❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

How to watch the FA Cup first round draw for free: Start time, TV channel, live stream and ball numbers

Radio Times brings you all the details for the FA Cup first round draw – and how to watch for free.

A red bag with an FA logo lies on top of numbered balls.

(Photo by Scott Heavey - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Published: Monday, 19 October 2026 at 4:51 pm

Subscribe to Radio Times: 10 weeks for £10, including the Christmas double issue

The preliminary rounds are over; it's time for the real thing. The FA Cup first round is fast approaching and the teams in the hat will discover their fate this evening.

Ad

League One and League Two sides enter the competition at this stage, joining those non-league clubs that have made it this far.

Though it will step up a notch when Championship and Premier League teams join the fray in January, the march toward Wembley really begins now.

Four teams – AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Berkhamsted, Plymouth Parkway and Sholing – are making their debut in the first round this season.

The pomp and ceremony of the FA Cup draw is part of what makes the world's oldest club competition so special – and fans can tune in to watch for free this evening.

Radio Times brings you all the details for the FA Cup first round draw.

What time is the FA Cup first round draw?

The FA Cup draw will take place on Monday 19 October 2026.

The draw will be made live at approximately 6:35pm UK time.

FA Cup first round draw TV channel and live stream

Fans can tune in to watch the FA Cup first round draw live on TNT Sports 1.

TNT Sports requires a subscription. Subscriptions start at just £25.99 per month on a 12-month fixed contract or £30.99 per month for a flexible contract, which can be cancelled at any time.

You can watch the draw on TNT Sports via a HBO Max sport pass without signing up to a contract.

Regular subscribers can also stream matches on a variety of devices including laptops, smartphones and tablets via the HBO Max app.

HBO Max is the new streaming home of TNT Sports, showing events including live Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, Premiership Rugby, UFC, Boxing and MotoGP. Learn more here: hbomax.com

Can you watch the FA Cup first round draw for free?

Yes, UK fans can watch the FA Cup first round draw for free on the TNT Sports YouTube channel.

The stream, which will carry the TNT Sports coverage, is scheduled to start at 6:30pm.

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

FA Cup draw ball numbers

When is the FA Cup first round?

FA Cup first round ties will be played around the weekend of Saturday 7 November.

Games are usually spread out from Friday to Monday, though the majority will be played in the standard Saturday 3pm slot.

Ad

Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Ned Holmes, smiling against a lime green background.

Ned Holmes

Ned is a sports writer at RadioTimes.com. He has covered a host of sports from EFL football, international cricket and golf all the way through to bike polo and triathlon.

Ad

Ad

Get the Christmas double issue

Too much to watch at Christmas? Let Radio Times do the choosing to find something the whole family will enjoy.

Subscribe by 3 Dec

Loading...

Ad

Loading...