London – The draw for the quarterfinal round of the 2025/2026 FA Cup has been completed, and it features a blockbuster clash between Premier League giants Manchester City and Liverpool!
The eighth-round draw took place on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at London Stadium in England, with former FA Cup champions Joe Cole and Joe Hart conducting the draw. The matchups set the stage for a compelling weekend of football on April 4-5, 2026.
League leaders Arsenal will face Championship side Southampton, even as Chelsea will host third-tier outfit Port Vale. Yet, the tie garnering the most attention is undoubtedly the all-Premier League encounter between Manchester City and Liverpool. This promises to be a fiercely contested match between two of England’s top teams, vying for a spot in the semifinals.
The final quarterfinal pairing sees Leeds United awaiting the winner of the yet-to-be-played match between West Ham United and Brentford. All quarterfinal ties will be decided in a single match, with extra time and penalties used to determine a winner if necessary.
Here’s a look at the full FA Cup quarterfinal draw:
- Southampton vs. Arsenal
- Chelsea vs. Port Vale
- Manchester City vs. Liverpool
- West Ham United/Brentford vs. Leeds United
The upcoming match between Manchester City and Liverpool is particularly noteworthy, coming on the heels of a dramatic Premier League encounter just weeks prior. On February 8, 2026, Manchester City secured a 2-1 comeback victory at Anfield, cutting Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points. Erling Haaland scored a late penalty to seal the win for City, after goals from Bernardo Silva had leveled the score following a stunning free-kick from Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai. Szoboszlai was later sent off in stoppage time, adding to the drama of the match. [1, 4]
That Premier League result highlighted the intense rivalry between these two clubs, and the FA Cup quarterfinal promises to be another captivating chapter. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are aiming to continue their pursuit of a domestic treble, while Liverpool, under Arne Slot, will be eager to avenge their recent league defeat and progress in the competition. [1]
Liverpool secured their place in the quarterfinal with a comfortable 3-0 win over Wolves at Molineux, while Manchester City overcame a challenge from Newcastle United, winning 3-1. Arsenal also progressed, albeit with a scare, defeating League One side Mansfield Town 2-1, and Chelsea needed extra time to see off Wrexham 4-2. [2]
The FA Cup has a long and storied history, and this year’s competition has already produced its share of surprises, with League One side Port Vale knocking out Sunderland. The draw has thrown up some intriguing matchups, and the quarterfinal stage is sure to deliver plenty of drama and excitement. [2]
Fans will be keenly watching the Manchester City versus Liverpool tie, anticipating a tactical battle between two of the world’s most respected managers. The outcome of this match could have significant implications for both teams’ seasons, as they continue to compete on multiple fronts. [1, 2]
The quarterfinal matches are scheduled for the weekend of April 4-5, 2026, with exact dates and kick-off times to be announced by the FA. Fans can stay updated on the latest news and information on the official FA Cup website. [2]
Next up for both Manchester City and Liverpool are their respective Premier League commitments before they turn their attention to this highly anticipated FA Cup clash. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, and fans around the world will be eagerly awaiting the opportunity to witness this captivating matchup. [1, 2, 4]
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the FA Cup and all the latest developments in the world of football.
The #EmiratesFACup quarter-final draw 🏆
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 9, 2026
Sources: [1, 2, 4]
