The FA Cup second round draw sets up the next stage of the road to Wembley, so here is how it works and where to follow it.
The FA Cup keeps rolling, and the second round draw is the next big moment for the lower-league clubs still chasing a giant-killing run. It pairs up the survivors of the first round and sets the stage for the next batch of cup drama.
The draw is traditionally held shortly after the first round ties finish, often within a day or two, so fans rarely wait long to learn who is next. Exact dates and times can shift with broadcast schedules and replays, so check the official FA channels for the confirmed slot before you tune in.
The format is simple. The 40 clubs that came through the first round go into the pot and are paired off into 20 ties. Numbered balls decide who is at home and who travels, and that often shapes a club's cup hopes. Any first round replays have to be settled before the pot is complete.
The stakes are high. Winners move on to the third round, where the Premier League and Championship heavyweights enter. For smaller clubs, a good draw can mean a payday, a national TV slot and a shot at a big name in January.
Keep your notifications on, because the second round draw is where plenty of cup dreams are set up or ended.
