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{{short description|Association football tournament}}
{{about|the English annual men's professional association football competition|English annual women's association football competition|Women's FA Cup|Non League Version|FA Trophy|other uses}}
{{Redirect|Emirates FA Cup|the pre-season invitational tournament|Emirates Cup}}

{{Use British English|date=October 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox football tournament
| logo                 = FA Cup 2020.png
| imagesize            = 150px
| organiser            = [[The Football Association]]
| founded              = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1871}}
| number of teams      = 747 (2025–26)
| region               = {{ubl|England|Wales}}
| qualifier for        = [[UEFA Europa League]]<br>[[FA Community Shield]]
| current champions    = [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]]<br>(1st title)
| most successful club = [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] (14 titles)
| website              = {{URL|https://www.thefa.com/competitions/thefacup|thefa.com}}
| broadcasters         = [[TNT Sports (United Kingdom)|TNT Sports]]<br />[[BBC Sport]]
| current              = [[2025–26 FA Cup]]
}}

'''The Football Association Challenge Cup''', more commonly known as the '''FA Cup''', is an annual [[Single-elimination tournament|knockout]] [[association football|football]] competition in domestic [[Football in England|English football]]. First played during the [[1871–72 FA Cup|1871–72 season]], it is the [[list of oldest football competitions|oldest national football competition]] in the world.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-29598744|title=Oldest football cup 'not for sale'|date=14 October 2014|publisher=BBC News|access-date=4 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171105114055/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-29598744|archive-date=5 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> It is organised by and named after [[the Football Association]] (the FA). A concurrent [[Women's FA Cup]] has been held since 1970.

The competition is open to all eligible [[football club (association football)|clubs]] down to level 9 of the [[English football league system]], with level 10 clubs acting as stand-ins in the event of non-entries from above.<ref name=":12">{{Cite journal |last=Faulkner |first=Bryan |date=13 July 2022 |title=Rules of the FA Challenge Cup 2022–23 |url=https://www.thefa.com/-/media/thefacom-new/files/competitions/2022-23/emirates-fa-cup/rules-of-the-fa-challenge-cup-2022-23.ashx |journal=The Football Association |page= |access-date=18 August 2022 |archive-date=18 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818051717/https://www.thefa.com/-/media/thefacom-new/files/competitions/2022-23/emirates-fa-cup/rules-of-the-fa-challenge-cup-2022-23.ashx |url-status=live }}</ref> A record 763 clubs competed in [[2011–12 FA Cup|2011–12]]. The tournament consists of 12 randomly drawn rounds followed by [[FA Cup semi-finals|the semi-finals]] and the [[FA Cup Final|final]]. Entrants are not [[seed (sports)|seeded]], although a system of [[Bye (sports)|byes]] based on league level ensures higher ranked teams enter in later rounds – the minimum number of games needed to win, depending on which round a team enters the competition, ranges from six to fourteen.

The first six rounds are the Qualifying Competition, and are contested by clubs in the [[National League System]], levels 5 to 10 of the English football system, more commonly called ''[[Non-League football|non-League]]''. 32 of these teams progress to the first round of the Competition Proper, meeting the first of the 48 professional teams from [[EFL League One|Leagues One]] and [[EFL League Two|Two]]. The last entrants are the 20 Premier League and 24 [[EFL Championship|Championship]] clubs, into the draw for the third round proper.<ref name=":12"/> In the modern era, only one non-League team has ever reached the quarter-finals, and teams below Level 2 have never reached the final.<ref group=note>Since the formation of the Football League in 1888, the only non-League club to win the FA Cup is Tottenham Hotspur in 1901. Since 1914, when Queens Park Rangers reached the fourth round proper (the last eight/quarter-final stage), the only non-League club to have reached that stage is Lincoln City in 2017. Both Tottenham and QPR achieved their feats whilst members of the Southern Football League, which ran parallel to the Football League until 1920, when the Football League expanded and absorbed the top division of the Southern League. Since then, the Southern League became part of the English league pyramid, below the Football League.</ref> As a result, significant focus is given to the smaller teams who progress furthest, especially if they achieve an unlikely "giant-killing" victory.

Winners receive the FA Cup trophy, of which there have been two designs and five actual cups; the latest is a 2014 replica of the second design, introduced in 1911. Winners also qualify for the [[UEFA Europa League]] and a place in the upcoming [[FA Community Shield]]. [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] are the most successful club with fourteen titles, most recently in [[2020 FA Cup final|2020]], and their former manager [[Arsène Wenger]] is the competition's most successful, having won seven finals with the team. [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]] are the current holders, having defeated [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] 1–0 in the [[2025 FA Cup final|2025 final]].

==History==
{{See also|History of the FA Cup}}
[[File:FACupFinal1905NewcastleVilla.jpg|thumb|[[Harry Hampton (footballer, born 1885)|Harry Hampton]] scores one of his two goals in the [[1905 FA Cup final]], when [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] defeated [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]]]]
In 1863, the newly founded [[The Football Association|Football Association]] (the FA) published the [[Laws of the Game (association football)|Laws of the Game]] of Association Football, unifying the various different rules in use before then. On 20 July 1871, in the offices of [[The Sportsman (1865 newspaper)|''The Sportsman'' newspaper]], the FA Secretary [[C. W. Alcock]] proposed to the FA committee that "it is desirable that a Challenge Cup should be established in connection with the Association for which all clubs belonging to the Association should be invited to compete". The [[1871–72 FA Cup|inaugural FA Cup tournament]] kicked off in November 1871. After thirteen games in all, [[Wanderers F.C.|Wanderers]] were crowned the winners in [[1872 FA Cup Final|the final]], on 16 March 1872. Wanderers retained the trophy the [[1872–73 FA Cup|following year]]. The modern cup was beginning to be established by the [[1888–89 FA Cup|1888–89 season]], when qualifying rounds were introduced.<ref>{{cite book |last=Collett |first=Mike |title=The Complete Record of The FA Cup |year=2003 |isbn=1-899807-19-5 |page=878 |publisher=SportsBooks Limited }}</ref>

Following the [[1914–15 FA Cup|1914–15]] edition, the competition was suspended in mid air due to the [[World War I|First World War]], and did not resume until [[1919–20 FA Cup|1919–20]]. The [[1923 FA Cup Final]], commonly known as the "White Horse Final", was the first final to be played in the newly opened [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]] (known at the time as the Empire Stadium). The [[1927 FA Cup Final|1927 final]] saw "[[Abide with Me]]" being sung for the first time at the Cup final, which has become a pre-match tradition.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cup final competition for fans|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/fa-cup-competition-songs-of-praise-fa-cup-choir-2227569.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129053100/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/fa-cup-competition-songs-of-praise-fa-cup-choir-2227569.aspx|archive-date=29 January 2015|publisher=Reading FC|access-date=6 April 2016|date=26 January 2015}}</ref> Due to the outbreak of [[World War II]], the competition was not played between the [[1938–39 FA Cup|1938–39]] and [[1945–46 FA Cup|1945–46]] editions. Because of the wartime breaks, the hundredth tournament did not take place until [[1980–81 FA Cup|1980–81]].

After some confusion over the rules in its first competition, the FA decided that any drawn match would lead to a [[replay (sports)|replay]], with teams competing in further replays until a game was eventually won.<ref name="replay history">{{cite web |title=A Brief History of FA Cup Replays |date=7 February 2020 |url=https://facupfactfile.wordpress.com/2020/02/07/a-brief-history-of-fa-cup-replays/ |publisher=FA Cup Factfile |access-date=25 July 2023}}</ref> [[Alvechurch F.C.|Alvechurch]] and [[Oxford City F.C.|Oxford City]] contested the most replayed tie in the [[1971–72 FA Cup qualifying rounds|1971–72 qualification]], in a tie which went to 6 matches.<ref name="replay history" /> Multiple replays were scrapped for the competition proper in 1991–92, and the qualifying rounds in 1997–98.<ref name="replay history" /> Replays were removed altogether from the [[FA Cup semi-finals|semi-final]] and final matches in 2000, from the quarter-finals in 2016–17, the fifth round in 2019–20<ref name="replay history" /> and the first round onwards from 2024 to 2025.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--not stated-->| title=FA Cup replays scrapped: The Football Association says 'all parties accepted' decision|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68856480|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=19 April 2024|access-date=13 May 2024}}</ref>

Redevelopment of Wembley saw the final played outside of England for the first time, the [[2001 FA Cup Final|2001]]–[[2006 FA Cup Final|2006]] finals being played at the [[Millennium Stadium]] in [[Cardiff]]. The final returned to Wembley in [[2007 FA Cup Final|2007]], followed by the semi-finals from 2008.

==Eligibility==
{{See also|Non-English football clubs in the FA Cup|List of Scottish football clubs in the FA Cup}}
An application window is open to clubs before entry lists, round byes and scheduling are announced in July. All clubs in the top four levels (the [[Premier League]] and the three divisions of the [[English Football League]]) are automatically eligible. Clubs from Level 5–9 ([[non-league football]]) are also eligible provided they play in either the [[FA Trophy]] or [[FA Vase]] competitions in the current season. All participating clubs must also have a stadium suitable for the competition and [[The Football Association|The Association]] may reject applications at its discretion.<ref name=":12" />

Previously, Level 10 clubs were a prominent feature in early qualifying rounds. The gradual remodelling of the [[National League System]] to a 'perfect' 1–2–4–8–16 system, with a first phase in 2018–19, a final phase in 2021–22 (which included the promotion of 107 clubs), and played to a full quota in 2022–23 has resulted in a larger number of teams playing in Level 7–9.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Promotion & Relegation 2018–19 |url=http://www.thefa.com/news/2018/jun/19/national-league-system-promotion-and-relegation-statement-190618 |access-date=18 August 2022 |publisher=The Football Association |archive-date=17 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220817165458/https://www.thefa.com/news/2018/jun/19/national-league-system-promotion-and-relegation-statement-190618 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NLS allocation 2021–22 |url=https://www.thefa.com/news/2021/may/18/nls-allocations-20210518 |access-date=18 August 2022 |publisher=The Football Association |archive-date=2 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702151941/https://www.thefa.com/news/2021/may/18/nls-allocations-20210518 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NLS club allocation 2022–23 |url=https://www.thefa.com/news/2022/may/12/national-league-system-nls-club-allocations-2022-23-season-20221205 |publisher=The Football Association |access-date=18 August 2022 |archive-date=16 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616003644/https://www.thefa.com/news/2022/may/12/national-league-system-nls-club-allocations-2022-23-season-20221205 |url-status=live }}</ref> Consequently, for the FA Cup, entries equal the number in tiers 1–9 and is cut off to those below.<ref name=":12" /> Though still able to apply, Level 10 clubs are used as alternatives "subject to availability" in the event of a non/rejected applicant (with vacancies filled by Level 10 applicants with the best [[Points per game|PPG]] in the previous league season).<ref name=":12" />

