The 2026-27 FA Cup competition intensifies this evening as the first-round proper draw determines the fate of 80 teams. The hat contains 32 non-league sides that survived the qualifying rounds, paired against 48 clubs from League One and League Two. This stage marks the official entry of the EFL teams into the tournament, setting the stage for potential upsets and high-stakes fixtures between established lower-league giants and determined amateur outfits.
32 non-league sides face 48 EFL clubs as historic first-timers enter the fray.
High-profile clubs such as Leicester City, the 2021 champions, Wigan Athletic, Sheffield Wednesday, and Huddersfield Town are in the mix, offering significant prestige to their respective ties. However, the narrative is equally driven by four historic first-timers entering the first round proper for the first time in their existence. AFC Rushden & Diamonds, an eighth-tier side, secured their spot with a stunning 2-1 victory over National League North side Morecambe in the fourth qualifying round, joining a trio of other seventh-tier teams in this unprecedented milestone.
Fans can follow the live broadcast to see which ball numbers correspond to which clubs, a critical detail for predicting match dynamics. The draw will instantly generate a slate of intriguing fixtures, pitting former cup winners against newly promoted or historically significant non-league sides. As the competition moves into its proper stages, the disparity in resources between the EFL and non-league divisions promises classic FA Cup drama, with every match carrying the weight of potential giant-killing stories.
Source: The Independent Sport
