COMPETITION EXPLAINED

The FA Cup

In a nutshell

The FA Cup is the oldest football competition in the world, founded in 1871. Every club in English football from the Premier League down to the ninth tier can enter — giving lower league clubs the dream of a giant-killing against Premier League opposition.

How It Works

Single-leg knockout competition from the first round. Premier League and Championship clubs enter in the third round in January. From there it’s winner-takes-all ties through to the final at Wembley in May. If a match is drawn after 90 minutes, there is extra time and then a penalty shootout (replays were abolished from 2024/25).

How English Clubs Qualify

All 92 Football League clubs enter, plus hundreds of non-league clubs. No qualification needed — every club in English football is eligible.

English Clubs in 2025/26

Manchester City won the 2025/26 FA Cup, beating Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley with a goal from Antoine Semenyo. It was City’s 8th FA Cup and Pep Guardiola’s third. Memorable moment: Macclesfield FC — a non-league club — beat Crystal Palace in the early rounds.

Famous History

Most FA Cup wins: Arsenal (14), Manchester United (13), Chelsea (8), Tottenham (8), Liverpool (8), Aston Villa (7). The competition is 154 years old — the oldest football competition in existence.

How to Watch in the UK

BBC and ITV share The FA Cup broadcast rights. Free to air.