The FA Cup 2026-27 campaign enters its crucial second phase as the draw for the second round takes place on Monday, 9 November. Following a weekend of 40 first-round fixtures, 32 non-league clubs remain in the competition, poised to challenge established teams from League One and League Two. This stage marks the primary point of entry for lower-division sides, setting the stage for potential shocks as underdogs seek to eliminate higher-league opposition and advance deeper into the tournament.
32 non-league sides face League One and Two giants in the hunt for a historic upset.
Friday’s preliminary matches set the tone with high-profile clashes, including 2021 champions and former Premier League winners Leicester City hosting National League side Oxford City. Meanwhile, Bristol Rovers face Cambridge United in another intriguing fixture. The weekend schedule features compelling matchups, such as League One promotion chasers Bradford City hosting Marine FC, and AFC Rushden & Diamonds traveling to Burton Albion. Notably, Rushden & Diamonds are one of only four teams to reach this stage of the competition for the first time in their history, adding a layer of historic significance to their away trip.
Fans can expect the draw to be broadcast live, allowing supporters to track which non-league clubs have secured their place in the next round. The competition’s traditional format ensures that these 32 remaining lower-league sides will be paired against their League One and Two counterparts, creating a grid of fixtures that balances geographic proximity with competitive disparity. As the FA Cup continues its run, the focus shifts to whether these underdogs can sustain their momentum or if the higher-league teams will assert their dominance in the early stages of the knockout phase.
Source: The Independent Sport
