FA Cup live stream 2020/21: how to watch 5th round fixtures online from anywhere

fa cup live stream watch online
(Image credit: ADAM DAVY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

England's FA Cup is the oldest national football competition in the world, and with the 5th round taking place mid-week from Tuesday February 9 to Thursday February 10, the stakes are higher than ever as clubs from the Premier League and Championship look take another crucial step towards one of football's most prestigious pieces of silverware. Read on to get an FA Cup live stream and watch every FA Cup 5th round fixture online wherever you are right now - including a number of FREE FA Cup live stream options for those located in the UK!

This season's FA Cup kicked off all the way back on August 2020 with 736 clubs from League One, League Two...and all the non-professional sides that reside even further down the English football pyramid. Now, just 16 sides remain in the competition and the clashes start to pair bigger and bigger names against each other.

2020/21 FA Cup live stream

Loads of huge FA Cup games are 100% FREE to watch in the UK courtesy of the BBC and iPlayer, with coverage also extending to BT Sport and FA Player. Full streaming and TV viewing details are below - and you can take your preferred coverage with you wherever you are with the help of a good VPN solution.

Man City, Chelsea, Leicester, Arsenal and Tottenham are also all in action - with Chelsea's encounter against Championship Luton Town being a particularly interesting clash, even if the Hatters won't be bringing any of their rabid fanbase to Stamford Bridge for the behind-closer-doors match.

To make matters even more exciting, replays have been thrown out of the window this season, which means games that end on level terms will go straight to extra time and possibly penalties.

The FA Cup is the competition that reminds you that anything can happen in football on any given day, so let's cross our fingers for Chorley and dream big! Here's how to get an FA Cup live stream this season and watch every FA Cup 5th round fixture online from anywhere this week. And don't forget, anyone located in the UK can watch the FA Cup free online for a number of the biggest games - just follow our guide below.


FA Cup live stream free

How to watch 2020/21 FA Cup: free live stream and TV channel details

watch three FA Cup 5th round matches for FREE in the UK this week

You can watch three FA Cup 5th round matches for FREE in the UK this week, as the BBC has gotten its slice of the pie again.

These games are being shown on BBC One and the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer" data-link-merchant="bbc.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">BBC iPlayer streaming service, with two games being shown on iPlayer only.

This means you all you need to do to watch the FA Cup free online  is to fire up <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer" data-link-merchant="bbc.co.uk"" data-link-merchant="bbc.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">BBC iPlayer - again, as a national broadcaster, it doesn't cost a penny to stream if you're located in the UK (though you should possess a valid TV license)

If you're not in the UK for this round of fixtures, don't forget to <a href="https://go.expressvpn.com/c/4550836/1330033/16063?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fexpressvpn.com%2Ftechradar%3Foffer%3D3monthsfree%26a_fid%3D744" data-link-merchant="expressvpn.com"" data-link-merchant="bbc.co.uk"" data-link-merchant="bbc.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">download a VPN and follow the instructions above to live stream the action just as you would at home.

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The rest of this round's FA Cup matches are being shown by <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=3041&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bt.com%2Fsport%2Fbuy" data-link-merchant="bt.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">BT Sport, which is available as part of BT's <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=3041&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bt.com%2Fsport%2Fbuy" data-link-merchant="bt.com"" data-link-merchant="bt.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">wide range of TV and broadband packages, as well as being offered as an <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=3041&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bt.com%2Fsport%2Fsky" data-link-merchant="bt.com"" data-link-merchant="bt.com"" data-link-merchant="bt.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">add-on with Sky.

But more temptingly, there's now also the option of a BT Sport Monthly Pass, priced at just £25 a month on a contract-free basis.

How to watch FA Cup football from outside your country

If you're out of the country on an FA Cup weekend, you'll likely find you're unable to access your usual football coverage like you would at home. This isn't necessarily cause for alarm, but rather the result of geo-blocking - best understood as digital borders that restrict certain services and content to certain parts of the world.

Fortunately, there's a convenient way around this in the form of a VPN, or Virtual Private Network. This is a nifty bit of software that lets you re-position your device of choice to a location of your choosing, thereby allowing you to globe trot and still access your preferred FA Cup live stream. It's a completely legal workaround, very affordable, and super easy to use - allow us to explain more.

Use a VPN to watch an FA Cup live stream from anywhere

ExpressVPN - get the world's best VPN

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We've put all the major VPNs through their paces and we rate ExpressVPN as our top pick, thanks to its speed, ease of use and strong security features. It's also compatible with just about any streaming device out there, including Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Xbox and PlayStation, as well as Android and Apple mobiles.

Sign up for an annual plan now and get an <a href="https://go.expressvpn.com/c/4550836/1330033/16063?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fexpressvpn.com%2Ftechradar%3Foffer%3D3monthsfree%26a_fid%3D744" data-link-merchant="expressvpn.com"" data-link-merchant="expressvpn.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">extra 3 months absolutely FREE. And if you change your mind within the first 30 days, let them know and they'll give you your money back without a quibble.

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watch FA Cup live stream US

How to watch the English FA Cup: live stream soccer in the US without cable

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ESPN has the rights to the FA Cup in the US, and the great news is that all the games are being aired on its <a href="https://www.techradar.com/news/espn-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-sports-focused-streaming-service" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"">ESPN+ streaming service.

