743 teams have been entered into the FA Cup Draw, with the Extra Preliminary round scheduled for the 8 August, this consists of 123 step 4 clubs that are not exempt to the Preliminary Round and will instead enter the competition in the Extra Preliminary Round. These clubs will be the 32 newly promoted clubs from step 5 and also the 91 lowest ranked Step 4 clubs not relegated.

Due to Thame United's fifth place finish last season they will enter the competition at the Preliminary Round on 22 August, where the remaining step 4 teams will enter alongside the winners of the Extra Preliminary Round. With EFL division one and two clubs entering at the first round proper. Overall there are 14 rounds including the final on 22 May 2027

The draws for the Extra Preliminary and Preliminary Round will be released on Friday 3 July 2026.

THE EMIRATES FA CUP ROUND DATES SEASON 2026-27
Extra Preliminary Round Saturday 8 August 2026
Preliminary Round Saturday 22 August 2026
First Round Qualifying Saturday 5 September 2026
Second Round Qualifying Saturday 19 September 2026
Third Round Qualifying Saturday 3 October 2026
Fourth Round Qualifying Saturday 17 October 2026
First Round Proper Saturday 7 November 2026
Second Round Proper Saturday 5 December 2026
Third Round Proper Saturday 9 January 2027
Fourth Round Proper Saturday 13 February 2027
Fifth Round Proper Saturday 6 March 2027
Quarter Final Saturday 3 April 2027
Semi Final Saturday 24 April 2027
Final Saturday 22 May 2027

336 Teams are entered into the FA Trophy which consists of teams in steps 1 to 4 of the pyramid. Thame United will enter the competition at the Preliminary Round on Saturday 15 August, with the first three rounds being fought at by the step 4 teams before the step 3 teams enter in the third qualifying round.

The draws for the Preliminary Round and First Round Qualifying shall be released on Friday 3 July 2026.

THE FA TROPHY ROUND DATES SEASON 2026-27
Preliminary Round Saturday 15 August 2026
First Round Qualifying Saturday 29 August 2026
Second Round Qualifying Saturday 12 September 2026
Third Round Qualifying Saturday 26 September 2026
First Round Proper Saturday 24 October 2026
Second Round Proper Saturday 14 November 2026
Third Round Proper Saturday 12 December 2026
Fourth Round Proper Saturday 16 January 2027
Fifth Round Proper Saturday 6 February 2027
Sixth Round Proper Saturday 6 March 2027
Semi Final Saturday 3 April 2027
Final Sunday 16 May 2027