The total number of entries in the FA Cup has changed as [[Non-League football]] has gradually been expanded and reorganised over time. In the [[2004–05 FA Cup|2004–05]] season, 660 clubs entered the competition, beating the long-standing record of 656 from the [[1921–22 FA Cup|1921–22 season]]. In [[2005–06 FA Cup|2005–06]] this increased to 674 entrants, in [[2006–07 FA Cup|2006–07]] to 687, in [[2007–08 FA Cup|2007–08]] to 731 clubs, in [[2008–09 FA Cup|2008–09]] and [[2009–10 FA Cup|2009–10]] to 762.<ref name="record number of entries for 2008/9">{{cite web |title=Everyone's Up For The Cup |url=http://www.thefa.com/NewsAndFeatures |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150416164220/http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/News/2008/Jun/everyones_up_for_the_cup |archive-date=16 April 2015 |access-date=1 October 2020 |publisher=The Football Association}}</ref> The total number of entries has also varied naturally from year-to-year as new clubs form and others dissolve at unequal rates. Though most leagues in the [[National League System]] maintain the same number of teams via reprieves, inevitably entry-level divisions (typically at tier 10) have to be impacted when a club leaves the pyramid.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=National League System Regulations |url=https://www.thefa.com/-/media/files/thefaportal/governance-docs/rules-of-the-association/2022-23/individual-sections/23-national-league-system-regulations-v2.ashx |journal=The FA Handbook |publisher=The Football Association |issue=2022–23 |at=para. 5:5–5:6 |access-date=2 September 2022 |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902025958/https://www.thefa.com/-/media/files/thefaportal/governance-docs/rules-of-the-association/2022-23/individual-sections/23-national-league-system-regulations-v2.ashx |url-status=live }}</ref> Therefore, for example, 759 teams entered in [[2010–11 FA Cup|2010–11]], a record 763 in [[2011–12 FA Cup|2011–12]], 758 in [[2012–13 FA Cup|2012–13]], 737 in [[2013–14 FA Cup|2013–14]] and 736 in [[2014–15 FA Cup|2014–15]].<ref name="record number of entries for 2008/9" /> However, since 2021–22, the FA has cut off automatic eligibility to the 10th tier (to appear only subject to availability) and instead set the size of the draw to match the more stable number of teams in Level 1–9.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 July 2021 |title=CLUB LINE-UP AND PRIZE FUND DETAILS FOR THE EMIRATES FA CUP 2021–22 SEASON REVEALED |url=https://www.thefa.com/news/2021/jul/02/20210702-emirates-fa-cup-and-fa-youth-cup-entries-exemptions-prize-fund-details-2021-22-season |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425062013/https://www.thefa.com/news/2021/jul/02/20210702-emirates-fa-cup-and-fa-youth-cup-entries-exemptions-prize-fund-details-2021-22-season |archive-date=25 April 2022 |access-date= |publisher=The Football Association}}</ref> This means that the competition may now see a standardised number of entries from one year to the next.<ref>{{Cite web |title=732 – FA plan to become the permanent number of entries each season |date=2 August 2022 |url=https://facupfactfile.wordpress.com/2022/08/02/fa-cup-2022-23-ep-rd-preview-by-numbers/ |access-date=18 August 2022 |archive-date=14 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814130807/https://facupfactfile.wordpress.com/2022/08/02/fa-cup-2022-23-ep-rd-preview-by-numbers/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This number is currently 732 but could rise to 748 for 2023–24 with plans for a new [[South West Peninsula League|SWPL]] 9th tier division to share the [[South West England|South West]] with the existing [[Western Football League|Western League]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=22 July 2022 |title=PROJECT SOUTH WEST APPROVED BY FA LEAGUES COMMITTEE |url=https://www.swpleague.co.uk/blog-post/updates/ |access-date=18 August 2022 |archive-date=3 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103173259/https://www.swpleague.co.uk/blog-post/updates/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

It is very rare for top clubs to miss the competition, although it can happen in exceptional circumstances. [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] did not defend their title in [[1999–2000 FA Cup|1999–2000]], as they were already in the [[2000 FIFA Club World Championship|inaugural]] [[FIFA Club World Cup|Club World Championship]]. The club stated that entering both tournaments would overload their fixture schedule and make it more difficult to defend their Champions League and Premier League titles. The club claimed that they did not want to devalue the FA Cup by fielding a weaker side. The move benefited United as they received a two-week break and won the [[1999–2000 Premier League|1999–2000 league title]] by an 18-point margin, although they did not progress past the group stage of the Club World Championship. The withdrawal from the FA Cup, however, drew considerable criticism as this weakened the tournament's prestige and [[Alex Ferguson|Sir Alex Ferguson]] later admitted his regret regarding their handling of the situation.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/853647.stm |title=Man Utd's FA Cup catastrophe |publisher=BBC News |date=27 July 2000 |access-date=1 March 2012 |archive-date=26 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126025908/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/853647.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premiership/i-regret-manchester-uniteds-fa-cup-pullout-fergie-14583761.html |title=I regret Manchester United's FA Cup pull-out: Fergie |work=The Belfast Telegraph |date=3 December 2009 |access-date=1 March 2012 |archive-date=6 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091206031759/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premiership/i-regret-manchester-uniteds-fa-cup-pullout-fergie-14583761.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/united-underline-cup-withdrawal-742549.html |title=United underline Cup withdrawal |work=The Independent |last=Staniforth |first=Tommy |date=29 October 1999 |access-date=16 May 2011 |location=London |archive-date=27 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027025931/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/united-underline-cup-withdrawal-742549.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Welsh sides that play in English leagues are eligible, although since the creation of the [[Welsh Premier League|League of Wales]] there are only five clubs remaining: [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]] (the only non-English team to win the tournament, in [[1926–27 FA Cup|1927]]), [[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]], [[Newport County A.F.C.|Newport County]], [[Wrexham F.C.|Wrexham]], and [[Merthyr Town F.C. (2010)|Merthyr Town]]. In the early years other teams from Wales, Ireland and Scotland also took part in the competition, with Glasgow side [[Queen's Park F.C.|Queen's Park]] losing the final to [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in [[1884 FA Cup Final|1884]] and [[1885 FA Cup Final|1885]] before being barred from entering by the [[Scottish Football Association]].

Entries from clubs affiliated to "offshore" associations are also eligible subject to consideration on an annual basis, with special provisions that may apply.<ref name=":12" /> In the [[2013–14 FA Cup|2013–14 season]], the first [[Channel Islands|Channel Island]] club entered the competition when [[Guernsey F.C.]] competed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thisisguernsey.com/sport/2013/04/30/lions-in-fa-cup/ |title=Lions in FA Cup |publisher=Guernsey Press |date=30 April 2013 |website=www.thisisguernsy.com |access-date=3 May 2013 |archive-date=15 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015110114/http://www.thisisguernsey.com/sport/2013/04/30/lions-in-fa-cup/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The first game played in the Channel Islands – and thus the southernmost FA Cup tie played – took place on [[2021–22 FA Cup qualifying rounds#Extra preliminary round|7 August 2021]] between [[Jersey Bulls F.C.|Jersey Bulls]] and [[Horsham YMCA F.C.|Horsham YMCA]]. A third club, [[F.C. Isle of Man]], was also eligible to play in [[2022–23 FA Cup qualifying rounds|2022–23]], but, in the end, all Crown Dependency teams either did not appear on the entry list or later withdrew.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History made as FA Cup returns |url=https://www.thefa.com/competitions/thefacup |access-date=18 August 2022 |archive-date=18 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818002119/https://www.thefa.com/competitions/thefacup |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Jersey Bulls Withdraw |date=6 July 2022 |url=https://bulls.je/jersey-bulls-withdraw-from-fa-cup/ |access-date=18 August 2022 |archive-date=15 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815030552/https://bulls.je/jersey-bulls-withdraw-from-fa-cup/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Competition format==

===Overview===
Beginning in August, the competition proceeds as a [[knockout tournament]] throughout, consisting of twelve rounds, a semi-final and then a final, in May. A system of byes ensures clubs above level 9 enter the competition at later stages. There is no [[Seed (tennis)|seeding]], the fixtures in each round being determined by a random draw. Fixtures ending in a tie are replayed once only (from the 2024–25 campaign, prior to the first round proper).<ref>{{cite web|title=FA Cup Fifth-Round replays scrapped|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/dec/18/fa-cup-fifth-round-replays-scrapped-this-season|website=www.theguarduan.com|date=18 December 2018 |access-date=18 December 2018|archive-date=18 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218184559/https://amp.theguardian.com/football/2018/dec/18/fa-cup-fifth-round-replays-scrapped-this-season|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=FA Cup replays to be scrapped from the first round onwards in 2024-25 |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68844583 |access-date=18 April 2024 |publisher=[[BBC Sport]] |date=18 April 2024}}</ref> The first six rounds are qualifiers, with the draws organised on a regional basis. The next six rounds are the "proper" rounds where all clubs are in one draw.

===Schedule===
All entrants from Level 9 begin the competition in the extra preliminary round, and any Level 10 team filling in for a vacancy.<ref name=":12" /> Teams from Level 8 are ranked on their PPG in the previous season, except newly promoted teams automatically ranked towards the bottom and newly relegated teams ranked to the top; teams are then split between entering at either the Extra-Preliminary or preliminary round so as to ensure the right balance of fixtures throughout the competition.<ref name=":12" /> From there, clubs from higher levels are added in later rounds, as per the table below.