As the competition progresses, select games may also be shown on ESPN linear TV. Better still, you don't have to use cable to access ESPN. Over-the-top streaming services let you watch TV over an internet connection and can typically be had for a fraction of the cost of even the most basic cable package.

<a href="https://sling-tv.pxf.io/c/221109/1132376/14334?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=http%3A%2F%2Fsling.com%2Fpm%2Faffiliate" data-link-merchant="sling.com"" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sling TV's Orange package includes ESPN and there's a FREE trial period for a limited time only - the regular cost is $30 a month. 

watch FA Cup live stream free

How to get a FREE FA Cup live stream: watch soccer online in Canada

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In Canada, <a href="https://now.sportsnet.ca/" data-link-merchant="now.sportsnet.ca"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sportsnet is where you need to turn for all your FA Cup needs.

You can watch Sportsnet online at no extra charge if you already subscribe to the channel as part of your TV package - or access it on a streaming-only basis, with plans starting from just CA$9.99 a month. Check out <a href="https://now.sportsnet.ca/" data-link-merchant="now.sportsnet.ca"" data-link-merchant="now.sportsnet.ca"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">all of the options here.

Canadians away from the Great White North right now can <a href="https://go.expressvpn.com/c/4550836/1330033/16063?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fexpressvpn.com%2Ftechradar%3Foffer%3D3monthsfree%26a_fid%3D744" data-link-merchant="expressvpn.com"" data-link-merchant="now.sportsnet.ca"" data-link-merchant="now.sportsnet.ca"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">follow the VPN route  above and tune in to their streaming service of choice regardless of geography. 

FA Cup live stream Australia

How to watch the FA Cup: live stream soccer in Australia

Kayo Sports

As in the States, ESPN owns the rights to FA Cup coverage in Australia - but if you don't have it as part of your <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxtel.com.au%2Findex.html&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - foxtel.com.au"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Foxtel TV package, you can access it just as easily via <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgoto.kayosports.com.au%2Fc%2F338476%2F549912%2F8808&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - kayosports.com.au"" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - foxtel.com.au"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kayo Sports.

This great value over-the-top service will let you stream loads of quality sport - including Australia's own NRL and AFL footy competitions. All this for the very reasonable price of just $25 per month for a basic package, or $35 a month for the premium offering. Better still, Kayo Sports is contract-free and <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgoto.kayosports.com.au%2Fc%2F338476%2F549912%2F8808&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - kayosports.com.au"" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - kayosports.com.au"" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - foxtel.com.au"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">offers a 14-day FREE TRIAL so you can check it out for yourself, no strings attached.

The only difference between the two tiers is the amount of screens you can stream to simultaneously - two on Kayo basic and three on Kayo premium. If you've got mates or family who also to watch sport online, both deals break down extremely tidily on a per person basis.

Anyone from Australia who wants to stream the FA Cup just like they would at home, but can't because they're abroad, can <a href="https://go.expressvpn.com/c/4550836/1330033/16063?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fexpressvpn.com%2Ftechradar%3Foffer%3D3monthsfree%26a_fid%3D744" data-link-merchant="expressvpn.com"" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - kayosports.com.au"" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - kayosports.com.au"" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - foxtel.com.au"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">use a VPN as described above.

how to watch FA Cup online 2020/21

How to watch a 2020/21 FA Cup live stream in New Zealand

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FA Cup coverage in New Zealand is provided by <a href="https://www.sky.co.nz/sport" data-link-merchant="sky.co.nz"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sky Sport, which is available as part of a range of pay TV packages. 

Subscribers can watch online using the country's <a href="https://www.skygo.co.nz/" data-link-merchant="skygo.co.nz"" data-link-merchant="sky.co.nz"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sky Go service, while cord-cutters and anyone else can try the <a href="https://www.skysportnow.co.nz/" data-link-merchant="skysportnow.co.nz"" data-link-merchant="skygo.co.nz"" data-link-merchant="sky.co.nz"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sky Sport Now streaming-only platform - where a weekly pass costs just $19.99.

Anyone in New Zealand from abroad of vice-versa can <a href="https://go.expressvpn.com/c/4550836/1330033/16063?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fexpressvpn.com%2Ftechradar%3Foffer%3D3monthsfree%26a_fid%3D744" data-link-merchant="expressvpn.com"" data-link-merchant="skysportnow.co.nz"" data-link-merchant="skygo.co.nz"" data-link-merchant="sky.co.nz"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">use the VPN route outlined earlier to access their service of choice just like they would at home.

watch FA Cup live stream india

How to watch the FA Cup in India: live stream every game in 2021

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In India, it's the Sony Pictures Sports Network, and more specifically its <a href="https://www.sonypicturessportsnetwork.com/" data-link-merchant="sonypicturessportsnetwork.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sony Ten channels, that host FA Cup coverage live in the subcontinent. 

You've probably guessed the alternative for Indians abroad by now - <a href="https://go.expressvpn.com/c/4550836/1330033/16063?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fexpressvpn.com%2Ftechradar%3Foffer%3D3monthsfree%26a_fid%3D744" data-link-merchant="expressvpn.com"" data-link-merchant="sonypicturessportsnetwork.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">get yourself a VPN to change your IP and tune in to your usual live streaming service from another country.

Aatif Sulleyman

Aatif is a freelance copywriter and journalist based in the UK. He’s written about technology, science and politics for publications including Gizmodo, The Independent, Trusted Reviews and Newsweek, but focuses on streaming at Future, an arrangement that combines two of his greatest passions: sport and penny-pinching.