Action in the FA Cup is set to get underway this weekend with 40 games between various non-league, League One and Two sides taking place for a spot in the second round draw
Abbie Meehan Sports Writer U-35s
10:00, 01 Nov 2025
The FA Cup returns this weekend(Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
The FA Cup returns this weekend with many teams across the lower tiers of English football facing off for a spot in the second round draw. Across the first two days of November, teams from across non-league football, League One and Two will take part in the first round of the cup competition with a lengthy run all on their minds.
The FA Cup is the oldest national football competition in the world and was first played during the 1871/72 season. Currently, 45 clubs have hoisted the trophy high, with Arsenal holding the record for the most titles won with 14.
The most recent holders are Crystal Palace, who lifted the trophy last season thanks to a 1-0 win over Manchester City in the final.
Now, it is a new dawn and plenty of clubs will be vying for their first piece of silverware, with the excitement heating up from the second round onwards.
Here, Mirror Football has all the details on when the second round draw will get underway and where you can tune in live.
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When is the FA Cup second round draw?
The second round draw for the FA Cup will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025. 20 games will be pulled out of the hat, down from 40 in the first round.
Where can I watch the FA Cup second round draw?
The FA Cup is the oldest national competition in the world(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
It hasn’t yet been confirmed which broadcaster will show the live second round draw. TNT Sports and BBC hold the rights for the cup competition, with the former showing all the games form the third round onwards.
FA Cup first round fixtures this weekend on TV
There are seven FA Cup fixtures chosen for broadcast this weekend. These include:
Saturday, November 1
- Chelmsford City vs Braintree Town – 12pm – live on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports Ultimate and discovery+
- Brackley Town vs Notts County – 5.30pm – live on BBC Two, TNT Sports 3, BBC iPlayer and discovery+
Sunday, November 2
- South Shields vs Shrewsbury Town – 12pm – live on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+
- Eastleigh vs Walsall – 2.15pm – live on BBC Two, TNT Sports 2, BBC iPlayer and discovery+
- Port Vale vs Maldon & Tiptree – 3pm – live on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+
- Gainsborough Trinity vs Accrington Stanley – 5.15pm – live on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2 and discovery+
Monday, November 3
- Tamworth vs Leyton Orient – 7.30pm – live on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and discovery+
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