FA Cup first round begins as 48 EFL clubs join 32 nonleague sides

The FA Cup first round proper begins Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, as 48 EFL clubs from League One and League Two join 32 nonleague sides for four days of fixtures that will run through Monday, Nov. 3. Matches include Luton Town hosting Forest Green Rovers on Friday evening and eighth-tier Maldon Tiptree travelling to Port Vale at Vale Park on Sunday, with the second-round draw scheduled to take place on Monday before the final tie of the first round.

This stage reunites professional and grassroots football, creating numerous mismatches and potential cup upsets. Maldon Tiptree are the lowest-ranked team remaining after a run that began in the extra-preliminary round; the Isthmian League North Division leaders have won six successive ties to reach the first round and will test themselves against third-tier opposition. Tamworth, who last season reached the fourth round, will host Leyton Orient on Monday, while other ties of interest include Brackley Town versus Notts County and St Albans City at Burton Albion.

The opening fixture at Kenilworth Road carries an added subplot as two former Premier League midfielders, now managers, go head to head. The duo will each seek to establish their...