Arsenal secured a 4-1 victory over Portsmouth in the Emirates FA Cup third round at Fratton Park on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The match, which saw Gabriel Martinelli net a hat-trick, was broadcast live across multiple platforms in the United Kingdom and internationally. Viewers had several options to catch the action, whether through traditional television or streaming services.
Portsmouth, then competing in the Championship, hosted Arsenal in this traditional third-round encounter. The fixture drew significant attention given Arsenal’s Premier League standing and the opportunity for an upset at Fratton Park. For supporters looking to watch the match live or catch up on highlights, various legitimate options were available depending on geographic location.
How to Watch Portsmouth FC vs Arsenal FC Live
Those seeking to watch the match live had access to both television broadcasts and streaming platforms. In the United Kingdom, TNT Sports held the rights to the fixture, with coverage available across multiple channels and digital services.
TNT Sports 1 was the primary UK broadcaster for this match. Viewers could find the channel on BT/EE (408), Sky (410), and Virgin Media (527). TNT Sports Ultimate provided an alternative for those seeking enhanced coverage.
UK Viewing Options
The match aired on TNT Sports 1 as part of the broadcaster’s FA Cup coverage package. For viewers preferring digital access, Discovery+ offered live streaming of TNT Sports channels. NOW TV provided flexible viewing options with a day pass priced at £14.99 or a monthly subscription at £34.99, accessible across mobile devices, computers, and gaming consoles.
US and International Viewing
American viewers could watch the fixture on ESPN 2, with streaming available through Fubo, which offered a free trial for new subscribers. Specific international broadcasters beyond the United Kingdom and United States were not detailed in available sources.
Post-Match Highlights
Following the conclusion of all third-round ties, highlights were compiled and broadcast on BBC One’s Match of the Day programme at 10:30 PM UK time on Saturday evening. This remains a traditional destination for football fans seeking condensed match coverage.
What Time Does Portsmouth vs Arsenal Kick Off?
The match kicked off at 2:00 PM UK time on Sunday, January 11, 2026. For viewers in the United States, this translated to 9:00 AM Eastern Time. The universal coordination time was 13:30 UTC. The timing aligned with the standard third-round slot for afternoon fixtures during the FA Cup weekend.
Kick-off times for FA Cup third-round matches typically vary between afternoon and early evening slots. Sunday’s 2:00 PM GMT start placed this fixture in the early afternoon category, allowing for scheduling flexibility across regional broadcasters.
Match Context Within Third-Round Weekend
This fixture was one of eight third-round ties scheduled for Sunday, January 11, 2026. The third round traditionally features Premier League and Championship clubs entering the competition, increasing the number of high-profile matchups available to viewers. Arsenal’s involvement guaranteed significant broadcast interest given their standing in English football.
Portsmouth FC vs Arsenal FC Match Result
Arsenal emerged victorious with a 4-1 scoreline after trailing early in the match. Portsmouth captain Colby Bishop opened the scoring in the third minute, giving the home side an unlikely lead at Fratton Park. However, the advantage proved short-lived as Arsenal mounted their comeback.
Key Match Events
Andre Dozzell’s own goal brought Arsenal level before half-time. Gabriel Martinelli then took centre stage, scoring a hat-trick to complete the turnaround. Noni Madueke missed a penalty for Portsmouth during the match, which could have altered the complexion of the scoreline. The result extended Arsenal’s progression in the competition while ending Portsmouth’s cup run for that season.
Bookmakers had Arsenal as strong favourites before kick-off, with pre-match odds of -450 for an Arsenal victory. Portsmouth were priced at +1000, with the draw available at +500, reflecting the gulf in league positions between the two clubs.
Where to Buy Portsmouth vs Arsenal Tickets
Search results provided limited information regarding ticket availability for this fixture. Official ticket channels for both clubs represented the primary legitimate sources for purchasing admission. The match took place at Fratton Park, which has a capacity of 21,100.
Ticket Purchase Guidance
For future fixtures between these clubs, tickets should be purchased through official club channels. Portsmouth FC’s official website and Arsenal FC’s ticketing portal represent the most reliable sources. FA Cup matches often sell out quickly given the competitive nature of third-round pairings, particularly when Premier League clubs travel to lower-league venues.
