Overview
- The FA held the first‑round draw on Monday, October 19, publishing 40 ties to be played across the weekend of November 7–8, 2026.
- The draw combined 32 non‑league qualifiers with 48 League One and League Two clubs to fill the 80‑team first‑round field.
- Four clubs — AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Berkhamsted, Plymouth Parkway and Sholing — reached the first round for the first time in their histories.
- Ninth‑tier Tadley Calleva are the lowest‑ranked side still alive after forcing a replay with Aldershot Town that will finalise one scheduled tie.
- TNT Sports broadcast the draw with Matt Smith hosting and Martin Keown and Fara Williams conducting the balls, and coverage was available on HBO Max and the TNT Sports YouTube channel.