Sofia Quijada
Seven-time FA Cup winners Manchester City begin their 2026 campaign with a third-round tie against League One side Exeter City on Saturday, January 10. Hosted at the Etihad Stadium, this historic first-ever competitive meeting between the two sides promises intrigue, a packed away end of 7,800 Grecians fans, and a possible cup upset. Whether you’re tuning in from Manchester or Melbourne, here’s how to catch the action live online and on TV.
Match Preview: Manchester City vs Exeter – David vs Goliath at the Etihad
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City enter the new year with three consecutive Premier League draws and mounting injuries — hardly ideal preparation. Yet the FA Cup has often served as a platform for the club to recalibrate and reassert their dominance. With injuries across the back line and upcoming clashes in multiple competitions, this match may see Guardiola hand opportunities to academy talents like Max Alleyne and Stephen Mfuni, while Erling Haaland could lead the line once again amid a shortage of attacking alternatives.
Meanwhile, Exeter City arrive with momentum and purpose. After edging past Halifax Town and thrashing Wycombe, the Grecians have earned their place in the spotlight. League One survival remains their top priority, but boss Gary Caldwell will urge his players to embrace this opportunity and draw inspiration from past FA Cup shocks — including Exeter’s famous 0-0 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford in 2005. Expect grit, passion, and a carnival atmosphere at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon.
Where to watch Manchester City vs Exeter: Live stream, TV channel, and start time
Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026
Kick-off Time: 16:00 CET
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
Fixture: Manchester City vs Exeter – FA Cup Third Round
As the reigning English champions take on third-tier opposition, this fixture has all the makings of a classic cup narrative. The match will be broadcast live across the world — details below.
Match Start Time Across Regions
| Region | Local Time |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 15:00 GMT |
| United States (ET) | 10:00 AM ET |
| Canada (ET) | 10:00 AM ET |
| Australia | 02:00 AM AEDT (Jan 11) |
| France, Germany, Italy, Spain | 16:00 CET |
| Japan | 00:00 JST (Jan 11) |
| China | 23:00 CST |
| South Africa | 17:00 SAST |
| India | 20:30 IST |
How to watch Man City v Exeter: Live stream and kick-off time
The match will be available globally via major sports broadcasters. But this match will not be shown in the UK due to the traditional blackout., while ESPN handles the broadcast in the USA and South America. Stan Sport has the rights in Australia, and beIN Sports delivers coverage to France, New Zealand, and MENA. Viewers in Germany, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy can stream through DAZN. Check your region below for full availability.
- Also read: Best Premier League Betting Sites 2026
Where to watch Manchester City vs Exeter online
Fans can stream the match using the official platforms of their regional broadcasters. In the UK, BBC iPlayer and Discovery+ will host the match online. In North and South America, use ESPN+ or Disney+. Viaplay will stream the match across all Nordic countries and the Netherlands. For viewers in India, Sony LIV offers live and on-demand streaming. In China, Migu is the go-to platform, while Setanta Sports covers Ukraine, the Baltics, and more. All services may require a subscription, and geo-restrictions could apply.
Global Viewing Options
| Country / Region | Official Broadcaster/Platform |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | will not be shown in the UK |
| United States / South America | ESPN, Disney+ |
| Canada | Sportsnet |
| Australia | Stan Sport |
| France / New Zealand / MENA | beIN Sports |
| Germany / Belgium / Italy / Austria / Switzerland | DAZN |
| Denmark / Norway / Sweden / Finland / Iceland / Netherlands | Viaplay |
| Poland | TVP |
| Portugal | Sport TV |
| India / Pakistan / Sri Lanka / Bangladesh | Sony Sports Network |
| Mexico | HBO Max, Fox Sports |
| Japan | U-NEXT |
| China | Migu |
| Ukraine / Estonia / Latvia / Lithuania | Setanta Sports |
| South Africa / Sub-Saharan Africa | SuperSport |
Spotlight Countries
- United States: Fans can stream the match through ESPN+ or Disney+, depending on provider bundles.
- India: Sony LIV offers the complete match with English commentary and highlights.
- Germany & Italy: DAZN streams the game with multi-language commentary options.
- Australia: Stan Sport offers HD streaming, available on mobile, smart TVs, and desktop.
- South Africa: SuperSport will air the game live with pre-match and post-match analysis.
- Japan: U-NEXT holds exclusive streaming rights for the FA Cup this season.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you’re abroad and your local broadcaster doesn’t offer the match, you can still tune in using a VPN. Here’s how:
- Choose a reputable VPN service like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark.
- Install the VPN on your device and connect to a server in a country with access (e.g., UK or USA).
- Open the broadcaster’s app or website (e.g., Discovery+, ESPN+).
- Log in with your credentials or subscribe if necessary.
- Start watching the match live, bypassing geo-restrictions securely.
How to watch Manchester City vs Exeter at Sportsbook
Online bookmakers often offer live streaming of FA Cup matches. Here’s how to access:
- Register with a licensed sportsbook that includes live streaming (e.g., Bet365, 1xBet).
- Verify your identity and ensure your account is funded.
- Go to the “Live” or “Football” section on matchday.
- Select the Manchester City vs Exeter match and click the stream icon.
- Some platforms may require you to place a bet or hold a minimum balance.
The magic of the FA Cup returns with a classic underdog tale as Exeter take on the mighty Manchester City. Stream it live, use a VPN if needed, and enjoy every moment of this clash between two clubs with very different dreams.