The draw for the fourth round of the FA Cup was conducted on Monday, setting up a series of intriguing ties as the world’s oldest cup competition moves into its next stage.

The standout fixture of the round could see Liverpool take on Brighton & Hove Albion, provided the Reds overcome Barnsley in their outstanding third-round clash. Elsewhere, Arsenal have been handed a home tie against Wigan Athletic, Chelsea face a tricky trip to Hull City, while Manchester City will meet either Salford City or Swindon Town.

The fourth-round matches are scheduled to be played across the weekend of Saturday, February 14, 2026, promising a packed Valentine’s weekend of cup drama for football fans.

Other eye-catching ties include Aston Villa hosting Newcastle United in an all-Premier League encounter, Wrexham welcoming Ipswich Town in what could be another fairytale chapter for the Welsh side, and Grimsby Town taking on Wolves as lower-league hopes of an upset remain alive.

FA Cup Fourth-Round Draw in Full:

Liverpool or Barnsley vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Stoke City vs Fulham
Oxford United vs Sunderland
Southampton vs Leicester City
Wrexham vs Ipswich Town
Arsenal vs Wigan Athletic
Hull City vs Chelsea
Burton Albion vs West Ham United
Burnley vs Mansfield Town
Norwich City vs West Bromwich Albion
Port Vale vs Bristol City
Grimsby Town vs Wolves
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United
Manchester City vs Salford City or Swindon
Macclesfield vs Brentford
Birmingham City vs Leeds United

From an observer’s perspective, this draw strikes a fine balance between heavyweight clashes and classic FA Cup potential upsets. While Premier League giants like Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City will be confident, history reminds us that the FA Cup rarely respects reputations — especially away from home.

For fans, the appeal lies in that unpredictability. Whether it’s a lower-league side dreaming of another famous night or a top club navigating a tricky fixture amid a busy schedule, the fourth round once again promises the romance, tension and surprises that make the FA Cup special.