The FA have announced the round dates for the FA Cup and FA Vase for the 2026-27 season, which are listed below. The FA Vase starts a week earlier than last season, and as a result, after the Essex Senior League kicks off on 1st August, six of the next seven Saturdays are FA competition dates.

As a Step 5 club, Romford will start their FA Cup campaign in the Extra-Preliminary Round and Boro’s exit in the 1st Qualifying Round of the FA Vase last season means no exemption in that competition and whether the club start in the 1st or 2nd Qualifying Round depends entirely on the draw.

Emirates FA Cup:

Extra Preliminary Round Saturday 8 August 2026
Preliminary Round Saturday 22 August 2026
First Round Qualifying Saturday 5 September 2026
Second Round Qualifying Saturday 19 September 2026
Third Round Qualifying Saturday 3 October 2026
Fourth Round Qualifying Saturday 17 October 2026
First Round Proper Saturday 7 November 2026
Second Round Proper Saturday 5 December 2026
Third Round Proper Saturday 9 January 2027
Fourth Round Proper Saturday 13 February 2027
Fifth Round Proper Saturday 6 March 2027
Quarter Final Saturday 3 April 2027
Semi Final Saturday 24 April 2027
Final Saturday 22 May 2027

FA Vase:

First Round Qualifying Saturday 15 August 2026
Second Round Qualifying Saturday 12 September 2026
First Round Proper Saturday 10 October 2026
Second Round Proper Saturday 31 October 2026
Third Round Proper Saturday 28 November 2026
Fourth Round Proper Saturday 9 January 2027
Fifth Round Proper Saturday 6 February 2027
Sixth Round Proper Saturday 6 March 2027
Semi Final 1st Leg - Saturday 3 April 2027 2nd Leg - Saturday 10 April 2027
Final Sunday 16 May 2027

On Friday 26 June 2026 , The FA will release will announce the following information for each Competition;

• List of Clubs accepted
• List of Clubs to receive exemption
• Prize Fund
• Competition Rules

Then, on Friday 3 July 2026 , The FA will release the draws for the opening rounds as follows:

• The Emirates FA Cup – Extra Preliminary Round & Preliminary Round
• The FA Vase – First Round Qualifying & Second Round Qualifying