Lineup Information
Confirmed starting lineups were not available at the time of writing. Post-match reports identified several players who featured, including Colby Bishop, Andre Dozzell, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke, and Kai Havertz. Kai Havertz notably returned to action for Arsenal, having not featured since the Premier League opening day. Readers seeking lineup information for upcoming matches should consult official club sources directly.
Match Context: FA Cup Third Round Significance
The FA Cup third round represents one of the most anticipated stages of the English football calendar. This round marks the entry point for Premier League clubs from the top flight, alongside Championship sides, creating potential for giant-killing acts. Fratton Park, with its capacity of 21,100, provided an intimate setting for this encounter between differing league positions.
Portsmouth, then operating in the Championship tier, faced Arsenal from the Premier League. Such pairings generate considerable excitement as smaller clubs host their more celebrated opponents. The third-round format allows for these matchups to occur at the home venue of the lower-league club, providing supporters with rare opportunities to witness top-tier opposition.
Confirmed and Unconfirmed Information
Several aspects of this fixture were confirmed through multiple sources, while others remain uncertain or unverified.
| Aspect | Status |
|---|---|
| Date and Time | Confirmed: January 11, 2026, 2:00 PM UK time |
| Venue | Confirmed: Fratton Park, Portsmouth |
| UK Broadcaster | Confirmed: TNT Sports |
| US Broadcaster | Confirmed: ESPN 2, Fubo streaming |
| Match Result | Confirmed: Arsenal 4-1 Portsmouth |
| International Broadcasters | Unconfirmed: No specific details beyond US/UK |
| Full Starting Lineups | Unconfirmed: Not published in available sources |
| Legal Free Streaming Options | Unconfirmed: No confirmed free legal options identified |
Viewers should be wary of unofficial streaming platforms claiming to offer live coverage. These sources often operate without proper broadcasting rights and may present security risks. Official broadcasters and licensed streaming services remain the recommended options for legitimate match access.
Sources and Official Information
Official club sources provided direct confirmation of broadcast arrangements. Arsenal’s official website highlighted the fixture details and viewing options, while Portsmouth’s social media channels shared information regarding match access. Sports news outlets including CBS Sports, Sports Mole, and TNT Sports contributed additional verification of match specifics.
The match was broadcast live on TNT Sports as part of the Emirates FA Cup third-round coverage.
Summary
Portsmouth FC hosted Arsenal FC in the FA Cup third round on January 11, 2026, at Fratton Park, with Arsenal winning 4-1. UK viewers could watch on TNT Sports 1 or stream via Discovery+ and NOW TV. American audiences had access through ESPN 2 and Fubo. Kick-off occurred at 2:00 PM UK time (9:00 AM ET / 13:30 UTC). For additional coverage of cultural and entertainment topics, see our guide to In the Mood for Love – Streaming, Language & Director Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Portsmouth vs Arsenal?
Arsenal defeated Portsmouth 4-1 in the FA Cup third round match on January 11, 2026.
What channel showed Portsmouth vs Arsenal in the UK?
TNT Sports 1 broadcast the match in the United Kingdom, available through BT/EE, Sky, and Virgin Media platforms.
Can I watch Portsmouth vs Arsenal for free legally?
No confirmed free legal streaming options were identified for this fixture. Official subscription services such as Discovery+ and Fubo represent the primary legitimate viewing methods.
Where were highlights available after the match?
BBC One’s Match of the Day programme at 10:30 PM UK time on Saturday following the third-round weekend featured match highlights.
What time did the match kick off?
Kick-off was at 2:00 PM UK time (9:00 AM Eastern Time / 13:30 UTC) on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
Who scored for Portsmouth?
Portsmouth captain Colby Bishop scored in the third minute before Arsenal mounted their comeback.
Where can I find ticket information for future fixtures?
Official club websites for Portsmouth FC and Arsenal FC represent the most reliable sources for ticket purchases and availability updates.
How can I watch Arsenal matches internationally?
International viewers should consult local sports broadcasters or licensed streaming platforms. For broader sports coverage, see our reviews of sports documentaries and media.
Daniel Mercer is Music & Theatre Correspondent at ShowbizUK.co.uk, covering music, theatre, concerts, West End coverage, festivals, live entertainment and album releases.