Where to Watch Manchester United vs Brighton: FA Cup 2026 Live

The FA Cup third round pits Manchester United against Brighton at Old Trafford with a place in the next stage on the line — a tie that reminds you why the competition still matters. The match kicks off at 16:30 GMT on Sunday 11 January 2026, as confirmed by the official Manchester United website, and the broadcast options vary sharply depending on where you live. Here’s exactly where to watch, what time to tune in, and what to make of the match-up — with channel confirmations straight from the rights holders.

Match date: 11 January 2026 ·
Competition: FA Cup third round ·
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester ·
UK broadcaster: TNT Sports 1 ·
US broadcaster: ESPN Select, fuboTV ·
Kick-off: 16:30 GMT

Six facts to know at a glance, with one pattern: the broadcast split between UK and US is substantial — UK viewers need a TNT Sports subscription, while US fans can choose between cable (ESPN Select) and streaming (fuboTV).

The table below summarises the match details and broadcast channels.

The pattern: UK viewers have a single subscription path, while US options split between cable and streaming services.

What channel is the Manchester United vs Brighton FA Cup match on?

UK TV channel: TNT Sports 1

The match is being shown live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK, which is channel 410 on Sky. TNT Sports holds the rights to 22 FA Cup third-round ties this season, as reported by Sports Illustrated. You can also stream via the Discovery+ app on phone or tablet, a feature confirmed by Sports Mole.

US TV channel: ESPN Select, ESPN App, fuboTV

In the United States, the exclusive rights holder for the 2025/26 FA Cup is ESPN, per FourFourTwo. The match will be available on ESPN Select (cable) and via the ESPN App for cord-cutters. Another option is fuboTV, which carries ESPN Select as part of its sports package. Sports Illustrated lists all three as confirmed outlets.

International options: Canada & Mexico

Canadian viewers can watch on Sportsnet World, Sportsnet One, or Sportsnet Plus, while Mexico gets TNT Sports, TNT Go, and Max Mexico, according to the same Sports Illustrated guide. For other regions, check local listings via LiveSoccerTV.

The implication: the cost-per-match ratio is higher for UK fans, but the simplicity may be worth it.

When is the match and what time does it kick off?

FA Cup third round date and kick-off time

The match is scheduled for Sunday 11 January 2026 with a 16:30 GMT kick-off, as stated on the Manchester United official website. The venue is Old Trafford in Manchester, home of the Red Devils, confirmed by ESPN. Note that the referee is Simon Hooper and VAR will not be used — a detail that could influence in-game decisions.

The pattern: referee Simon Hooper becomes the sole arbiter, making each decision decisive.

How can I watch the FA Cup match live online?

Discovery+ for UK viewers

TNT Sports subscribers can stream the match via the Discovery+ app on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. Sports Mole confirms that the app is included with any TNT Sports subscription. No extra payment is needed beyond the standard Sky or BT package.

ESPN App and fuboTV for US viewers

In the US, streaming options are more varied. The ESPN App (authentication required) works for existing cable subscribers. For those without cable, fuboTV carries ESPN Select and offers a 7-day free trial for new users, as noted by Sports Illustrated. Both platforms provide English-language commentary.

The catch: a single match may not justify a monthly subscription, so timing the free trial is critical.

Where can I watch highlights or replays?

BBC Match of the Day

BBC One’s Match of the Day will show extended highlights of the day’s FA Cup action later that evening. Sports Mole lists this as the primary free-to-air option in the UK. The programme typically airs around 22:30 GMT.

Official YouTube channels

The FA Cup’s official YouTube channel often posts full-match highlights within 24 hours. Club channels — Manchester United’s and Brighton’s — may also upload condensed versions. However, live full-match streams are typically not available on YouTube due to broadcast rights.

The implication: free-to-air viewers can still catch the key moments, but not the live match.

What are the team form and predictions?

Recent form

Manchester United enter the tie after a mixed Premier League run, while Brighton have shown strong cup form under Roberto De Zerbi. The match preview from Sports Illustrated notes United’s home advantage at Old Trafford, but Brighton’s ability to exploit the lack of VAR could be decisive.

Match prediction from NBC Sports

Andy Edwards of NBC Sports (US sports broadcaster) offers a prediction: “Brighton have the tactical flexibility to trouble United, but the Red Devils’ cup pedigree at Old Trafford gives them a narrow edge.” He forecasts a 2-1 United win.

The pattern: the no-VAR rule creates a tactical shift that could define the match.

How to watch: step-by-step guide

For UK viewers

1. Check you have TNT Sports via Sky (channel 410), Virgin Media, or BT TV.
2. On match day, tune in 15 minutes early (16:15 GMT) for pre-match analysis on TNT Sports 1.
3. To stream, download the Discovery+ app and sign in with your TNT Sports account.
4. If you miss the live match, watch highlights on BBC One at 22:30 GMT or on BBC iPlayer.

For US viewers

1. If you have cable, find ESPN Select in your channel lineup or log into the ESPN App.
2. If you don’t have cable, sign up for a free trial of fuboTV (includes ESPN Select). Cancel after the match if you don’t want to continue.
3. Kick-off is at 11:30 AM ET / 8:30 AM PT.
4. Full replays are available on ESPN+ (subscription required) 48 hours after the match.

What pundits are saying

“Brighton have the tactical flexibility to trouble United, but the Red Devils’ cup pedigree at Old Trafford gives them a narrow edge.”

Andy Edwards, NBC Sports (US sports broadcaster)

“For UK viewers, TNT Sports is the only home for this match — there’s no free-to-air live broadcast on BBC or ITV this round.”

TVGuide.co.uk (UK TV listings site)

“ESPN Select might not be in every US household, but fuboTV’s free trial makes it easy to watch without a long-term cable contract.”

Sports Illustrated (sports media publication)

For UK fans, the choice is simple: a TNT Sports subscription is the only way to watch live. In the US, the decision comes down to whether you already have cable or are willing to start a fuboTV trial. Without VAR, expect a faster, more contested game — and plan your viewing accordingly. Brighton supporters face a test: the lack of a safety net could turn a tight match into a memorable upset, but only if they tune in to the right channel.