The months in which rounds are played are traditional, with exact dates subject to each calendar. The number of new entries, winners from previous rounds, and division of Level 8 teams in the two preliminary rounds are based on an entry list of 732 modelled on the [[English football league system|English league system]] as of 2022–23. From 2023 to 2024, the entry list could rise to 746 in line with sixteen additional clubs at Level 9, meaning that the extra preliminary round would have 444 teams, with only 50 Level 8 clubs entering at the preliminary round.<ref name=":0" />
{{table alignment}}
{| class="wikitable sortable col-1right col-2right col-3right"
!Round<ref name=":12"/>
!Month
!Leagues entering<br>this round<ref name=":12" />
!New entries<br>this round
!Winners from<br>previous round
!Number of<br>fixtures
|-
!colspan=6|Qualifying Competition<ref name=":12"/>
|-
|Extra preliminary round
|August
|Level 8 clubs (96 lowest ranked)<br>Level 9 clubs<br>Any vacancies are filled by Level 10.
|416
|
|208
|-
|Preliminary round
|August
|Level 8 clubs (64 highest ranked)
|64
|208
|136
|-
|First round
| rowspan="2" |September
|Level 7 clubs
|88
|136
|112
|-
|Second round
|Level 6 clubs
|48
|112
|80
|-
|Third round
| rowspan="2" |October
|none
|0
|80
|40
|-
|Fourth round
|[[National League (division)|Level 5]] clubs
|24
|40
|32
|-
!colspan=6|Competition Proper<ref name=":12"/>
|-
|First round
|November
|[[EFL League One|Level 3]] and [[EFL League Two|4]] clubs
|48
|32
|40
|-
|Second round
|December
|none
|0
|40
|20
|-
|Third round
|January
|[[Premier League|Level 1]] and [[EFL Championship|2]] clubs
|44
|20
|32
|-
|Fourth round
|February
| rowspan="5" |none
|0
|32
|16
|-
|Fifth round
| rowspan="2" |March
|style="text-align:right;"|0
|16
|8
|-
|Quarter-finals
|style="text-align:right;"|0
|8
|4
|-
|[[FA Cup semi-finals|Semi-finals]]
|April
|style="text-align:right;"|0
|4
|2
|-
|[[FA Cup Final|Final]]
|May
|style="text-align:right;"|0
|2
|1
|}
The qualifying rounds are regionalised to reduce the travel costs for smaller non-league sides. The first and second proper rounds were also previously split into Northern and Southern sections, but this practice was ended after the [[1997–98 FA Cup|1997–98 competition]]. {{citation needed|date=October 2021}}

The final is normally held the Saturday after the [[Premier League]] season finishes in May. The only seasons in recent times when this pattern was not followed were: [[1999–2000 in English football|1999–2000]], when most rounds were played a few weeks earlier than normal as an experiment; [[2010–11 in English football|2010–11]] and [[2012–13 in English football|2012–13]] when the FA Cup Final was played before the Premier League season had finished, to allow [[Wembley Stadium]] to be ready for the [[UEFA Champions League]] final,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2011/mar/06/fa-cup-final-manchester-derby |title=Tarnished FA Cup needs a Manchester derby's drama |work=The Guardian |date=6 March 2011 |location=London |first=Paul |last=Wilson |access-date=11 December 2016 |archive-date=5 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305042325/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2011/mar/06/fa-cup-final-manchester-derby |url-status=live }}</ref> and in [[2011–12 in English football|2011–12]] to allow [[England national football team|England]] time to prepare for that summer's [[UEFA Euro 2012|European Championships]];<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/may/12/2012-fa-cup-final-premier-league |title=No escape for 2012 FA Cup final from date clash with Premier League |work=The Guardian |date=12 May 2011 |location=London |first=Owen |last=Gibson |access-date=11 December 2016 |archive-date=5 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305041039/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/may/12/2012-fa-cup-final-premier-league |url-status=live }}</ref> [[2019–20 in English football|2019–20]] when the final was delayed until August due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/may/29/fa-cup-final-to-be-held-on-1-august-with-quarter-finals-resuming-on-27-june-football |title=FA Cup final to be held on 1 August with quarter-finals resuming on 27 June |work=The Guardian |date=29 May 2020 |access-date=17 July 2020 |archive-date=17 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717075139/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/may/29/fa-cup-final-to-be-held-on-1-august-with-quarter-finals-resuming-on-27-june-football |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/52726943 |title=Watch: 2006 FA Cup Final Rewind – Liverpool win FA Cup on penalties |website=BBC Sport |quote=Today should have been FA Cup final day |date=23 May 2020 |access-date=9 September 2020 |archive-date=13 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613143834/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/52726943 |url-status=live }}</ref> and the [[2021–22 in English football|2021-22]] when the final was held a week before the end of the league. The [[2024-25 in English football|2025 Final]] is also scheduled to take place the week before the end of the league.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68844583 |title=FA Cup replays to be scrapped from the first round onwards in 2024-25 |website=BBC Sport |date=18 April 2024| access-date=27 September 2024 }}</ref>

===Draws===
The draws for the Extra Preliminary, Preliminary, and first qualifying rounds used to all occur at the same time. Thereafter, the draw for each subsequent round is not made until after the scheduled dates for the previous round, meaning that in the case of replays, clubs will often know their future opponents in advance.

The draw for each of the proper rounds is broadcast live on television, usually taking place at the conclusion of live coverage of one of the games of the previous round. Public interest is particularly high during the draw for the third round, which is where the top-ranked teams are added to the draw.

===Tiebreaking===
Until 2024-25, rounds up to and including the fourth round proper, fixtures resulting in a draw (after normal time) went to a [[replay (sports)|replay]], played at the venue of the away team, at a later date; if that replay was still tied, the winner was settled by a period of [[overtime (sports)|extra time]], and if still necessary, a [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shootout]]. Since [[2016–17 FA Cup|2016–17]], ties have been settled on the day from the quarter-finals onwards, using extra time and penalties. From [[2018–19 FA Cup|2018–19]], Fifth round ties have also been settled by extra time and penalties. Beginning with the [[2024–25 FA Cup|2024–25]] competition, replays have been scrapped from the first round onwards to accommodate the expanded schedule of UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.<ref>{{cite web |last=MacInnes |first=Paul |date=18 April 2024 |title=FA Cup replays and Premier League winter break scrapped from next season |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/apr/18/fa-cup-replays-and-premier-league-winter-break-scrapped-from-next-season |website=[[The Guardian]] |location=London |access-date=18 April 2024}}</ref> The decision to scrap replays received criticism from a number of lower-tier clubs and government officials.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 April 2024 |title='All parties accepted' replays should stop - FA |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68856480 |access-date=22 April 2024 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Until [[1990–91 FA Cup|1990–91]], further replays would be played until one team was victorious. In [[1971–72 FA Cup|1971–72]], a [[1971–72 FA Cup qualifying rounds#Fourth qualifying round|fourth qualifying round]] game between [[Alvechurch F.C.|Alvechurch]] and [[Oxford City F.C.|Oxford City]] was played six times until Alvechurch won in the fifth replay.<ref>{{cite web |last=Allner |first=Graham |date=21 November 2009 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/nov/21/oxford-city-alvechurch-longest-fa-cup |title=22 November 1971: The longest-ever FA Cup tie finally finishes |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |location=London |access-date=4 May 2022 |archive-date=8 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908111307/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/nov/21/oxford-city-alvechurch-longest-fa-cup |url-status=live }}</ref> In their [[1974–75 FA Cup|1975 campaign]], [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]] played 12 games over six rounds, which remains the most games played by a team to reach a final.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFACup/History/HistoryOfTheFACup/1975WestHamFulham.aspx |access-date=5 March 2005 |title=Hammers nail Fulham |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 January 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105040811/http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFACup/History/HistoryOfTheFACup/1975WestHamFulham.aspx |publisher=The Football Association}}</ref> Replays were traditionally played three or four days after the original game, but from [[1991–92 FA Cup|1991–92]] they were staged at least 10 days later on police advice for the rounds proper. This led to [[penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shoot-outs]] being introduced, the first of which came on 26 November 1991 when [[Rotherham United F.C.|Rotherham United]] eliminated [[Scunthorpe United F.C.|Scunthorpe United]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Penalty shoot-out makes English FA Cup history|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=12JPAAAAIBAJ&pg=6114%2C5540359|newspaper=New Straits Press|location=Kuala Lumpur|page=44|date=28 November 1991|access-date=26 November 2014|archive-date=9 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009060447/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=12JPAAAAIBAJ&pg=6114%2C5540359|url-status=live}}</ref>

From [[1980–81 FA Cup|1980–81]] to [[1998–99 FA Cup|1998–99]], the semi-finals went to extra time on the day if the score after 90 minutes was a draw. If the score was still level after extra time, the match would go to a replay. Replays for the semi-finals were scrapped for [[1999–2000 FA Cup|1999–2000]]; the last semi-final to go into a replay was in 1998–99, when Manchester United beat [[Arsenal F.C.–Manchester United F.C. rivalry|rivals]] Arsenal 2–1 after extra time, following a 0–0 draw in the original match.

The first [[FA Cup Final]] to go to extra time and a replay was the [[1875 FA Cup Final|1875 final]], between the [[Royal Engineers A.F.C.|Royal Engineers]] and the [[Old Etonians F.C.|Old Etonians]]. The initial tie finished 1–1 but the Royal Engineers won the replay 2–0 in normal time. The last replayed final was the [[1993 FA Cup Final]], when Arsenal and [[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]] fought a 1–1 draw. The replay saw Arsenal win the FA Cup, 2–1 after extra time.

