Live in the UK: TNT Sports (main rights)
Free to watch: BBC: 14 ties a season, including the final
The FA Cup starts in August with non-league clubs and ends at Wembley in May. Television joins at the first round proper, in November.
Who shows the FA Cup?
| Broadcaster | Games |
|---|---|
| TNT Sports | Main rights: most televised ties from the first round proper onwards |
| BBC | 14 a season: two per round to the quarter-finals, one semi-final, the final |
When are the big rounds?
- First round proper: November, when League One and League Two clubs enter.
- Third round: early January, when the Premier League and Championship clubs enter.
- Final: May, at Wembley.
Can you watch the qualifying rounds?
Mostly not live on television. Some clubs and the FA publish highlights. The fixture list below includes qualifying games where data is available.
Next fixtures, in UK time
- 15:00Sat 17 Oct
Southend United
BerkhamstedFA CupNot live on UK TV (3pm blackout) - 15:00Sat 17 Oct
Bury
Harrogate TownFA CupNot live on UK TV (3pm blackout) - 15:00Sat 17 Oct
Hartlepool United
MarineFA CupNot live on UK TV (3pm blackout)
Fixtures from TheSportsDB, updated 6 October 2026; times can move for TV. UK channels follow the 2025-29 rights deals. Saturday 3pm games are not shown live anywhere in the UK.
Readers also ask
Is the FA Cup final on free TV?
Yes. The BBC shows the final live, and TNT Sports shows it too.
When do Premier League clubs enter the FA Cup?
In the third round, played in early January.
Are Saturday 3pm FA Cup games shown live?
No. The 3pm blackout applies to FA Cup games kicking off at 3pm on Saturday, as it does to league games.
Sources
- SportsPro: BBC to show 14 FA Cup ties per season under new agreement with TNT Sports checked 6 October 2026
- The FA: BBC Sport secures deal with TNT Sports for the FA Cup checked 6 October 2026