The road to Wembley is beginning to take shape as the 2025/26 FA Cup moves into its quarter-final stage, and the draw has delivered a handful of intriguing matchups.
England’s oldest football competition has already produced its fair share of drama this season, and the remaining fixtures suggest that the excitement is far from over.
Among the standout ties is a heavyweight showdown between Manchester City and Liverpool. With several Premier League giants still in the competition, a blockbuster clash always seemed inevitable.
Unfortunately for City and Liverpool, they were the ones paired together. If their upcoming cup encounter delivers even a fraction of the drama seen in their recent league meeting, fans can expect a thrilling contest.
While some of their domestic rivals have already faced each other, Chelsea once again avoided Premier League opposition and will host Port Vale. The League One side earned their spot in the quarter-finals after producing one of the biggest upsets of the fifth round, defeating Sunderland. Despite the historic achievement, manager Jon Brady admitted the schedule could be challenging.
“It’s a bit of a pain in the bum, to be honest!” he said after guiding the third-tier club to their first FA Cup quarter-final appearance in 72 years. “It’s a privilege, but it’s tough as well.”
Elsewhere, Arsenal will travel to face Southampton. The last time the Gunners reached the FA Cup quarter-final stage, they went on to lift the trophy, and Mikel Arteta will be hoping history repeats itself. The Arsenal boss has yet to add another major trophy in the six years since that triumph, but his team is still competing across four competitions this season.
Manchester City, meanwhile, remain in pursuit of a potential quadruple and appear to be finding their rhythm at the right moment. Unlike Arsenal and Chelsea, who have largely avoided top-flight opposition, City have had a tougher path. They recently came from behind to secure a 3–1 victory over Newcastle United, and their quarter-final clash with Liverpool promises another stern test.
For Liverpool, reaching this stage was no easy task either. The Reds had to overcome Wolverhampton Wanderers, a fixture made even more intense after Wolves had beaten them at the same stadium just three nights earlier. That result added extra motivation for Jurgen Klopp’s side, and another dramatic encounter could be on the cards when they meet City again.
Elsewhere, Leeds United have been upbeat about their chances as they chase a first FA Cup semi-final appearance since 2003. The Yorkshire club will face either West Ham United or Brentford, depending on the outcome of their Monday night clash.
2025–26 FA Cup Quarter-Final Draw
- Southampton vs Arsenal
- Chelsea vs Port Vale
- Manchester City vs Liverpool
- West Ham United or Brentford vs Leeds United
With several big names still in the competition and a few potential giant-killing stories brewing, the FA Cup’s magic looks set to continue as the tournament edges closer to Wembley.