The last quarter-final to go to a replay was Manchester United vs [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]] in the [[2015–16 FA Cup]]. The original game at Old Trafford ended in a 1–1 draw, while Manchester United won the replay at the [[Boleyn Ground]], 2–1. It was also the last FA Cup game ever played at the Boleyn Ground.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10295478/fa-cup-quarter-final-replays-to-be-scrapped-from-next-season|title=FA Cup quarter-final replays to be scrapped from next season|first=Mark|last=Ashenden|work=Sky Sports|publisher=Sky UK|date=26 May 2016|access-date=26 May 2016|archive-date=29 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529030744/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10295478/fa-cup-quarter-final-replays-to-be-scrapped-from-next-season|url-status=live}}</ref>

The last fifth round replay saw [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] defeat [[Rochdale A.F.C.|Rochdale]] 6–1 at Wembley in the [[2017–18 FA Cup]] after the first match at [[Spotland Stadium]] ended in a 2–2 draw.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46607201|title=FA Cup fifth-round replays abolished to ease fixture congestion|publisher=BBC Sport|date=18 December 2018|access-date=9 October 2019|archive-date=10 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010193305/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46607201|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Qualification for subsequent competitions==

===European football===
The FA Cup winners qualify for the following season's [[UEFA Europa League]] (formerly named the UEFA Cup); they previously entered the [[UEFA Cup Winners' Cup]] from its launch in [[1960–61 European Cup Winners' Cup|1960]] until its final edition in [[1998–99 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup|1998]]. This European place applies even if the team is [[promotion and relegation|relegated]] or is not in the English top flight. In the past, if the FA Cup winning team also qualified for the following season's [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] or Europa League through their league or European performance, then the losing FA Cup finalists were given the European berth of the League Cup winners and the League Cup winners would be given the league berth instead. FA Cup winners enter the Europa League at the group stage but losing finalists, if they had not qualified for Europe via the league, began earlier, at the play-off or third qualifying round stage.<ref name="BBCUP">{{cite web |url=http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/fans/faqs/who-qualifies-to-play-in-europe/ |title=Who qualifies to play in Europe? |access-date=24 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907140644/http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/fans/faqs/who-qualifies-to-play-in-europe/ |archive-date=7 September 2012  }} Premier League, 3 May 2012</ref> During the Cup Winners' Cup era, if a team had already qualified for the UEFA Cup, they were promoted to the Cup Winners' Cup and their initial UEFA Cup berth would be transferred to the next league team. From the [[2015–16 UEFA Europa League]] season, however, [[UEFA]] does not allow the runners-up to qualify for the Europa League through the competition.<ref>{{cite web |title=UEFA Direct |url=http://www.uefa.org/MultimediaFiles/Download/EuroExperience/uefaorg/Publications/02/01/17/30/2011730_DOWNLOAD.pdf |work=UEFA Magazine |access-date=27 October 2013 |date=October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029193557/http://www.uefa.org/MultimediaFiles/Download/EuroExperience/uefaorg/Publications/02/01/17/30/2011730_DOWNLOAD.pdf |archive-date=29 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> If the winner of the FA Cup has already qualified for a European Competition through their Premier League position, the Europa League berth is then given to the highest placed team in the Premier League who has not yet qualified for a European Competition.

===FA Community Shield===
The FA Cup winners also qualify for the following season's single-match [[FA Community Shield]], the traditional season opener played against the previous season's [[Premier League]] champions (or the Premier League runners-up if the FA Cup winners also won the league – the [[double (association football)#England|double]]).

==Venues==
[[File:Wembley-Stadion 2013.jpg|thumb|Since 2007, the [[List of FA Cup finals|FA Cup final]] has been held at [[Wembley Stadium]], on the site of [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|the previous stadium]] which hosted it from 1923 to 2000.]]
Fixtures in the 12 rounds of the competition are usually played at the home ground of one of the two teams. The [[FA Cup semi-finals|semi-finals]] and [[FA Cup Final|final]] are played at a neutral venue – the rebuilt [[Wembley Stadium]].

===Competition rounds===
In the matches for the 12 competition rounds, the team who plays at home is decided when the fixtures are drawn – simply the first team drawn out for each fixture. Occasionally games may have to be moved to other grounds due to other events taking place, security reasons or a ground not being suitable to host popular teams. However, since [[2003–04 FA Cup|2003]], clubs cannot move grounds to the away side's for capacity or financial reasons. If any move has to be made, it has to be to a neutral venue and any additional monies earned by the move goes into the central pot.<ref>Burnton, Simon (11 March 2003). [https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/mar/12/newsstory.sport1 "FA Slam Door on Cup's Rogue Venue-Switchers."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706202111/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/mar/12/newsstory.sport1 |date=6 July 2020 }} ''[[The Guardian]]''. Retrieved 29 July 2020.</ref> In the event of a [[draw (tie)|draw]], the [[replay (sports)|replay]] is played at the ground of the team who originally played [[home advantage|away from home]].

In the days when multiple replays were possible, the second replay (and any further replays) were played at neutral grounds. The clubs involved could alternatively agree to toss for home advantage in the second replay.

===Semi-finals===
{{Main|FA Cup semi-finals}}
The semi-finals have been played exclusively at the rebuilt [[Wembley Stadium]] since [[2007–08 FA Cup|2008]], one year after it opened and after it had already hosted a final (in 2007). For the first decade of the competition, the [[The Oval|Kennington Oval]] was used as the semi-final venue. In the period between this first decade and the reopening of Wembley, semi-finals were played at high-capacity neutral venues around England; usually the home grounds of teams not involved in that semi-final, chosen to be roughly equidistant between the two teams for fairness of travel. The top three most used venues in this period were [[Villa Park]] in Birmingham (55 times), [[Hillsborough Stadium|Hillsborough]] in Sheffield (34 times) and [[Old Trafford]] in Manchester (23 times). The [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|original Wembley Stadium]] was also used seven times for semi-final, between 1991 and 2000 (the last held there), but not always for fixtures featuring [[Football in London|London teams]]. In 2005, both were held at the Millennium Stadium.

In 2003 the FA decided to permanently use the new Wembley for semi-finals to recoup debts in financing the new stadium.<ref>{{Cite news|title=FA Cup: Greg Dyke says semi-finals will stay at Wembley|publisher=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27008308|access-date=12 February 2016|archive-date=4 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200504111826/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27008308|url-status=live}}</ref> This was controversial, with the move seen as both unfair to fans of teams located far from London, and taking some of the prestige away from a Wembley final.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fsf.org.uk/news/news0002-facup.html |title=Football supporters hail FA Cup semi-final decision |publisher=Football Supporters' Federation |access-date=8 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208165141/http://www.fsf.org.uk/news/news0002-facup.html |archive-date=8 February 2007 }}</ref> In defending the move, the FA has also cited the extra capacity Wembley offers, although the 2013 fixture between [[Millwall F.C.|Millwall]] and [[Wigan Athletic F.C.|Wigan Athletic]] led to the unprecedented step of placing 6,000 tickets on sale to neutral fans after the game failed to sell out.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|title=FA Cup semi-finals: should they be played at Wembley? – poll|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/poll/2013/apr/11/fa-cup-semi-finals-wembley-poll|website=The Guardian|date=11 April 2013|access-date=12 February 2016|first=Paul|last=Campbell|archive-date=23 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223132225/http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/poll/2013/apr/11/fa-cup-semi-finals-wembley-poll|url-status=live}}</ref> A fan poll by ''[[The Guardian]]'' in 2013 found 86% opposition to Wembley semi-finals.<ref name=":2" />

===Final===
{{Main|FA Cup Final}}
The final has been played at the rebuilt [[Wembley Stadium]] since it opened, in [[2006–07 FA Cup|2007.]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/6039052.stm |title=Wembley Stadium to open next year |publisher=BBC News |access-date=17 March 2007 |date=19 October 2006 |first=Howard |last=Nurse |archive-date=7 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070307000619/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6039052.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> The rebuilding process meant that between 2001 and 2006 they were hosted at the [[Millennium Stadium]] in [[Cardiff]] in Wales. Prior to rebuilding, the final was hosted by the [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|original Wembley Stadium]] since it opened in [[1922–23 FA Cup|1923]] (being originally named the Empire Stadium). One exception to this 78-year series of Empire Stadium finals (including five replays) was the [[1970 FA Cup Final|1970 replay]] between [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]] and [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]], held at [[Old Trafford]] in Manchester.

In the 51 years prior to the Empire Stadium opening, the final (including 8 replays) was held in a variety of locations, predominantly in London, and mainly at the [[The Oval|Kennington Oval]] and then [[Crystal Palace National Sports Centre#FA Cup Finals (1895–1914)|Crystal Palace]]. It was played 22 times at The Oval (the inaugural competition in 1872, and then all but two times until [[1892 FA Cup Final|1892]]). After The Oval, Crystal Palace hosted 21 finals from [[1895 FA Cup Final|1895]] to [[1914 FA Cup Final|1914]], broken up by four replays elsewhere. The other London venues were [[Stamford Bridge (stadium)|Stamford Bridge]] from [[1920 FA Cup Final|1920]] to [[1922 FA Cup Final|1922]] (the last three finals before the move to Empire Stadium); and the University of Oxford's [[Lillie Bridge Grounds|Lillie Bridge]] in [[Fulham]] for the second ever final, in [[1873 FA Cup Final|1873]]. The other venues used sparingly in this period were all outside of London, as follows:
* [[County Cricket Ground, Derby|Racecourse Ground]], Derby ([[1886 FA Cup Final|1886]])
* [[Fallowfield Stadium]], Manchester ([[1893 FA Cup Final|1893]])
* [[Goodison Park]], Liverpool ([[1894 FA Cup Final|1894]])
* [[Burnden Park]], [[Bolton]] ([[1901 FA Cup Final|1901]] replay)
* Goodison Park ([[1910 FA Cup Final|1910]] replay)
* [[Old Trafford]], Manchester ([[1911 FA Cup Final|1911]] replay)
* [[Bramall Lane]], Sheffield ([[1912 FA Cup Final|1912]] replay)
* Old Trafford ([[1915 FA Cup Final|1915]])

===Artificial turf===
The FA permitted [[artificial turf]] (3G) pitches in all rounds of the competition from the [[2014–15 FA Cup|2014–15 edition]] and beyond.<ref>{{Cite news|title=3G pitches allowed in all rounds of FA Cup from 2014–15|publisher=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26717348|access-date=13 February 2016|archive-date=30 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230185746/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26717348|url-status=live}}</ref> Under the 2015–16 rules, the pitch must be of FIFA One Star quality, or Two Star for ties if they involve one of the 92 professional clubs.<ref name=":12"/> This followed approval two years previously for their use in the qualifying rounds only – if a team with a 3G pitch progressed to the competition proper, they had to switch their tie to the ground of another eligible entrant with a natural grass pitch.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Artificial pitches given go-ahead for FA Cup qualifying rounds|publisher=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18833248|access-date=13 February 2016|archive-date=4 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804203145/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18833248|url-status=live}}</ref> Having been strong proponents of the surface, the first match in the proper rounds to be played on a 3G surface was a televised first round replay at [[Maidstone United F.C.|Maidstone United]]'s [[Gallagher Stadium]] on 20 November 2014.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Maidstone United 2–1 Stevenage|publisher=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29999662|access-date=13 February 2016|archive-date=11 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111212443/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29999662|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Trophy==
[[File:The King George V presents the FA Cup 1914.jpg|thumb|King [[George V]] presents the FA Cup trophy to [[Tommy Boyle (footballer, born 1886)|Tommy Boyle]] of [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]], April 1914]]
The winners of the competition are awarded the FA Cup, but do not retain ownership. It is only loaned to the club by the FA; under the current (2015–16) rules it must be returned by 1 March, or earlier if given seven days' notice.<ref name=":12" /> Traditionally, the holders had the Cup until the following year's presentation, although more recently the trophy has been taken on publicity tours by the FA in between finals.<ref name="recast">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-27405196|title=FA Cup reborn for 2014 final as new trophy is cast|publisher=BBC News|access-date=30 September 2014|archive-date=4 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161004084907/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-27405196|url-status=live}}</ref>

