Premier League clubs enter the FA Cup in the third round. All 20 clubs join at that stage, and in 2026/27 the third round is played on 9 and 10 January 2027.
When Premier League clubs join the FA Cup
The Premier League handbook says each club shall enter the FA Cup. In practice, all 20 Premier League clubs come in together in the third round.
Up to the quarter-finals, each round also has a fixed place in the calendar.
FA Cup calendar
Here are the FA Cup dates from the third round onward.
| Round | Dates |
|---|---|
| Third round | 9-10 January 2027 |
| Fourth round | 13-14 February 2027 |
| Fifth round | 6-7 March 2027 |
| Sixth round (quarter-finals) | 3-4 April 2027 |
| Semi-finals | 24-25 April 2027 |
| Final | 22 May 2027 |
How FA Cup matches are settled, and the effect on league fixtures
FA Cup ties are decided on the day. If the score is level after 90 minutes, there is extra time and then penalties if they are still level.
Late in the season, the competition can move Premier League fixtures. The FA Cup semi-finals fall on the same weekend as Matchweek 33, and the final is on Saturday 22 May 2027 while Matchweek 37 is due on Sunday 23 May 2027. A club involved in the semi-finals or the final has that league match rearranged.
When Premier League clubs join the EFL Cup
The EFL Cup uses two entry points for Premier League clubs. Clubs not in UEFA competitions enter in the second round, while clubs in UEFA competitions enter in the third round.
For 2026/27, Brentford, Chelsea, Coventry City, Everton, Fulham, Hull City, Ipswich Town, Leeds United, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur enter in the second round. The nine Premier League clubs in Europe enter in the third round.
EFL Cup entry dates and later rounds
Here are the EFL Cup entry stages and key dates linked to Premier League clubs.
| Item | Date or rule |
|---|---|
| Premier League clubs not in UEFA competitions | Second round, 26 August 2026 |
| Premier League clubs in UEFA competitions | Third round, 9 and 16 September 2026 |
| Fourth round | 28 October 2026 |
| Fifth round | 16 December 2026 |
| Semi-final first legs | 13 January 2027 |
| Semi-final second legs | 3 February 2027 |
| Final | Sunday 21 March 2027 |
| Level after 90 minutes up to the quarter-finals | Go straight to penalties |
| Level after 90 minutes in the semi-finals and final | Extra time first, then penalties if needed |
FAQ
What round do Premier League teams enter the FA Cup?
They enter in the third round. All 20 Premier League clubs join at that same stage.
For 2026/27, those matches are scheduled for 9 and 10 January 2027.
What round do Premier League teams enter the Carabao Cup?
There is no single round for all Premier League clubs in the EFL Cup. Clubs not in UEFA competitions enter in the second round, while clubs in UEFA competitions enter in the third round.
When do Premier League clubs enter the Carabao Cup in 2026/27?
The second-round entry date is 26 August 2026 for Premier League clubs not in UEFA competitions. The third-round entry dates are 9 and 16 September 2026 for the nine Premier League clubs in Europe.
The competition then moves to the fourth round in October and the fifth round in December.
Do FA Cup matches still have replays?
No. FA Cup matches are decided on the day.
If it is level after 90 minutes, extra time is played first, and penalties are used if the score is still level after that.