The FA Cup third round wrapped up Sunday January 11, 2026 with the kind of drama that makes England’s oldest tournament special every year.

Arsenal cruised past Portsmouth 4-1 despite falling behind early. Gabriel Martinelli stole the show with a hat trick after an own goal got the Gunners level. The comfortable win showed Arsenal’s strength even with a rotated squad.

The day’s biggest shock happened at Old Trafford. Brighton knocked Manchester United out with a confident 2-1 victory. Goals from Brajan Gruda and Danny Welbeck put Brighton in control before Benjamin Sesko scored a late consolation for United.

A red card in the final minutes capped a miserable afternoon for the home side, who crashed out of another cup competition.

Leeds United handled their business professionally, beating Derby County 3-1 away. Wilfried Gnonto, Ao Tanaka, and James Justin all scored as Leeds moved comfortably into the next round.

Norwich also put on a show, thrashing Walsall 5-1 in one of the most lopsided matches of the weekend.

Hull City needed penalties to get past Blackburn Rovers after a scoreless draw, eventually winning the shootout 4-3.

Meanwhile, Mansfield Town and Sheffield United served up the round’s wildest match. A
4-3 thriller that went Mansfield’s way.

West Ham squeezed past QPR 2-1 in extra time, though their victory was overshadowed by a serious injury to defender Konstantinos Mavropanos.

As the third round closed, the tournament picture became clearer. The big teams flexed their muscles while smaller clubs dream of giant-killing runs.