The trophy comes in three parts – the cup itself, plus a lid and a base. There have been two designs of trophy in use, but five physical trophies have been presented. The original trophy, known as the "little tin idol", was 18 inches high and made by Martin, Hall & Co. It was stolen in 1895 and never recovered, and so was replaced by an exact replica, used until 1910. The FA decided to change the design after the [[1908–09 FA Cup|1909 winners]], Manchester United, made their own replica, leading the FA to realise they did not own the copyright.<ref name=":3">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35909762|title=FA Cup given top Antiques Roadshow value of more than £1m|publisher=BBC News|access-date=29 March 2016|archive-date=29 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329073058/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35909762|url-status=live}}</ref> This new, larger design was by [[Fattorini and Sons]], and was used from 1911.<ref name=":3" /> In order to preserve this original, from 1992 it was replaced by an exact replica, although this had to be replaced after just over two decades, after showing wear and tear from being handled more than in previous eras. This third replica, first used in 2014, was built heavier to withstand the increased handling.<ref name="recast"/> 

Originally commissioned in 2013, the current trophy was handcrafted using the similar age-old techniques, including casting, hand-chasing, hand-engraving and polishing. It included many of the trophy’s original features, including grapes, vines and fluting. It also incorporated the base from the previous edition and engraving on the plinth. Speaking at the unveiling of the third trophy in the competition’s history, Alex Horne, the then general secretary of the FA, explained why the FA had taken the decision to replace its 22-year-old predecessor. “The current trophy is fragile and is too delicate to continue to repair, so must be retired for these reasons," he said. "However, it will remain cherished and will forever be an integral part of The FA Cup’s rich history." <ref>{{Cite web |date=9 March 2025 |title=New FA Cup trophy unveiled |url=https://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140516/new-fa-cup-trophy-unveiled |access-date=7 March 2025 |website=New FA Cup trophy unveiled |language=en}}</ref>

Kevin Baker, Chief Executive and founder the makers of the current FA Cup trophy, [[Thomas Lyte]], said: “After many years of restoring the previous trophy, we are honoured to be making the new FA Cup. This sporting trophy is a national treasure, an icon of English football, and its heritage is embedded within the design and the craft of the new trophy. Thomas Lyte prides itself on the skills of its expert silversmiths and this iconic symbol of competition and fair play couldn’t be in better hands.”  

Of the four surviving trophies, only the 1895 replica has entered private ownership.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4568251.stm|title=Birmingham City boss buys FA Cup|date=21 May 2005|publisher=BBC News|access-date=29 March 2016|archive-date=21 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821220911/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4568251.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>
The name of the winning team is engraved on the silver band around the base as soon as the final has finished, in order to be ready in time for the presentation ceremony.<ref name="recast" /> This means the engraver has just five minutes to perform a task which would take 20 under normal conditions, although time is saved by engraving the year on during the match, and sketching the presumed winner.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/may/13/obsmagspecial5.theobserver5|title=Emmet Smith – FA Cup engraver|date=12 May 2007|newspaper=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077|access-date=29 March 2016|archive-date=9 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409182139/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/may/13/obsmagspecial5.theobserver5|url-status=live}}</ref> During the final, the trophy is decorated with ribbons in the colours of both finalists, with the loser's ribbons being removed at the end of the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.surreyfa.com/news/2012/jul/up-for-the-cup-historic-fa-cup-on-display-at-stoke-park|title=Up for the Cup! Historic FA Cup on Display at Stoke Park|last=Association|first=The Football|website=www.surreyfa.com|access-date=29 March 2016|archive-date=24 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924041932/http://www.surreyfa.com/news/2012/jul/up-for-the-cup-historic-fa-cup-on-display-at-stoke-park|url-status=live}}</ref> The tradition of tying ribbons started after [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] won the [[1901 FA Cup Final]] and the wife of a Spurs director decided to tie blue and white ribbons to the handles of the cup.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/nowyouknowsoccer0000lenn |url-access=registration |page=[https://archive.org/details/nowyouknowsoccer0000lenn/page/89 89] |title=Now You Know Soccer |first=Doug |last=Lennox |publisher=Dundurn |date=1 June 2009 |isbn=9781770706132}}</ref> Traditionally, at Wembley finals, the presentation is made at the Royal Box, with players, led by the [[captain (association football)|captain]], mounting a staircase to a gangway in front of the box and returning by a second staircase on the other side of the box. At Cardiff the presentation was made on a podium on the pitch.

[[File:Geordie Armstrong Fa Cup.jpg|thumb|[[George Armstrong (footballer)|George Armstrong]] celebrating with the FA Cup trophy following [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]'s win over [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] in the [[1971 FA Cup Final|1971 final]].]]
The tradition of presenting the trophy immediately after the game did not start until the [[1882 FA Cup Final|1882 final]]; after the first final in 1872 the trophy was not presented to the winners, Wanderers, until a reception held four weeks later in the Pall Mall Restaurant in London.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=grXiAUEzVZoC|title=Firsts, Lasts & Onlys of Football: Presenting the most amazing football facts from the last 160 years|last=Donnelley|first=Paul|date=4 October 2010|publisher=Octopus|isbn=9780600622543|page=1878|access-date=29 March 2016|archive-date=23 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423180231/https://books.google.com/books?id=grXiAUEzVZoC|url-status=live}}</ref> Under the original rules, the trophy was to be permanently presented to any club which won the competition three times, although when inaugural winners Wanderers achieved this feat by the [[1876 FA Cup Final|1876 final]], the rules were changed by FA Secretary CW Alcock (who was also captain of Wanderers in their first victory).<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RcfKAQAAQBAJ|title=The Victorian Football Miscellany|last=Brown|first=Paul|date=29 May 2013|publisher=Superelastic|isbn=9780956227058|page=63|access-date=29 March 2016|archive-date=23 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423180249/https://books.google.com/books?id=RcfKAQAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]] have the distinction of being the football club which has held the FA Cup trophy for the longest uninterrupted period - seven years. Portsmouth had defeated [[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolverhampton Wanderers]] 4–1 in the [[1939 FA Cup Final]] and were awarded the trophy as 1938–39 FA Cup winners. But with the outbreak of [[World War II]] in September 1939, the regular [[1939–40 Football League|Football League]] and [[1939–40 FA Cup|FA Cup]] competitions for the [[1939–40 in English football|1939–40 season]] were cancelled for the duration of the war. Portsmouth's manager [[Jack Tinn]] was rumoured to have kept the FA Cup trophy 'safe under his bed' throughout the duration of the war, but this is an [[urban myth]]. Because the naval city of Portsmouth was a primary strategic military target for [[The Blitz|German Luftwaffe bombing]], the FA Cup trophy was actually taken ten miles to the north of Portsmouth, to the nearby Hampshire village of [[Lovedean]], and there it resided in a quaint thatched roof country pub called ''The Bird in Hand'' for the seven years of the war.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lovedeanbirdinhand.co.uk/?BIHrequestID=4C55838218D9D39854D199BD64BA29|title=LoveDeanBirdInHand|website=lovedeanbirdinhand.co.uk|access-date=6 April 2018|archive-date=7 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407053842/http://www.lovedeanbirdinhand.co.uk/?BIHrequestID=4C55838218D9D39854D199BD64BA29|url-status=live}}</ref> After the conclusion of World War II, the FA Cup trophy was presented back to the Football Association by the club in time for the [[1946 FA Cup Final]].

===Original design from 1871===

====1871 original====
The first trophy, the 'little tin idol', was made by Martin, Hall & Co at a cost of £20.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefa.com/Competitions/FACompetitions/TheFACup/History/thetrophies|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140625213452/http://www.thefa.com/Competitions/FACompetitions/TheFACup/History/thetrophies|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 June 2014|title=The Trophies|publisher=The Football Association|access-date=30 September 2014}}</ref> It was stolen from a [[Birmingham]] shoe shop window belonging to William Shillcock while held by [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] on 11 September 1895 and was never seen again. Despite a £10 reward for information, the crime was never solved. As it happened while it was in their care, the FA fined Villa £25 to pay for a replacement.

Just over 60 years later, 80 year old career criminal Henry (Harry) James Burge claimed to have committed the theft, confessing to a newspaper, with the story being published in the ''[[Sunday Pictorial]]'' newspaper on 23 February 1958. He claimed to have carried out the robbery with two other men, although when discrepancies with a contemporaneous report in the ''[[Birmingham Post]]'' newspaper (the crime pre-dated written police reports) in his account of the means of entry and other items stolen, detectives decided there was no realistic possibility of a conviction and the case was closed. Burge claimed the cup had been melted down to make counterfeit [[Half crown (British coin)|half-crown]] coins, which matched known intelligence of the time, in which stolen silver was being used to forge coins which were then laundered through [[betting shops]] at a local racecourse, although Burge had no history of forgery in a record of 42 previous convictions for which he had spent 42 years in prison. He had been further imprisoned in 1957 for seven years for theft from cars. Released in 1961, he died in 1964.<ref>{{cite news |title=Unsolved: Did this OAP really steal the famous FA Cup? |url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/unsolved-did-this-oap-really-steal-the-famous-124794 |work=Birmingham Mail |date=13 May 2010 |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-date=24 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924062806/http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/unsolved-did-this-oap-really-steal-the-famous-124794 |url-status=live }}</ref>

