FA Cup Second-Round Draw: Date, Time, How to Watch

• Draw: Monday 9 November, coverage from 6:30pm BST; draw before the 7:30pm kick-off
• Watch on TNT Sports 1, HBO Max and the TNT Sports YouTube channel
• Second-round ties set for 5–6 December

The FA CUP is simmering nicely in 2026–27, and the second-round draw is where the romance starts to get real. With 31 non-league sides still swinging, this is the moment every small club dreams of—one ball away from a money-spinning tie and a crack at the spotlight. If you fancy a flutter while the names come out, check our best football betting sites for a sensible look at the markets.

When and Where to Watch

The second-round draw lands on Monday 9 November, staged ahead of Plymouth Parkway versus Berkhamsted. Television coverage begins at 6:30pm BST on TNT Sports 1, with live streams on HBO Max and the TNT Sports YouTube channel. The draw is expected to start shortly after coverage begins and wrap up before the 7:30pm kick-off. Settle in early—these things move quickly once the velvet bag appears.

Ball Numbers and What’s at Stake

There will be 40 clubs in the hat, producing 20 ties for the second round. Ball numbers will be confirmed closer to the draw, but here’s the crux: win here and you’re in touching distance of the third round, when the Premier League and Championship big hitters enter. That’s why managers obsess over this weekend—one clean slip of paper can change a season, or even a balance sheet.

Key Dates and Storylines

Mark the calendar: second-round fixtures are scheduled across 5–6 December, with the third-round draw expected on Monday 7 December. Before then, the first round still has its banana skins and fairy tales. Leicester City navigated a potential upset at Oxford City, while Bristol Rovers edged past Cambridge United. Keep an eye on Bradford City versus Marine, AFC Rushden & Diamonds’ trip to Burton Albion, and Sholing’s winnable clash with Salisbury. Monday night brings Plymouth Parkway against Berkhamsted—handy context, given they’ll be fresh in the mind as the balls come out.

In short, this is classic FA CUP territory: hope, jeopardy and a few frayed nerves. Get your brew on, tune in from 6:30pm BST, and let the draw drama do the rest.

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