EFL clash, while Luton Town wait on the winner of Chesham United vs. Forest Green Rovers. Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday head on the road to face a dangerous Oldham Athletic side looking for a marquee upset.
- Non-League Spotlights: Oxford City draw a blockbuster home fixture against Leicester City, while non-league Plymouth Parkway host Berkhamsted in a massive opportunity for both clubs to push deep into the tournament.
- Replays Still Pending: Eleven fourth round qualifying replays take place on Tuesday, October 20, to fill out the remaining slots, including high-stakes rematches like Macclesfield vs. Anstey Nomads and Harrogate Town vs. Bury.
Complete Emirates FA Cup First Round Proper Draw
- Dover Athletic v Wealdstone
- Mansfield Town v Macclesfield or Anstey Nomads
- Huddersfield Town v Exeter City
- Luton Town v Chesham United or Forest Green Rovers
- Bristol Rovers v Cambridge United
- Oldham Athletic v Sheffield Wednesday
- Kidderminster Harriers v Doncaster Rovers
- Leyton Orient v Harborough Town
- Accrington Stanley v Wycombe Wanderers
- MK Dons v Swindon Town
- Newport County v Walsall
- Bromley v Rotherham United
- Barnet v Tranmere Rovers
- Fleetwood Town v Rochdale
- Barnsley v Aldershot or Tadley Calleva
- Plymouth Parkway v Berkhamsted
- Chesterfield v Leatherhead or Yeovil Town
- Gillingham v Barrow or Gloucester City
- Bury or Harrogate Town v AFC Fylde
- Crewe Alexandra v AFC Wimbledon
- Oxford United v Stevenage
- Burton Albion v AFC Rushden & Diamonds
- Bedford Town or Cray Wanderers v Stockport County
- Port Vale v Scunthorpe United
- Cheltenham Town v FC Halifax Town
- Colchester United v Chorley or Worcester City
- Eastleigh v Shrewsbury Town
- Peterborough United v Reading
- Wimborne Town v Crawley Town
- Plymouth Argyle v Spalding United or Alvechurch
- Hornchurch v Blackpool
- Guiseley v Sutton United
- Gateshead or Stafford Rangers v Grimsby Town
- Oxford City v Leicester City
- Bradford City v Marine
- York City v Northampton Town
- Altrincham or FC United of Manchester v Notts County
- Boreham Wood v Wigan Athletic
- Carlisle United v Salford City
- Salisbury v Sholing
Full scheduling and TV broadcast selections will be confirmed shortly as the build-up to November 7 officially begins!
