What happens in case of a tie after 90 minutes in the FA Cup?

The fifth round of the 2025-26 FA Cup takes center stage in English soccer between March 6-9, which means a short break from the Premier League.

Of the 15 teams remaining (Liverpool overcame Wolves on Friday) in England’s domestic cup competition, 10 are from the Premier League. Several top-flight sides have already been eliminated, including Manchester United, who were beaten by Brighton in the third round, and Tottenham Hotspur, who fell to Aston Villa. The Seagulls and Villains were then dispatched of ahead of round five.

Defending champions Crystal Palace suffered a stunning defeat to sixth-tier Macclesfield in the third round, marking the FA Cup’s biggest ever shock based on the difference in league positions. Mansfield are hoping to cause just as much of a stir but face the daunting task of defeating current top dogs in England, the Gunners.

Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea remain among the favorites to lift the trophy at Wembley Stadium on May 16.

Are there replays in the FA Cup?

Eight FA Cup games are scheduled between Friday, March 6, and Monday, March 9, with some likely to end in a tie after 90 minutes.

Traditionally, tied games were replayed at the home of the visiting team. Since the start of the 2024/25 season, however, all games from the first round onward that end in a draw after 90 minutes are decided on the same day. Why? Mainly because of an already congested fixture list, especially for the big boys facing European competition.

What happens if it’s a tie in the FA Cup: extra-time, penalties…

If the two teams are still level after regulation, 30 minutes of extra time - split into two 15-minute halves - will be played. If the score remains tied, a penalty shootout determines which team advances.

Only one of the 16 fourth-round games was decided by a shootout, that of Birmingham vs Leeds, the visitors winning it 4-2 after the whistle blew at 1-1.

When is the quarter-final draw?

The draw for the quarter-finals is scheduled for Monday, March 9, before West Ham’s home game against Brentford.

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