====1895 replica====
[[File:1896 FA Cup.jpg|thumb|upright|The second FA Cup trophy, used between 1896 and 1910]]
After the theft, a replica of the trophy was made, which was used until a redesign of the trophy in 1911. The 1895 replica was then presented to the FA's long-serving president [[Arthur Fitzgerald Kinnaird, 11th Lord Kinnaird|Lord Kinnaird]].<ref name=":3" /> Kinnaird died in 1923, and his family kept it in their possession, out of view, until putting it up for auction in 2005.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news|date=20 April 2006|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/4925362.stm|title=Oldest FA Cup presented to museum|newspaper=BBC|access-date=29 March 2016|archive-date=9 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009071208/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/4925362.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> It was sold at [[Christie's]] auction house on 19 May 2005 for [[Pound sterling|£]]420,000 (£478,400 including auction fees and taxes).<ref name=":3" /> The sale price set a new world record for a piece of football [[Souvenir|memorabilia]], surpassing the £254,000 paid for the [[FIFA World Cup Trophy|Jules Rimet World Cup Trophy]] in 1997.<ref name=":4" /> The successful bidder was [[David Gold (businessman)|David Gold]], the then joint chairman of [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]]; claiming the FA and government were doing nothing proactive to ensure the trophy remained in the country, Gold stated his purchase was motivated by wanting to save it for the nation.<ref name=":4" /> Accordingly, Gold presented the trophy to the [[National Football Museum]] in Preston on 20 April 2006, where it went on immediate public display.<ref name=":5" /> It later moved with the museum to its new location in Manchester.<ref name=":3" /> In November 2012, it was ceremonially presented to [[Royal Engineers A.F.C.|Royal Engineers]], after they beat [[Wanderers F.C.|Wanderers]] 7–1 in a charity replay of the [[1872 FA Cup Final|first FA Cup final]]. In September 2020, Gold sold the replica trophy for £760,000 through the [[Bonhams]] auction house.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/fa-cup-david-gold-auction-sold-west-ham-price-cost-news-b694842.html|title=West Ham co-owner David Gold sells historic FA Cup for £760,000 at auction|date=29 September 2020|website=The Independent|access-date=29 September 2020|archive-date=14 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014012229/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/fa-cup-david-gold-auction-sold-west-ham-price-cost-news-b694842.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2021, it was revealed that the trophy had been purchased by [[Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan|Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan]], the owner of [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]], who stated that it would be returned on loan to the National Football Museum.<ref>{{cite web|date=8 January 2021|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55586021|title=Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour buys oldest surviving FA Cup trophy|website=BBC Sport|access-date=8 January 2021|archive-date=8 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108103530/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55586021|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Current design from 1911===

====1911 original====
{{multiple image
|align = 
|total_width = 350
|image1 = FA Cup Winning Design by Fattorini & Sons 1911.jpg
|caption1 = FA Cup trophy design by Fattorini & Sons, 1911
|image2 = The FA Cup Trophy.jpg
|caption2 = The current design of the FA Cup (1992 replica pictured)
|footer = 
}}
The redesigned trophy first used in 1911 was larger at 61.5&nbsp;cm (24.2 inches) high, and was designed and manufactured by [[Messers Fattorini and Sons|Fattorini & Sons]] of Bradford, coincidentally being won by [[Bradford City A.F.C.|Bradford City]] in its first outing.<ref name="recast"/><ref name=":3" />

On 27 March 2016 episode of the BBC television programme ''[[Antiques Roadshow]]'', this trophy was valued at £1&nbsp;million by expert [[Alastair Dickenson]], although he suggested that, due to the design featuring depictions of grapes and vines, it may not have been specifically produced for the FA, but was instead an off-the-shelf design originally meant to be a wine or champagne cooler.<ref name=":3" /> This was later disproved when Thomas Fattorini was invited to the Antiques Roadshow to "ambush" Alastair Dickenson with the competition winning design by Fattorini & Sons. The show was filmed at [[Baddesley Clinton]] and subsequently aired on 23 October 2016.

A smaller but otherwise identical replica was also made by the company [[Thomas Fattorini Ltd|Thomas Fattorini]] for the North Wales Coast FA Cup trophy which is contested annually by members of that regional Association.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Williams|first1=H.R.|title=North Wales Coast Football League history|url=https://www.welshsoccerarchive.co.uk/history.php?league_id=22|website=Welsh Soccer Archive|access-date=4 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105011623/https://www.welshsoccerarchive.co.uk/history.php?league_id=22|archive-date=5 January 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====1992 replica====
The 1992 replica was made by [[Toye, Kenning and Spencer]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.toye.com/products/sports/trophies-awards/ |title=Toye trophies page |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522093435/http://www.toye.com/products/sports/trophies-awards/ |archive-date=22 May 2010 }}</ref> A copy of this trophy was also produced, in case anything happened to the primary trophy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://footballpink.net/2016/03/01/the-history-of-the-fa-cup-trophy/|title=The history of the FA Cup trophy|last=Godfrey|first=Mark|access-date=29 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403083902/http://footballpink.net/2016/03/01/the-history-of-the-fa-cup-trophy/|archive-date=3 April 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====2014 replica====
The 2014 replica was made by [[Thomas Lyte]], handcrafted in sterling 925 silver over 250 hours. A weight increase for greater durability has taken it to {{convert|6.3|kg|lb}}.<ref name="recast"/>

==Medals==
Each club in the final receives 40 winners or runners-up medals to be distributed among players, staff and officials. The traditional styles of gold-cased medals – the winners' medal, which had remained largely unchanged since the 1890s, and runners-up medals, which were last updated in 1946 – were replaced for the 2021 final by new designs of gold winners' medals and silver runners-up medals suspended on a ribbon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefa.com/-/media/thefacom-new/files/competitions/2017-18/fa-cup/fa-cup-rules-2017-2018.ashx|title=Rules of the FA Challenge Cup Competition|publisher=The Football Association|page=25|access-date=16 May 2018|archive-date=3 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203153404/http://www.thefa.com/-/media/thefacom-new/files/competitions/2017-18/fa-cup/fa-cup-rules-2017-2018.ashx|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Sponsorship==
{{see also|English football sponsorship}}
[[File:2010 FA Cup Final banner.jpg|thumb|The [[Pre-game ceremony|pre-match ceremony]] ahead of the [[2010 FA Cup Final]] featuring sponsorship by [[E.ON]]]]
Since the start of the [[1994–95 FA Cup|1994–95 season]], the FA Cup has been sponsored. However, to protect the identity of the competition, the sponsored name has always included 'The FA Cup' in addition to the sponsor's name, unlike sponsorship deals for the [[EFL Cup|League Cup]] where the word 'cup' is preceded by only the sponsor's name. Sponsorship deals run for four years, though – as in the case of [[E.ON]] – one-year extensions may be agreed. [[Emirates (airline)|Emirates Airline]] has been the sponsor since 2015, initially renaming the competition as 'The Emirates FA Cup', unlike previous editions, which included 'The FA Cup in association with E.ON' and 'The FA Cup with [[Budweiser]]'.<ref name="Emirates">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32944162 |title=FA Cup get first title sponsor following deal with Emirates Airline |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 May 2015 |access-date=30 May 2015 |archive-date=25 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150625042714/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/32944162 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Emirates sponsorship deal, originally scheduled to terminate in 2018, was later extended three times until 2021, 2024, 2028.<ref name="The FA">{{cite web|url=https://www.thefa.com/news/2024/aug/01/emirates-fa-cup-extension-20240108 |title=The FA Cup extends its global partnership with Emirates for four more years |work=The FA |date=1 August 2024 |accessdate=15 August 2024}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Period
! Sponsor
! Name
! Trophy
|-
|1871–1994
|{{N/A}}
|'''The FA Cup'''
|rowspan="8"| Original
|-
|1994–1998
|[[Littlewoods]]
|'''The FA Cup sponsored by Littlewoods'''<ref name="Littlewoods">{{cite news |title=F.A. Cup Soccer Gets A Sponsor |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9401E1DF1538F931A3575AC0A962958260 |work=The New York Times |date=2 September 1994 |access-date=10 October 2011 |archive-date=29 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529044329/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/09/02/sports/fa-cup-soccer-gets-a-sponsor.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|1998–2002
|[[Axa]]
|'''The AXA sponsored FA Cup'''<ref name="Axa wins FA Cup">{{cite news |title=Axa wins FA Cup |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/138103.stm |publisher=BBC News |date=23 July 1998 |access-date=10 October 2011 |archive-date=16 February 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030216174510/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/138103.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> (1998–1999)<br />'''The FA Cup sponsored by AXA''' (1999–2002)
|-
|2002–2006
|{{N/A}}
|'''The FA Cup'''
|-
|2006–2011
|[[E.ON]]
|'''The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON'''<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/4676576.stm|title=FA announces new Cup sponsorship|access-date=30 September 2014|archive-date=9 February 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060209032507/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/4676576.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/2010/eon-180610 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20100916072929/http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/2010/eon-180610 |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 September 2010 |title=NotFound |access-date=30 September 2014 }}</ref>
|-
|2011–2014
|[[Budweiser]]
|'''The FA Cup with Budweiser'''<ref>{{cite web|title=FA Cup to be sponsored by Budweiser beer|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-13792977|publisher=BBC News|date=16 June 2011|access-date=26 January 2021|archive-date=4 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204033025/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-13792977|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|2014–2015
|{{N/A}}
|'''The FA Cup'''
|-
|2015–2028
|[[Emirates (airline)|Emirates]]
|'''The Emirates FA Cup'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32944162 |title=FA Cup get first title sponsor following deal with Emirates Airline |work=BBC Sport |date=30 May 2015 |access-date=30 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="The FA"/>
|}

From 2006 to 2013, [[Umbro]] supplied match balls for all FA Cup matches. They were replaced at the start of the 2013–14 season by [[Nike Inc.|Nike]], who produced the competition's official match ball for five seasons. [[Mitre Sports International|Mitre]] took over for the 2018–19 season, beginning a three-year partnership with the FA.<ref>{{cite news |title=The FA announces a three-year partnership with Mitre |url=http://www.thefa.com/news/2018/aug/01/mitre-partnership-010818 |publisher=The Football Association |date=1 August 2018 |access-date=11 November 2018 |archive-date=1 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801211019/http://www.thefa.com/news/2018/aug/01/mitre-partnership-010818 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Records and statistics==
{{See also|Football records and statistics in England#FA Cup}}

