A complete guide to the FA Cup Quarter Finals 2026, including team routes to the last eight, head-to-head records, FA Cup history and why the competition remains one of football’s greatest tournaments.
The FA Cup Quarter Finals: The Road to Wembley Intensifies.
The FA Cup Quarter Finals, often referred to as the Sixth Round, represent one of the most exciting stages of the world’s oldest domestic football competition. With a place at Wembley Stadium for the semi finals on the line, the remaining teams are now just two matches away from lifting one of football’s most historic trophies.
The 2026 FA Cup Quarter Finals take place on Saturday 4 April, with four fascinating fixtures featuring Premier League giants, ambitious challengers and one of the competition’s surprise packages.
Quarter Final Fixtures
Southampton v Arsenal
Chelsea v Port Vale
Manchester City v Liverpool
West Ham United v Leeds United
Each match brings its own narrative, with historic rivalries, giant killing potential and the dream of FA Cup glory driving every team forward.
Southampton V Arsenal
Southampton’s Route to the Quarter Finals
Southampton have enjoyed an impressive FA Cup campaign so far. Their journey began in the Third Round, where they edged past Doncaster Rovers 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
In the Fourth Round, the Saints produced another strong performance, defeating Championship side Leicester City 2-1.
Their biggest result came in the Fifth Round, where Southampton overcame Fulham, securing their place in the quarter finals and keeping their Wembley dreams alive.
Arsenal’s Route to the Quarter Finals
Arsenal’s FA Cup journey has been filled with goals and memorable moments.
The Gunners travelled to Portsmouth in the Third Round, where they went 1-0 down early, but produced a remarkable comeback to win 4-1. Gabriel Martinelli stole the headlines with a stunning hat trick, while a Portsmouth own goal sealed the victory.
In the Fourth Round, Arsenal returned to the Emirates Stadium to face Wigan Athletic. Goals from Noni Madueke, Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and an own goal helped Arsenal secure a 4-0 victory.
Arsenal then beat Mansfield Town 2-1 to reach the quarter finals. The match also made headlines as Arsenal became the first team to start two 16 year olds in an FA Cup match, highlighting the club’s commitment to developing young talent.
Head to Head
Arsenal travel to the south coast to face Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium, a venue with a capacity of 32,384.
The two sides met twice during the 2024/25 Premier League season, with Arsenal winning both encounters.
Historically, Arsenal are the most successful club in FA Cup history, having won the competition 14 times, most recently in 2020.
Chelsea V Port Vale
Chelsea’s Route to the Quarter Finals
Chelsea began their FA Cup campaign in style with a 5-1 victory away at Charlton Athletic in the Third Round. The Blues had five different goal scorers, including Enzo Fernández, Pedro Neto and Marc Guiu
In the Fourth Round, Chelsea travelled to Hull City and dominated with a 4-0 victory, with Pedro Neto scoring a hat trick.
The Fifth Round saw Chelsea face Wrexham at the Racecourse Ground, owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. After a dramatic match finished 2-2 after 90 minutes, Chelsea eventually secured a 4-2 win to progress.
Port Vale’s Remarkable Cup Run
League One side Port Vale have been one of the surprise stories of the tournament.
Their journey began with a 5-1 victory over Maldon & Tiptree in the First Round.
They then beat Bristol Rovers in Round Two, before defeating Fleetwood Town in the Third Round.
In the Fourth Round, Port Vale produced another strong performance to beat Bristol City.
Their biggest moment came when they stunned Sunderland with a 1-0 victory, sending the League One side into the FA Cup Quarter Finals.
Head to Head
Port Vale now face a huge challenge as they travel to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s iconic home stadium with a capacity of around 40,000.
Chelsea have won the FA Cup eight times, most recently in 2018.
Interestingly, the last meeting between these two clubs dates back to 1929, when Port Vale defeated Chelsea 1-0.
Manchester City v Liverpool
Manchester City’s Route to the Quarter Finals
Manchester City have been dominant throughout this FA Cup campaign.
