The magic of the FA Cup is back! Wigan Athletic will kick off their campaign against Hemel Hempstead Town in the First Round Proper of the 2025–26 competition.
The draw has thrown up a real classic cup tie: a League One side against a National League South team, with everything to play for. It’s one of those fixtures that reminds you why the FA Cup still matters in the fact that anything can happen, and that’s what makes it special.
A Proper Cup Test Ahead
On paper, Wigan are the favourites. But anyone who’s followed football long enough knows that lower-league sides love an upset, especially when they’ve got nothing to lose. Hemel Hempstead will come into this full of belief and energy, and it’s down to the Latics to make sure they don’t get any ideas.
This is the kind of game where attitude matters just as much as ability. If the lads turn up focused, play their football, and show their quality, we should have enough to get through. But underestimate the opposition, and you can quickly end up on the wrong side of a cup shock and nobody wants to be that headline.
Big Chance to Build Momentum
The FA Cup might not be top of the priority list compared to the league, but it’s a great chance to build some momentum considering the fact that we put our academy out in the Vertu Trophy and then bowed out to fellow League One strugglers 2-0 in the Carabao Cup. A strong performance here could give the team a real lift heading into a busy part of the season. It’s also a chance for a few players to step up, maybe give the gaffer something to think about when it comes to selection.
Plus, you can’t beat a good cup run. The buzz, the big away days, and who knows, maybe another one of those special FA Cup nights at the Brick Community Stadium.
One for the Fans
There’s no better place to start the cup campaign than right here at The Brick Community Stadium. A home tie gives Latics fans the perfect chance to get to the game, make some noise, and show what this club’s all about.
Whatever happens, it’s another chapter in our FA Cup story, and if recent history has taught us anything, it’s that Wigan Athletic and the FA Cup have unfinished business.
Fan Reactions
🔥 What a draw for @hemelfc!
— BBC Sport Three Counties (@BBCSport3CR) October 13, 2025
The Tudors will head to the 2013 winners @LaticsOfficial in the First Round proper of the @EmiratesFACup 🏆
Here's the moment it all happened… pic.twitter.com/JvEtu3LBVy
Bye bye hemel 🤣
— WafcTurner (@WAFCTurner) October 13, 2025
What a tie live and die for this club. Home and away im buzzing with that!
— fletchltfc (@fletchhtfc) October 13, 2025