===Final===

====Team====
*'''Most wins:''' 14, [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] ([[1930 FA Cup final|1930]], [[1936 FA Cup final|1936]], [[1950 FA Cup final|1950]], [[1971 FA Cup final|1971]], [[1979 FA Cup final|1979]], [[1993 FA Cup final|1993]], [[1998 FA Cup final|1998]], [[2002 FA Cup final|2002]], [[2003 FA Cup final|2003]], [[2005 FA Cup final|2005]], [[2014 FA Cup final|2014]], [[2015 FA Cup final|2015]], [[2017 FA Cup final|2017]], [[2020 FA Cup final|2020]])
*'''Most consecutive wins:''' 3, joint record:
**[[Wanderers F.C.|Wanderers]] ([[1876 FA Cup final|1876]], [[1877 FA Cup final|1877]], [[1878 FA Cup final|1878]])
**[[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] ([[1884 FA Cup final|1884]], [[1885 FA Cup final|1885]], [[1886 FA Cup final|1886]])
*'''Most appearances in a final:''' 22
**[[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] ([[1909 FA Cup final|1909]], [[1948 FA Cup final|1948]], [[1957 FA Cup final|1957]], [[1958 FA Cup final|1958]], [[1963 FA Cup final|1963]], [[1976 FA Cup final|1976]], [[1977 FA Cup final|1977]], [[1979 FA Cup final|1979]], [[1983 FA Cup final|1983]], [[1985 FA Cup final|1985]], [[1990 FA Cup final|1990]], [[1994 FA Cup final|1994]], [[1995 FA Cup final|1995]], [[1996 FA Cup final|1996]], [[1999 FA Cup final|1999]], [[2004 FA Cup final|2004]], [[2005 FA Cup final|2005]], [[2007 FA Cup final|2007]], [[2016 FA Cup final|2016]], [[2018 FA Cup final|2018]], [[2023 FA Cup final|2023]], [[2024 FA Cup final|2024]])
*'''Most consecutive finals losses:''' 3
**[[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] ([[2020 FA Cup final|2020]], [[2021 FA Cup final|2021]], [[2022 FA Cup final|2022]])
*'''Most final appearances without ever winning:''' 2, joint record: 
**''[[Queen's Park F.C.|Queen's Park]]'' ([[1884 FA Cup final|1884]], [[1885 FA Cup final|1885]])
**[[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] ([[1931 FA Cup final|1931]], [[1956 FA Cup final|1956]])
**[[Watford F.C.|Watford]] ([[1984 FA Cup final|1984]], [[2019 FA Cup final|2019]])
*'''Most final appearances without ever losing:''' 5, ''[[Wanderers F.C.|Wanderers]]'' ([[1872 FA Cup final|1872]], [[1873 FA Cup final|1873]], [[1876 FA Cup final|1876]], [[1877 FA Cup final|1877]], [[1878 FA Cup final|1878]])
*'''Most final appearances without losing (streak):''' 7, joint record:
**[[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] ([[1901 FA Cup final|1901]], [[1921 FA Cup final|1921]], [[1961 FA Cup final|1961]], [[1962 FA Cup final|1962]], [[1967 FA Cup final|1967]], [[1981 FA Cup final|1981]], [[1982 FA Cup final|1982]])
**[[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] ([[2002 FA Cup final|2002]], [[2003 FA Cup final|2003]], [[2005 FA Cup final|2005]], [[2014 FA Cup final|2014]], [[2015 FA Cup final|2015]], [[2017 FA Cup final|2017]], [[2020 FA Cup final|2020]])
* '''Longest gap between wins:''' 69 years, [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]] ([[1939 FA Cup final|1939]]–[[2008 FA Cup final|2008]])<ref>{{cite web|last=Ross|first=James M.|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablese/engcuphist.html|title=England FA Challenge Cup finals|publisher=RSSSF|date=24 May 2018|access-date=8 October 2018|archive-date=13 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113115049/http://rsssf.com/tablese/engcuphist.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
*'''Biggest win in a final:''' 6 goals, joint record: 
**[[Bury F.C.|Bury]] 6–0 [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]] ([[1903 FA Cup final|1903]])
**[[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] 6–0 [[Watford F.C.|Watford]] ([[2019 FA Cup final|2019]])
*'''Most goals in a final:''' 7:
**[[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] 6–1 [[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]] ([[1890 FA Cup final|1890]])
**[[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool]] 4–3 [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]] ([[1953 FA Cup final|1953]])
*'''Most goals by a losing side:''' 3:
**[[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]]: Lost 3–4 against [[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool]] ([[1953 FA Cup final|1953]])
**[[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]]: Drew 3–3 but lost in a penalty shootout against [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] ([[2006 FA Cup final|2006]])
*'''Most defeats in a final:''' 9:
**[[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] ([[1957 FA Cup final|1957]], [[1958 FA Cup final|1958]], [[1976 FA Cup final|1976]], [[1979 FA Cup final|1979]], [[1995 FA Cup final|1995]], [[2005 FA Cup final|2005]], [[2007 FA Cup final|2007]], [[2018 FA Cup final|2018]], [[2023 FA Cup final|2023]])

====Individual====
[[File:Ian Rush, Wales Team, 1988 (1).jpg|thumb|upright|[[Ian Rush]], the former Liverpool striker and record goalscorer in FA Cup final history]]
[[File:Ashley Cole Chelsea vs AS-Roma 10AUG2013.JPG|thumb|upright|[[Ashley Cole]] won a record seven FA Cup finals]]
*'''Most wins by player:''' 7: [[Ashley Cole]] ([[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]) ([[2002 FA Cup final|2002]], [[2003 FA Cup final|2003]], [[2005 FA Cup final|2005]]) & ([[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]]) ([[2007 FA Cup final|2007]], [[2009 FA Cup final|2009]], [[2010 FA Cup final|2010]], [[2012 FA Cup final|2012]])
*'''Most wins by manager:''' 7, [[Arsène Wenger]] ([[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]) ([[1998 FA Cup final|1998]], [[2002 FA Cup final|2002]], [[2003 FA Cup final|2003]], [[2005 FA Cup final|2005]], [[2014 FA Cup final|2014]], [[2015 FA Cup final|2015]], [[2017 FA Cup final|2017]])
*'''Most appearances in a final:''' 9, [[Arthur Kinnaird, 11th Lord Kinnaird|Arthur Kinnaird]] ([[Wanderers F.C.|Wanderers]]) ([[1873 FA Cup final|1872–73]], [[1876 FA Cup final|1875–76]], [[1877 FA Cup final|1876–77]], [[1878 FA Cup final|1877–78]]) & ([[Old Etonians F.C.|Old Etonians]]) ([[1875 FA Cup final|1874–75]], [[1879 FA Cup final|1878–79]], [[1881 FA Cup final|1880–81]], [[1882 FA Cup final|1881–82]], [[1883 FA Cup final|1882–83]])
*'''Most goals (one final):''' 3:
**[[Billy Townley]] ([[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]]) ([[1890 FA Cup final|1890]])
**[[James Logan (footballer, born 1870)|James Logan]] ([[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]]) ([[1894 FA Cup final|1894]])
**[[Stan Mortensen]] ([[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool]]) ([[1953 FA Cup final|1953]])
*'''Most goals (all finals):''' 5, [[Ian Rush]] ([[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]]) (2 in [[1986 FA Cup final|1986]], 2 in [[1989 FA Cup final|1989]], 1 in [[1992 FA Cup final|1992]])
*'''Most finals scored in:''' 4, [[Didier Drogba]] ([[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]]) (1 each in [[2007 FA Cup final|2007]], [[2009 FA Cup final|2009]], [[2010 FA Cup final|2010]], [[2012 FA Cup final|2012]])
*'''Youngest FA Cup finalist:''' [[Curtis Weston]] ([[Millwall F.C.|Millwall]]), 17 years and 119 days ([[2004 FA Cup final|2004]])
*'''Youngest player to score in an FA Cup final:''' [[Norman Whiteside]] ([[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]), 18 years and 19 days ([[1983 FA Cup final|1983]])
*'''Oldest player:''' [[Billy Hampson]] ([[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]]), 41 years and 257 days ([[1924 FA Cup final|1924]])

