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[SPORTS] · United Kingdom · 5 sources

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Part of situation: FA Cup first round proper draw (2 clusters)

FA Cup first round proper draw scheduled for October 19

FA Cup first round proper draw non-league football EFL TNT Sports

The draw for the FA Cup first round proper is scheduled for Monday, October 19, 2026. The event will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 6:30pm BST and the draw expected to begin around 6:35pm BST. The broadcast will also be available via the TNT Sports YouTube channel and the HBO Max app.

The draw will be hosted by Matt Smith and conducted by former Arsenal defender Martin Keown and former England international Fara Williams. A total of 80 teams will participate in the first round, consisting of 48 clubs from League One and League Two, alongside winners from the fourth qualifying round.

While Premier League and Championship clubs do not enter the competition until the third round in January, the first round provides non-league clubs the opportunity to potentially face higher-division opposition.

Entities

FA Cup · Matt Smith · TNT Sports

Sources

Guide to First Round Draw in 2026-27 FA Cup [sportgrill.co.uk]
Non-league sides make history in FA Cup qualifying [rocketnews.com]
Wigan Athletic vs Reading: 2026/27 Match Preview [thetilehurstend.sbnation.com]
Diamonds and Comrades cheer - The Non-League Football Paper [www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com]
When is FA Cup first round draw? Date, start time, ball numbers and TV [www.standard.co.uk]