After a thrilling set of fixtures in the fifth round, the FA Cup 2025/26 quarter-final draw has set the stage for football fans everywhere. The spotlight immediately falls on the all-star showdown between Manchester City and Liverpool, promising high-octane action and intense rivalries in a season where both clubs are seeking redemption.
For both Man City and Liverpool, the FA Cup represents more than just another trophy this season. Both giants are navigating through a turbulent campaign, with unexpected setbacks in the league and other competitions. Now, as fate would have it, only one can advance from this pivotal clash in the quarter-finals. These two clubs, famous for their recent Premier League head-to-heads, now bring their fierce rivalry to English football’s oldest knockout competition. Expect tactical masterclasses from managers Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp, with every pass and shot potentially decisive.
Giant killers and underdogs: The magic of the draw
While the City-Liverpool fixture grabs headlines, the rest of the quarter-final lineup offers its own brand of excitement. Two pairings, in particular, pit Premier League facemasks against lower-league dreams, reminding us of the FA Cup’s reputation for shock results.
Chelsea, aiming to salvage their season with silverware, have been drawn against Port Vale—a team from League One, the third tier of English football. On paper, the gulf in resources, talent, and experience is immense. Pundits almost unanimously agree that Chelsea’s path to the semi-finals looks straightforward. Yet, the romance of the Cup is never truly out of play; Port Vale’s historic journey this far includes gritty performances and memorable upsets. For fans of the underdog narrative, this match holds a sliver of hope that magic can strike again.
Similarly, Arsenal, currently topping the Premier League table, face Championship outfit Southampton. Although Southampton sit eighth in the league below, cup football is notorious for springing surprises. Mikel Arteta’s men are in top form, and many expect them to power through, but Southampton’s blend of energetic youth and experienced campaigners might yet ask questions of the London side. Moments of inspiration, sudden counter-attacks, or set-piece brilliance could tip the balance.
Battle of equals: A taste of true competition
In contrast to the clear favorites in two of the ties, West Ham United’s clash with Leeds United stands out for its unpredictability. These teams, sharing a rich Premier League history and boasting passionate fanbases, appear closely matched at this stage. Both clubs have performed admirably in the preceding rounds, and the neutral viewer is set for a fiercely contested encounter.
What makes this fixture particularly exciting is the assurance that, regardless of the result, at least one club outside England’s elite will grace the semi-finals. For fans longing to see new faces or underappreciated talent on the hallowed Wembley turf, this quarter-final is the one to watch.
Key facts to watch out for in this round:
- Manchester City and Liverpool have each won the FA Cup once in the last decade, but haven’t met in a quarter-final since 2012.
- Chelsea last played Port Vale in the FA Cup in 2016, claiming a comfortable win—will history repeat itself?
- Arsenal remain unbeaten at this competition’s quarter-final stage under Mikel Arteta.
- The last time Southampton reached this stage, they went all the way to the final (2003).
- Either West Ham or Leeds will secure their first semi-final spot in over two decades.