Manchester City's Phil Foden sits on Gianluigi Donnarumma's shoulders, holding the FA Cup trophyImage source, Getty Images
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Manchester City are the FA Cup holders

ByKatharine SharpeBBC Sport senior journalist
  • Published31 minutes ago

After six rounds of preliminary and qualifying matches, the first round proper of the FA Cup gets under way from Friday.

A total of 40 matches will be played during the long weekend, beginning with two games on Friday, followed by 33 on Saturday, four on Sunday, and one on Monday.

Premier League and Championship teams do not enter the competition until the third round, which is designated to start on 9 January 2027.