FA Cup holders Crystal Palace begin their title defence on Saturday lunchtime with a trip to National League North side Macclesfield, as the third round delivers another classic meeting of clubs separated by divisions and history.
What TV Channel is the game on?
The match will take place on Saturday 10 January 2026, with kick off scheduled for 12.15pm. Coverage will be shared across broadcasters, with TNT Sports 1 going on air from 11.30am and BBC One joining the coverage from midday.
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Palace wrote themselves into English football folklore last season when they defied the odds to beat Manchester City at Wembley, lifting the FA Cup for the first time in the club’s history. That 1-0 victory remains one of the most romantic stories in recent finals and perfectly captured the enduring magic of the competition.
The decisive moment at Wembley came through Eberechi Eze, whose early strike stunned the favourites. Although Eze completed a move to Arsenal in August, Palace still carry a significant attacking threat as they look to defend their crown.
Jean-Philippe Mateta has stepped into the spotlight this season and already reached double figures for goals during the 2025-26 campaign. Palace have also shown resilience on their travels in the Premier League, winning five of their ten away fixtures so far, which will give them confidence heading into this tie.
Standing in their way are a Macclesfield side enjoying a steady rebuilding phase after rising from the ashes of the former Macclesfield Town in 2021. The club have secured three promotions in that short period, a remarkable achievement that has reignited pride and belief among supporters.
Macclesfield currently sit 14th in the National League North, the sixth tier of English football. Recent league form has been mixed, with two wins from their last six matches, but cup football often brings a different edge and Saturday’s occasion represents one of the biggest fixtures in the club’s modern history.
Macclesfield will draw inspiration from the FA Cup’s long tradition of giant killings. Playing in front of a packed lunchtime crowd, they will hope to make Palace uncomfortable and turn the tie into a test of patience and composure for the visitors.
For Crystal Palace, progression is expected as reigning champions, but history has shown that complacency can be punished at this stage of the competition. For Macclesfield, the visit of Premier League opposition offers a rare chance to showcase their journey so far and chase an unforgettable moment in the FA Cup spotlight.
