FA Cup Third Round Draw 2025: Your Guide to Commentators and Viewing Options

The highly anticipated FA Cup third round draw for the 2025-26 season is set to take place on Monday, December 8, at 18:45 UK time. Fans across the UK can tune in to watch this essential event live on several platforms including Discovery+ UK, TNT Sports 1 HD, TNT Sports Ultimate 4K, and the official YouTube channel of The Emirates FA Cup. The broadcast will be available on these channels simultaneously, ensuring football enthusiasts don’t miss a moment of the drama as top-tier clubs discover their opponents for the upcoming FA Cup fixtures.

The draw show will be hosted by the well-known Darren Fletcher, who is serving as the presenter and commentator. Fletcher is a former Scottish international midfielder with extensive playing experience at clubs like Manchester United and West Bromwich Albion. Since retiring from playing, he has built a strong reputation as an insightful and articulate football analyst on TV.

Joining Fletcher as co-presenter will be Ally McCoist, a legendary former striker for Rangers and a familiar face on football broadcasts. McCoist brings decades of expertise and iconic status from his playing and managerial career in Scottish football, making him a popular and authoritative figure in analysis.

The pundit panel features two notable former England internationals and Premier League stars: Joe Cole and Peter Crouch. Joe Cole enjoyed a successful playing career at clubs including Chelsea, Liverpool, and West Ham United. Known for his technical skill and creativity, Cole’s commentary and punditry are valued for their tactical insights.

Peter Crouch, renowned for his height and goal-scoring ability, starred for clubs such as Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Stoke City. Since retiring, Crouch has become a highly respected broadcaster and podcast host, bringing humour and deep football knowledge to his punditry work.

Fans can watch the draw live on Discovery+ UK and TNT Sports, with TNT Sports offering both HD and Ultimate 4K options for varying viewing preferences. For those who prefer online streaming, the draw is also available free on the official Emirates FA Cup YouTube channel, providing accessible football entertainment for viewers worldwide.

This year's draw occurs just before the final second-round tie between Brackley Town and Burton Albion, starting at approximately 18:40 UK time, ensuring the excitement of the draw flows straight into the live fixture action. The third round itself will see the entry of Premier League giants like Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea, alongside recent champions Crystal Palace, promising a compelling mix of favourites and underdogs striving for glory.

The FA Cup remains one of English football's most storied competitions, celebrated for its dramatic matchups and 'giant-killing' narratives. The involvement of expert commentators like Fletcher, McCoist, Cole, and Crouch enhances the viewing experience by unpacking the nuances and potential storylines behind each draw outcome.