The weather is likely to further disrupt the football calendar as clubs struggle to keep matches from being canceled in the aftermath of Storm Goretti. The storm brought sub-zero temperatures across the country and triggered a flurry of snow and ice warnings.
Rail services have been hit by delays, schools have been closed and tens of thousands of people are enduring widespread power outages. The Met Office on Friday issued an unusual red warning for “dangerous storm” conditions in parts of the country, as Britons face travel disruption as transport networks are hit by high winds and heavy snow.
The FA Cup third round is due to start this weekend, but it has already been postponed for the first time. Salford City have announced they have acted quickly to postpone their fixture against Swindon Town.
“Salford City’s Emirates FA Cup third round match against Swindon Town on Saturday has been postponed due to a frozen pitch,” a statement said.
“Due to sub-zero temperatures expected, tarps have continued to be placed on the pitch in recent weeks and heat lamps have been moved around the pitch throughout the week to help thaw the pitch.
“However, despite the best efforts of our ground staff, there are still areas of the pitch that are frozen and the decision was taken early in conjunction with the FA and Swindon to avoid unnecessary disruption to our traveling supporters.”
Meanwhile, Cambridge are scheduled to inspect the pitch at midday on Sunday ahead of their FA Cup clash with Birmingham. The match is scheduled to kick off at 5:45 p.m., but it is unclear whether it will take place.
The remaining 64 clubs in the FA Cup will be guaranteed a payout from the competition’s prize fund, regardless of whether they win or lose a tie. Clubs featured in the telecast will receive an additional £80,000 on linear channels, while clubs taking part in matches streamed on Discovery Plus will receive £40,000.
The FA Trophy has also been affected by the weather, with Kidderminster Harriers’ game against Morecambe postponed and rescheduled for Tuesday 13th January. The decision was taken by match officials following a pitch inspection at Aggborough Stadium on Friday afternoon.
Heavy rain, snow and ice left the pitch soggy. Temperatures are expected to fall further and it was judged that there was “no prospect that the pitch would be playable” on Saturday.
Below is a complete list of FA Cup matches, with postponed matches noted.
Friday, January 9, 2026.
19:30: Milton Keynes Dons v Oxford United.
19:30: Port Vale v Fleetwood Town.
19:30: Preston North End v Wigan Athletic.
19:30: Wrexham v Nottingham Forest.
Saturday, January 10, 2026.
12:15: Cheltenham Town v Leicester City.
12:15: Everton vs Sunderland.
12:15: Macclesfield v Crystal Palace.
12:15: Wolverhampton Wanderers v Shrewsbury Town.
15:00: Boreham Wood v Burton Albion.
15:00: Burnley v Millwall.
15:00: Doncaster Rovers v Southampton.
15:00: Fulham v Middlesbrough.
15:00: Ipswich Town v Blackpool.
15:00: Manchester City vs. Exeter City.
15:00: Newcastle United vs AFC Bournemouth.
15:00: Salford City v Swindon Town – Postponed.
15:00: Sheffield Wednesday v Brentford.
15:00: Stoke City v Coventry City.
17:45: Bristol City v Watford.
17:45: Cambridge United v Birmingham City.
17:45: Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa.
17:45: Grimsby Town v Weston-super-Mare.
20:00: Charlton Athletic vs Chelsea.
Sunday, January 11, 2026.
12:00: Derby County v Leeds United.
14:00: Portsmouth vs Arsenal.
14:30: Hull City v Blackburn Rovers.
14:30: Norwich City v Walsall.
14:30: Sheffield United v Mansfield Town.
14:30: Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion.
14:30: West Ham United v Queens Park Rangers.
16:30: Manchester United v Brighton & Hove Albion.
Monday, January 12, 2026.
19:45: Liverpool v Barnsley.
