7M - Mansfield Town Draw Arsenal in FA Cup Fifth Round Showdown

The FA Cup fifth-round draw has created an exciting weekend of football from March 6 to 9, 2026, featuring underdogs and giants eager to make their mark. This year's matchups promise thrilling storylines as teams vie for a coveted trip to Wembley for the semi-finals.

One of the highlight fixtures sees League One's Mansfield Town hosting Premier League leaders Arsenal at One Call Stadium. Mansfield's remarkable journey includes defeating Harrogate Town, Accrington Stanley, Sheffield United, and a stunning 2-1 comeback win against Burnley on February 14. This marks their first fifth-round appearance in 50 years and presents a glamorous tie against a club with 14 FA Cup wins.

For Arsenal, this draw is viewed as a favorable opportunity to advance to the quarter-finals. Fresh from a commanding 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic in the fourth round on February 15, they aim to secure their first FA Cup trophy since 2020. Arsenal's last encounter with Mansfield occurred nearly a century ago in 1929, when they won 2-0.

Elsewhere, Wrexham continues their fairy-tale run, hosting Chelsea at the Racecourse Ground. Co-owned by Ryan Reynolds, Wrexham returns to the fifth round for the first time since 1997, facing a Chelsea side that advanced with a 4-0 win over Hull City.

Liverpool, the 2022 FA Cup winners, face a challenging away trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are struggling at the bottom of the Premier League. Liverpool's success hinges on the form of Dominik Szoboszlai, while Wolves seek a turnaround from their difficult league campaign.

In another all-Premier League fixture, Newcastle United hosts Manchester City, aiming for revenge against Pep Guardiola's side following their previous encounter in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. City, eager to bounce back after a last-season loss in the FA Cup final, will be formidable opponents.

Macclesfield Town remains the last non-league club in the competition, facing Brentford for a chance to meet West Ham United in the last 16. The draw also features Fulham against Southampton and Leeds United taking on Norwich City, adding further intrigue to the lineup.

The FA Cup's allure lies in its potential for upsets and memorable moments, with the quarterfinals scheduled for April 4 and the grand final at Wembley on May 16. For teams like Mansfield, this tie against Arsenal symbolizes perseverance and community spirit. As manager Nigel Clough prepares his side for this historic match, hopes are high for a fairy-tale ending.

Arsenal understands the significance of the FA Cup and will aim to maintain their reputation as favorites. As anticipation builds, the question remains: will the favorites prevail, or will the cup's tradition of surprises continue?