Leicester drawn away to Oxford City in FA Cup first round

Leicester City have been drawn away to Oxford City in the first round of the 2026-27 FA Cup, giving the National League North club a home tie against the competition’s 2021 winners. The pairing was confirmed in Monday’s draw, which brought League One and League Two clubs into the competition.

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According to BBC Sport, Leicester have not entered the FA Cup at this stage since 2008. Their return follows relegation to League One, where Russell Martin’s team are currently 14th. Oxford City play in the sixth tier, with the two clubs drawn together for a place in the second round.

The Football Association confirmed that the round’s 40 ties will be played across the weekend of Saturday, 7 November. Exact fixture scheduling and broadcast arrangements have not yet been announced. Winning clubs will receive £47,750 from the competition’s prize fund, while those knocked out at this stage will collect £15,800.

Elsewhere in the draw, Peterborough United were handed a home match against Reading. BBC Sport reported that the pairing puts Peterborough manager Robbie Savage up against the club of his son Charlie. League One leaders Bradford City, the highest-ranked team in the draw, will host National League North side Marine.

AFC Rushden & Diamonds were drawn away to Burton Albion after winning five matches to reach the first round, according to the BBC. The eighth-tier club now have a League One opponent. Tadley Calleva, meanwhile, twice recovered from behind against Aldershot to force a replay and keep their own cup run alive.

The winner of that replay will visit Barnsley. The FA said 11 fourth-round qualifying replays remain scheduled for Tuesday, 20 October, so several first-round opponents are still unresolved. Mansfield Town will host Macclesfield or Anstey Nomads, while Luton Town await the winners of Chesham United’s tie with Forest Green Rovers.

Other confirmed fixtures include Huddersfield Town at home to Exeter City and Oldham Athletic against Sheffield Wednesday. Oxford United were paired with Stevenage at home, while Wigan Athletic will travel to Boreham Wood. Those pairings are settled, but supporters must await the subsequent scheduling announcement for individual match dates and broadcast details.