The road to Wembley is taking shape in the 2026-27 Isuzu FA Trophy, with the Third Round Qualifying draw made on Monday, September 14. A total of 64 ties have been confirmed for the next stage of the non-League competition, with matches scheduled for Saturday, September 26.
The draw comes after the completion of the Second Round Qualifying ties, with clubs now just one round away from reaching the FA Trophy first round proper.
Among the notable fixtures, Hyde United will host FC United of Manchester, while Workington face Blyth Spartans. There is also a meeting between Bury and Gainsborough Trinity, while Guiseley will welcome Bamber Bridge.
What Is The FA Trophy?
The FA Trophy is an English knockout competition organised by The Football Association for clubs competing in the non-League system. It is separate from the better-known FA Cup and gives clubs lower down the English football pyramid the chance to compete for a national trophy and a place in a Wembley final.
The competition features clubs from levels five to eight of the English football pyramid. The 2026/27 tournament began with a preliminary round in August before moving through three qualifying rounds.
The current competition is officially known as the Isuzu FA Trophy because of its sponsorship.
The winners of each tie will collect £2,450, while the losing teams will receive £625.
FA Trophy Third Round Qualifying Draw
The full draw includes 64 ties, with the winners moving into the first round proper.
- Warrington Town vs Ashton United
- Hyde United vs FC United of Manchester
- Workington vs Blyth Spartans
- Guisborough Town vs Redcar Athletic
- Bury vs Gainsborough Trinity
- Cleethorpes Town vs Lancaster City
- Guiseley vs Bamber Bridge
- Warrington Rylands vs Stockton Town
- Curzon Ashton vs Stalybridge Celtic
- Rushall Olympic vs Stourbridge
- Matlock Town vs Kettering Town
- Real Bedford vs Wingate & Finchley
- Check the full fixtures here.Â
All 64 ties are scheduled for September 26, with the standard kick-off time set for 3pm, although individual fixtures can be rearranged.
When Is The FA Trophy First Round Proper?
The Third Round Qualifying winners will advance to the First Round Proper, which is scheduled for October 24, 2026.
The competition then continues through the second and third rounds before the later knockout stages. The FA Trophy final is scheduled for Sunday, May 16, 2027, at Wembley Stadium.
There is also prize money at stake at every stage. Clubs winning their Third Round Qualifying tie will receive £2,450, while losing teams will collect £625 from the competition prize fund.
FA Trophy 2026/27: Dates Of Rounds
- First Round Proper: Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Second Round Proper: Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Third Round Proper: Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Fourth Round Proper: Saturday, January 16, 2027
- Fifth Round Proper: Saturday, February 6, 2027
- Sixth Round Proper: Saturday, March 6, 2027
- Semi-Final: Saturday, April 3, 2027
- Final: Sunday, May 16, 2027
FA Trophy 2026/27 Prize Fund
| Round | Winning Club | Losing Club |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Round | £1,500 | £400 |
| First Round Qualifying | £1,500 | £400 |
| Second Round Qualifying | £2,250 | £575 |
| Third Round Qualifying | £2,450 | £625 |
| First Round Proper | £3,000 | £775 |
| Second Round Proper | £3,750 | £1,000 |
| Third Round Proper | £4,500 | £1,250 |
| Fourth Round Proper | £5,250 | £1,500 |
| Fifth Round Proper | £6,000 | £1,750 |
| Sixth Round Proper | £7,500 | £2,000 |
| Semi-Final | £15,000 | £5,000 |
| Final | £60,000 | £30,000 |
