“Palace Sent To Sixth-Tier Macclesfield” says FA Cup Draw Shake-Up
Crystal Palace will begin their FA Cup title defense with a shock test after being drawn away to sixth-tier Macclesfield, a matchup that instantly became the headline story of this year’s third round.
The pairing drops Palace into one of the most unforgiving traps in knockout football: a fired-up non-league side at home, chasing history on a cramped pitch. For Macclesfield, the tie is nothing short of a dream.
Macclesfield, who sit 14th in the National League North, were one of only four non-league teams still standing when the draw was made. Their modern identity is still shaped by the legacy of Macclesfield Town, the former club that famously reached the FA Cup fourth round in 2013 before falling to Wigan. This new chapter offers another chance to create a national moment.
Elsewhere, the draw delivered a remarkable mix of romance, jeopardy, and heavyweight collisions. National League South side Weston-super-Mare will travel to League Two Grimsby, a club that already stunned Manchester United earlier this season by knocking them out of the League Cup. The Mariners now carry the label of giant killers into yet another potential upset.
Boreham Wood, who shocked the country with their run to the fifth round in 2022, will host either Brackley or Burton. Their supporters know what a deep run looks like and will quietly believe another is possible.
For Premier League clubs, the draw produced four all top-flight ties. Aston Villa face an awkward trip to Tottenham. Everton meets Sunderland. Newcastle hosts Bournemouth. Brighton head to Old Trafford for a high-stakes battle with Manchester United, a fixture that rarely disappoints.
Arsenal, currently leading the Premier League, must travel to Portsmouth. Fratton Park remains one of the most atmospheric stadiums in English football and the 2008 winners will view this as the perfect stage to revive old memories. Wrexham, still one of the most followed lower league clubs in the world, landed a glamour home tie against Nottingham Forest that will dominate the headlines in Wales.
Liverpool received a favorable draw with a home fixture against Barnsley. Manchester City will visit League One Exeter in a match that places the European champions firmly under the microscope. Charlton versus Chelsea at The Valley completes the standout fixtures and promises a lively London derby in front of a tightly packed crowd.
The third round weekend is scheduled for Jan. 10 and 11 in 2026, a period that always delivers drama, upsets, and unexpected storylines. With top-flight giants scattered across hostile territory and non-league dreamers chasing history, this year’s competition already feels like it is winding up for something memorable.