The FA Cup is one of the most prestigious and eagerly anticipated football tournaments in England, known for its tradition of surprising results and dramatic matches. The excitement reaches new heights each time the draw for the upcoming rounds takes place, as teams of all levels, from non-league clubs to the biggest Premier League sides, are pitted against one another in the battle for glory. For 2024, the FA Cup’s draw dates and schedules have already been announced, creating a buzz among football fans everywhere.

Key Dates for the 2024/25 FA Cup

The FA Cup is divided into several rounds, each building towards the climax of the final at Wembley Stadium. The first round of the tournament starts with lower-league clubs battling for a spot in the more high-profile rounds. However, it’s the third-round draw that tends to generate the most excitement, as this is when the Premier League teams join the competition.

FA Cup Third Round Draw

The 2024/25 FA Cup third-round draw took place on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 2:00 PM ET at Old Trafford. This draw was significant as Manchester United, the current holders of the trophy, were hosting the event​.

How to Watch the Draw

For those eager to witness the draw live, it was broadcast on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app​. Presenting the draw was Kelly Somers, while former Manchester United stars Mark Hughes and Dion Dublin were on hand to pull the ball numbers​.

Understanding the FA Cup Draw Format

The draw for each round of the FA Cup is done randomly, but there are some key rules to know:

First Round: This round includes clubs from League One and below, along with some non-league teams that have worked their way through the qualifying rounds.

Second Round: The remaining teams from the lower divisions battle it out to secure their place in the third round.

Third Round: This is when the Premier League and Championship clubs enter the fray, making this draw particularly exciting for fans. Lower-league and non-league teams can draw some of the biggest clubs in the country​.

The FA Cup Third Round Fixtures for 2024

The third round of the FA Cup will take place over the weekend of January 11-13, 2025. This round sees all the top clubs enter the competition, including famous teams like Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea​. The draw on December 2 paired clubs across a variety of tiers, and fans can expect several high-profile clashes that could lead to some thrilling matches.

How the Draw Impacts the Competition

For many lower-league clubs, the FA Cup represents their best chance of playing against Premier League opposition. This provides opportunities for giant-killings, where smaller teams can claim fame by beating the bigger clubs. The third-round draw is particularly pivotal because it determines which smaller clubs face these higher-tier teams, often leading to iconic moments in football history.

For example, two non-league teams, Dagenham & Redbridge and Tamworth, both made it to the third round of the 2024 competition. Their inclusion is a testament to the magic of the FA Cup, where even the smallest clubs can dream of big-time encounters​.

What Happens After the Third Round?

Once the third round is over, the competition continues with the fourth round, where the remaining teams continue their journey towards the final. The excitement of the FA Cup build-up doesn’t end with the draw—it’s only the beginning of a tournament filled with surprises and memorable moments​.

FAQs 

When is the next FA Cup draw?

The third-round draw for the 2024/25 FA Cup took place on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 7:00 PM (UK time). This is the round where Premier League and Championship teams join the tournament. The draw was hosted at Old Trafford, with former Manchester United players Mark Hughes and Dion Dublin conducting the draw. The matches for this round are scheduled for the weekend of January 11-13, 2025​.

Where can I watch the FA Cup draw?

You can watch the FA Cup draw live on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app. These platforms provide full coverage of the draw, often accompanied by expert analysis and commentary​.

What time does the FA Cup draw usually happen?

FA Cup draws typically take place in the evening to maximize viewership. The third-round draw, for instance, was scheduled for 7:00 PM. Exact timings for subsequent draws may vary, so it’s always a good idea to check the FA’s official channels or announcements​.

What happens during the FA Cup draw?

The draw is conducted by randomly selecting numbered balls, each corresponding to a team. These are drawn in pairs to determine the fixtures. For example, lower-league and non-league teams might draw against Premier League giants, creating thrilling “David vs. Goliath” scenarios. Teams like Tamworth and Dagenham & Redbridge, non-league clubs that made it to the third round in 2024, are perfect examples of the tournament’s magic​.

How many teams are involved in the third-round draw?

A total of 64 teams participate in the third round, comprising all Premier League and Championship clubs alongside the lower-league and non-league teams that have progressed through earlier rounds. Teams are assigned numbers, and these numbers are used during the draw to determine matchups​.

In Summary

The FA Cup draw is always a thrilling occasion for football fans, bringing together the full spectrum of English football, from the top Premier League clubs to the underdogs aiming to make history. Whether it’s the magic of the third round, where clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal enter the tournament, or the joy of watching lower-league teams dream of giant-killing victories, the FA Cup offers an unrivaled spectacle each year. As we look forward to the action, fans can prepare for exciting fixtures between January 11-13, 2025.

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