Macclesfield Non-League Club Lands Historic FA Cup Third Round Tie Against Premier League Champions Crystal Palace.
In a stunning upset that has sent shockwaves throughout the football world, Macclesfield Town, a non-league club from England, has been awarded an FA Cup third round tie against none other than Premier League champions, Crystal Palace. The match is set to take place on January 10-11, 2026, and will be one of the most anticipated fixtures in the tournament's history.
Macclesfield, who are currently ranked 14th in the National League North, will face off against Oliver Glasner's high-flying Palace side, which has been a dominant force in English football this season. The contrast between the two teams' league standings is staggering, with Macclesfield's relegation battle already well underway and Palace cruising towards a top-four finish.
While Macclesfield's chances of upsetting their illustrious opponents are considered slim by most pundits, the club's manager has expressed confidence in his team's abilities. "We'll go out there and give it everything we've got," he said in a pre-match press conference. "It's an incredible opportunity for us to take on one of the best teams in the country."
In other eye-catching ties, fan-owned Exeter City will travel to Manchester City, hoping to pull off a major upset against the world's second-richest club. The match promises to be an exciting clash between two vastly different teams with distinct playing styles.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest will face Wrexham at STōK Cae Ras stadium in a high-profile encounter that pits two clubs with high-profile owners against each other. Tottenham Hotspur will host Aston Villa in the pick of all-Premier League ties, while Manchester United will take on Brighton in a rematch of their 2023 semi-final.
Other intriguing fixtures include Newcastle vs Bournemouth, Everton vs Sunderland, and Portsmouth vs Arsenal, among many others. The upcoming FA Cup third round is shaping up to be an unforgettable tournament that will bring together some of the most exciting teams from across England's football landscape.
In a stunning upset that has sent shockwaves throughout the football world, Macclesfield Town, a non-league club from England, has been awarded an FA Cup third round tie against none other than Premier League champions, Crystal Palace. The match is set to take place on January 10-11, 2026, and will be one of the most anticipated fixtures in the tournament's history.
Macclesfield, who are currently ranked 14th in the National League North, will face off against Oliver Glasner's high-flying Palace side, which has been a dominant force in English football this season. The contrast between the two teams' league standings is staggering, with Macclesfield's relegation battle already well underway and Palace cruising towards a top-four finish.
While Macclesfield's chances of upsetting their illustrious opponents are considered slim by most pundits, the club's manager has expressed confidence in his team's abilities. "We'll go out there and give it everything we've got," he said in a pre-match press conference. "It's an incredible opportunity for us to take on one of the best teams in the country."
In other eye-catching ties, fan-owned Exeter City will travel to Manchester City, hoping to pull off a major upset against the world's second-richest club. The match promises to be an exciting clash between two vastly different teams with distinct playing styles.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest will face Wrexham at STōK Cae Ras stadium in a high-profile encounter that pits two clubs with high-profile owners against each other. Tottenham Hotspur will host Aston Villa in the pick of all-Premier League ties, while Manchester United will take on Brighton in a rematch of their 2023 semi-final.
Other intriguing fixtures include Newcastle vs Bournemouth, Everton vs Sunderland, and Portsmouth vs Arsenal, among many others. The upcoming FA Cup third round is shaping up to be an unforgettable tournament that will bring together some of the most exciting teams from across England's football landscape.
! Macclesfield Town, those non-league guys, are gonna take on Crystal Palace in the FA Cup 3rd round 
It's like they're pulling a prank on us 
but seriously, it's crazy that a team 14th in the National League North is getting a shot at Premier League champs! I mean, we've seen some weird things happen in football history, but this takes the cake 
Palace is gonna get destroyed by those underdogs 
just kidding (kinda) 
️ their 3rd round tie against Crystal Palace, one of the top teams in the country! But seriously, looking at the stats 
, Crystal Palace has been on fire 
this season with a +15 goal difference and 55 goals scored. Meanwhile, Macclesfield is struggling to stay up 
with only 25 points from 22 games. Still, it's gonna be fun to watch! 
Here are some stats to keep an eye on:
! But seriously, it's amazing how much faith the FA has in these lower league clubs. They're giving 'em a chance to shine on the biggest stage 
!
but hey, can't knock the confidence of their manager 
... might just be the upset we need in the FA Cup 
i mean, i know its a huge upset but idk if dey got a chanc to win lol. but hey, dey gotta go out dere and giv it everyting! its defnly gonna be an intresting match 2 watch, esp wif Palace on top of their game. cant wait 2 see how dis all plays out 
and even though the odds might be against them, they're still giving it their all. that's what sports is all about - excitement, drama, and taking risks! 
will def be a wild match
its gonna be one of those tournaments where you gotta keep an eye on all the matches, u feel? 
️ The energy at the stadium is gonna be electric, and who knows, maybe Macclesfield will pull off the upset of the century! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for 'em. 