Their Third Round match produced a stunning 10-1 victory over Exeter City, featuring two own goals as well as goals from Rodri and Menenyo.Rodri and Menenyo.
In the Fourth Round, City defeated Salford City 2-0, overcoming their local rivals comfortably.Salford City 2-0, overcoming their local rivals comfortably.
City then beat Newcastle United 3-1 to secure their place in the quarter finals. Newcastle United 3-1 to secure their place in the quarter finals.
Liverpool’s Route to the Quarter Finals
Liverpool began their FA Cup journey with a 4-1 win against Barnsley in the Third Round.
In the Fourth Round, they continued their strong form by defeating Brighton 3-0.
Liverpool then travelled to face Wolves, where goals from Mohamed Salah, Curtis Jones and Andy Robertson secured a 3-1 victory and a place in the last eight.
Head to Head
This quarter final clash at the Etihad Stadium, which has a capacity of 53,400, is one of the standout fixtures of the round.
The two clubs have faced each other 196 times in total.
Liverpool wins: 92
Manchester City wins: 54
Draws: 50
In the Premier League this season, Manchester City have beaten Liverpool home and away.
City have won the FA Cup seven times, most recently in 2023, while Liverpool have lifted the trophy eight times, with their most recent triumph coming four years ago.
Chelsea V Port Vale
West Ham’s Route to the Quarter Finals
West Ham’s journey to the quarter finals included one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament.
The Hammers faced Brentford, with the match finishing 2-2 after 90 minutes and extra time. Captain Jarrod Bowen scored both West Ham goals. Jarrod Bowen scored both West Ham goals.
The match was decided on penalties, where West Ham converted all five spot kicks, winning 5-4.5-4.
Earlier in the competition, West Ham defeated Burton Albion thanks to a goal from Crysencio Summerville, and also beat Queens Park Rangers in the Third Round.
Leeds United’s Route to the Quarter Finals
Leeds began their FA Cup campaign with a 3-1 away win over Derby County.
In the Fourth Round, Leeds faced Birmingham City in a dramatic match that finished 1-1, before Leeds won 4-2 on penalties.
Their biggest performance came against Norwich City, where Leeds won 3-0, with goals from Longstaff, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Joel Piroe.
Head to Head
Leeds will travel to the London Stadium, which has a capacity of 62,500.
The two sides have met 112 times in history.
Leeds wins: 50
Draws: 30
West Ham wins: 32
Leeds lifted the FA Cup in 1972, while West Ham have won the competition three times in 1964, 1975 and 1980.
The History of the FA Cup
The FA Cup is the oldest national football competition in the world, first played in 1871. Over more than 150 years, it has produced some of football’s most unforgettable moments.
The competition is famous for its giant killing matches, where smaller clubs defeat elite teams, creating magical moments in English football history.
The FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium remains one of the biggest days in the football calendar, watched by millions around the world.
With its long history, dramatic matches and iconic trophy, the FA Cup continues to capture the imagination of fans across generations.
A Huge Weekend in the FA Cup
The 2026 FA Cup Quarter Finals promise drama, goals and unforgettable moments as eight teams battle for a place at Wembley.
From Premier League giants Manchester City and Liverpool to the surprise run of Port Vale, the competition once again highlights why the FA Cup remains one of football’s most exciting tournaments.
Who Will Win the FA Cup in 2026?
With only three rounds remaining, the race for FA Cup glory is wide open. Historic clubs, underdogs and title contenders all remain in the competition, setting the stage for a thrilling finish to the tournament.
Who do you think will win the FA Cup in 2026?
For more information about the FA Cup Quarter Finals, hospitality experiences or upcoming football events, get in touch with our dedicated team today.
With only three rounds remaining, the race for FA Cup glory is wide open. Historic clubs, underdogs and title contenders all remain in the competition, setting the stage for a thrilling finish to the tournament.
Who do you think will win the FA Cup in 2026?
For more information about the FA Cup Quarter Finals, hospitality experiences or upcoming football events, get in touch with our dedicated team today.