Overview
- The second‑round draw will be shown live on TNT Sports with coverage starting before the final first‑round match and the ceremony led by Jules Breach with Karen Carney and Joel Ward drawing the balls.
- One remaining first‑round tie between Plymouth Parkway and Berkhamsted will finish the list of entrants immediately before the draw and the winner will join the other qualifiers in the hat.
- Nine non‑league sides remain in the competition after recent shocks, including seventh‑tier Wimborne Town, who beat League Two Crawley 2-0 to reach the second round for the first time, and Guiseley, who upset Sutton United.
- Established clubs avoided early exits in the first round with Leicester City beating sixth‑tier Oxford City and Kidderminster Harriers securing a 3-0 win over Doncaster to book their place in round two.
- Progressing to the second round gives smaller clubs a chance at bigger gate receipts, TV exposure and the possibility of lucrative third‑round ties against Championship or Premier League opposition, which can materially change their finances and season plans.