Which EFL sides have made it through to the FA Cup quarter finals?

Port Vale may be enduring a torrid League One campaign at the foot of the table, but the FA Cup has provided a welcome escape – and now a glamour quarter-final trip to Stamford Bridge awaits.

The Valiants squeezed their way past Sunderland courtesy of boyhood Newcastle United fan Ben Waine’s 28th-minute header.

Their reward is a trip to Liam Rosenior’s Blues, who needed extra time to defeat a defiant Wrexham and squash the Hollywood-backed side’s dreams.

Joining them in the next round is Southampton after they scored a late penalty to knock Fulham out of the competition.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of the quarter-final ties.

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When will the quarter-final ties take place?

The FA Cup quarter-final ties are scheduled to take place across the weekend of Saturday 4 April 2026.

The FA will confirm the exact kick-off times and broadcast selections in due course once discussions with clubs, television partners and local authorities have been finalised.

What’s at stake financially and competitively?

With the competition now down to the final eight teams, the stakes are higher than ever.

Clubs who reach the FA Cup semi-finals will earn £477,000 in prize money, as well as securing a coveted trip to Wembley.

For lower-league sides still in the competition, such as Port Vale, the financial boost and national exposure of a deep cup run can be hugely significant.

What are some of the standout ties?

As mentioned, one of the standout ties from an EFL perspective sees Port Vale travel to face Chelsea, with the Valiants hoping to continue their remarkable cup journey after defeating Sunderland.

Meanwhile, Championship outfit Southampton will attempt to cause another upset when they welcome Premier League leaders Arsenal to St Mary’s.

The Gunners safely navigated a potential banana skin against an impressive Mansfield Town side in the previous round and will now face an in-form Saints team.

Tonda Eckert’s men are marching towards the play-off places, currently enjoying a 10-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

The FA Cup quarter-final draw in full

Southampton vs Arsenal
Chelsea vs Port Vale
Manchester City vs Liverpool
West Ham United vs Leeds United

READ MORE: FA Cup roundup: Port Vale stun Sunderland as Southampton knockout Fulham with late penalty