===All rounds===
*'''Biggest win:''' [[Preston North End F.C.|Preston North End]] 26–0 [[Hyde F.C.|Hyde]] ([[1887–88 FA Cup#First round|First round, 15 October 1887]])
*'''Biggest away win:''' [[Clapton F.C.|Clapton]] 0–14 [[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Nottingham Forest]] ([[1890–91 FA Cup#First round proper|First round, 17 January 1891]])
*'''Highest attendance at Wembley:''' 126,047 (official) up to 300,000 (estimate) at the "[[1923 FA Cup final|White Horse Final]]" ([[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]] ''v.'' [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]], 28 April 1923)
*'''Most clubs competing for trophy in a season:''' 763 ([[2011–12 FA Cup|2011–12]])
*'''Longest tie:''' 660 minutes (6 matches in total), [[Oxford City F.C.|Oxford City]] ''v.'' [[Alvechurch F.C.|Alvechurch]] ([[1971–72 FA Cup qualifying rounds#4th qualifying round|Fourth qualifying round, 6/9/15/17/20/22 November 1971]]; Alvechurch won the sixth match 1–0)
*'''Longest penalty shoot-out:''' 20 penalties each, [[Tunbridge Wells F.C.|Tunbridge Wells]] ''v.'' [[Littlehampton Town F.C.|Littlehampton Town]] ([[2005–06 FA Cup#FA Cup qualifying rounds#Replays|Preliminary round replay, 31 August 2005]]; Tunbridge Wells won 16–15)
*'''Most rounds played in a season:''' 9, for:
**[[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]] ([[1932–33 FA Cup|1932–33]]: 1st–4th qualifying rounds, 1st–5th rounds)
**[[New Brighton A.F.C.|New Brighton]] ([[1956–57 FA Cup|1956–57]]: Preliminary, 1st–4th qualifying rounds, 1st–4th rounds)
**[[Blyth Spartans F.C.|Blyth Spartans]] ([[1977–78 FA Cup|1977–78]]: 1st–4th qualifying rounds, 1st–5th rounds)
**[[Harlow Town F.C.|Harlow Town]] ([[1979–80 FA Cup|1979–80]]: Preliminary, 1st–4th qualifying rounds, 1st–4th rounds)
*'''Most games played in a season:''' 13, [[Bideford F.C.|Bideford]] ([[1973–74 FA Cup|1973–74]]: one First Qualifying, two Second Qualifying, five Third Qualifying, four Fourth Qualifying and one first round)
*'''Fastest goal:''' 4 seconds, Gareth Morris<!-- NOT [[Gareth Morris]] the flautist --> (for [[Ashton United]] ''v.'' [[Skelmersdale United]], [[2001–02 FA Cup qualifying rounds#1st qualifying round|1st qualifying round, 17 September 2001]])
*'''Most consecutive games without defeat:''' 22, [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] ([[1884–85 FA Cup#First round|First round, 1884]] through [[1886–87 FA Cup#Second round|Second round, replay, 1886]]. Won three FA Cups.) 
*'''Fastest hat-trick:''' 2 min 20 sec, [[Nantwich Town F.C.|Andy Locke]]<!-- link explains the accomplishment --> (for [[Nantwich Town F.C.|Nantwich Town]] ''v.'' [[Droylsden F.C.|Droylsden]], [[1995–96 FA Cup qualifying rounds#Preliminary round|Preliminary round, August 1995]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/2010/fastest-cup-hat-trick%E2%80%93030210.aspx|title=Fastest Cup hat-trick|last=Barber|first=David|date=3 February 2010|publisher=[[The Football Association]]|access-date=4 February 2010|archive-date=28 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228013012/https://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/2010/fastest-cup-hat-trick%E2%80%93030210.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>
*'''Most career goals:''' 49 [[Harry Cursham]] (for [[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]] in 12 tournaments from [[1877–78 FA Cup|1877–78]] to [[1888–89 FA Cup qualifying rounds|1888–89]]).
*'''Most goals by a player in a single FA Cup season:''' 19, [[Jimmy Ross (footballer, born 1866)|Jimmy Ross]] (for [[Preston North End F.C.|Preston North End]], [[1887–88 FA Cup|1887–88]].) (Preston outscored opponents 50–5 over 7 matches, including "Biggest win" shown above.)<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thefa.com/Competitions/FACompetitions/TheFACup/History/facupheroes |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20120425070535/http://www.thefa.com/Competitions/FACompetitions/TheFACup/History/FACupHeroes |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 April 2012 |title=FA Cup Heroes |access-date=10 July 2013 |publisher=[[The Football Association]]  }}</ref>
*'''Most goals by a player in a single FA Cup game:''' 9, [[Ted MacDougall]] (for [[AFC Bournemouth]] in 11–0 defeat of [[Margate F.C.|Margate]], [[1971–72 FA Cup#First round proper|First round proper, 20 November 1971]])<ref>[http://www.onthisfootballday.com/2008_11_20/november-20-mac-o-nine-tales.php 20 November – Mac o' Nine Tales]{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, On This Football Day.</ref>
*'''Most goals without winning:''' 7, joint record 
**[[Dulwich Hamlet F.C.|Dulwich Hamlet]] 8–7 [[St Albans City F.C.|St Albans City]] ([[1922–23 FA Cup#Calendar|Fourth qualifying round replay, 22 November 1922]])
**[[Dulwich Hamlet F.C.|Dulwich Hamlet]] 7–7 [[Wealdstone F.C.|Wealdstone]] ([[1929–30 FA Cup#Calendar|Fourth qualifying round, 16 November 1929]]).
*'''Youngest player:''' [[Andy Awford]], 15 years and 88 days (for [[Worcester City F.C.|Worcester City]] ''v.'' [[Boreham Wood F.C.|Boreham Wood]], [[1987–88 FA Cup qualifying rounds#3rd qualifying round|3rd qualifying round, 10 October 1987]]).<ref>{{cite news|title=Gills' Freeman makes Cup history|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/g/gillingham/7090382.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=12 November 2007|access-date=15 January 2009|archive-date=13 November 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071113065744/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/g/gillingham/7090382.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>
*'''Youngest goalscorer:''' Finn Smith, 16 years and 1 day (for [[Newport (IOW) F.C.]] ''v.'' [[Fleet Town F.C.|Fleet Town]], [[2022–23 FA Cup qualifying rounds|Extra preliminary round, 2 August 2022]]).<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 August 2022 |title=Finn Smith: Isle of Wight 16-year-old becomes FA Cup's youngest ever goalscorer |publisher=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62617058 |access-date=21 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821180626/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/62617058 |archive-date=21 August 2022}}</ref>
*'''Youngest goalscorer (proper rounds):''' [[George Williams (footballer, born 1995)|George Williams]], 16 years and 66 days (for [[Milton Keynes Dons F.C.|Milton Keynes Dons]] ''v.'' [[Nantwich Town F.C.|Nantwich Town]], [[2011–12 FA Cup#First round proper|First round proper, 12 November 2011]]).
* '''Biggest gap between two teams in an FA Cup match''': 161 difference in rank between 8th-tier [[Marine A.F.C.|Marine]] and Premier League [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]], [[2020–21 FA Cup#Third round proper|Third round proper, 10 January 2021]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2021/01/10/marine-vs-tottenham-hotspur-fa-cup-third-round-live-score-latest/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2021/01/10/marine-vs-tottenham-hotspur-fa-cup-third-round-live-score-latest/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Alfie Devine, Tottenham's youngest-ever player, among scorers as Marine's FA Cup adventure ends |first1=Chris |last1=Bascombe|first2=Alan |last2=Tyers |work=The Telegraph |date=10 January 2021 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>

==Cup runs and giant killings==
The possibility of unlikely victories in the earlier rounds of the competition, where lower ranked teams beat higher placed opposition in what is known as a "giant killing", is much anticipated by the public. Such upsets are considered an integral part of the tradition and prestige of the competition, and the attention gained by giant-killing teams can be as great as that for winners of the cup.<ref>{{cite web|title=The harder they fall|work=ESPN.co.uk |url=http://en.espn.co.uk/facupstories/sport/story/124299.html|publisher=ESPN |access-date=10 February 2016|archive-date=30 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030155649/http://en.espn.co.uk/facupstories/sport/story/124299.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Almost every club in the [[English football league system|League Pyramid]] has a fondly remembered giant-killing act in its history.<ref name="times analysis" /> It is considered particularly newsworthy when a top [[Premier League]] team suffers an upset defeat, or where the giant-killer is a non-league club, i.e. from outside [[The Football League]].

One analysis of four years of FA Cup results showed that it was 99.85 per cent likely that at least one team would beat one from its next higher division in a given year. The probability drops to 48.8 per cent for a two-division gap, and 39.28 per cent for a three-division gap.<ref name="times analysis">{{cite news|title=Giant-killing not a tall order in FA Cup|url=https://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,7973-1430225,00.html|work=[[The Times]]|date=8 January 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060105024420/https://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0%2C%2C7973-1430225%2C00.html|archive-date=5 January 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Early years===
[[The Football League]] was founded in 1888, 16 years after the first FA Cup competition. Before its establishment as the dominant football competition in England, teams from rival leagues did make the final of the FA Cup. The Wednesday (later Sheffield Wednesday) in 1890 reached the final as a member of the [[Football Alliance]], two years before that competition merged with the Football League.<ref>{{cite web |last1=W |first1=Paul |title=The Football Alliance: Teams Who Didn't Make the League |date=4 April 2020 |url=https://the1888letter.com/the-football-alliance-teams-who-didnt-make-the-league/ |publisher=The 1888 Letter |access-date=14 March 2022 |archive-date=30 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130144219/https://the1888letter.com/the-football-alliance-teams-who-didnt-make-the-league/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Later, with the Football League predominantly in [[Northern England|the North]] and [[Midlands]] of England, leading clubs of the [[Southern Football League]] were of a level with Football League teams, and in 1901 Southern League members [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] became the only non-League side to win the Cup,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Medhurst |first1=James |title=Southern League Division 1, 1900–01 |url=https://www.wsc.co.uk/the-archive/23-Season-in-brief/1650-southern-league-division-1-1900-01 |publisher=When Saturday Comes |access-date=14 March 2022 |archive-date=2 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702022328/https://www.wsc.co.uk/the-archive/23-Season-in-brief/1650-southern-league-division-1-1900-01 |url-status=live }}</ref> while fellow Southern League team [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]] were losing finalists in 1900 and 1902. In [[1920–21 Football League|1920–21]], the Football League [[Football League Third Division|expanded]] to incorporate teams from the Southern League's first division, and the following year it added a [[Football League Third Division North|further division]] consisting of leading northern and midlands clubs. This consolidated the Football League's position as the leading competition in English football, and established the hierarchy in which non-League clubs in the [[English football league system]] competing in the FA Cup would face Football League teams as clear [[underdogs]].

===Non-League giant killings===
Since the expansion of the Football League in 1921, the best performance of a team from outside the Football League was [[National League (division)|National League]] side [[Lincoln City F.C.|Lincoln City]]'s run to the quarter-finals of the [[2016–17 FA Cup]], during which they defeated Championship side [[2016–17 Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. season|Brighton]] 3–1 in the fourth round and Premier League side [[2016–17 Burnley F.C. season|Burnley]] [[Burnley 0–1 Lincoln City (2017)|1–0 in the fifth]], before falling to ultimate Cup champions [[2016–17 Arsenal F.C. season|Arsenal]] 5–0 at the Emirates. Lincoln's defeat of Burnley was only the third (and most recent) FA Cup victory for a non-league team over a top-flight side since 1989.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21095990 BBC Sport] , 26 January 2013</ref> Giant-killings can also be applied where the defeated team is from lower down the Football League, particularly where the defeated club is very notable or the winning team particularly obscure. [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]], having already won five league titles in their history, were in the [[Football League Second Division|Second Division]] in [[1958–59 Football League#Second Division|1959]] when they [[1958–59 FA Cup|lost 2–1]] to [[Worcester City F.C.|Worcester City]] of the [[1958–59 Southern Football League|Southern League]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Walker |first1=Dan |title=FA Cup archive: Liverpool lose to Worcester |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/35174937 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=16 March 2022 |archive-date=16 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316094638/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/35174937 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The best-known non-league giant-killing came in the [[1971–72 FA Cup]], when non-league [[Hereford United F.C.|Hereford United]] defeated First Division [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/jan/28/newsstory.hereford |title=It'll never happen |work=[[The Observer]] |date=28 January 2007 |access-date=14 July 2016 |archive-date=12 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512073733/http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2007/jan/28/newsstory.hereford |url-status=live }}</ref> Hereford were trailing 1–0 with less than seven minutes left in the [[1971–72 FA Cup#Third round proper|Third round proper replay]], when Hereford's [[Ronnie Radford]] scored the equaliser – a goal still shown regularly when FA Cup fixtures are broadcast.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dirs |first1=Ben |title=Ronnie Radford: The FA Cup goal that made time stand still |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30521200 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=16 March 2022 |archive-date=16 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316092357/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30521200 |url-status=live }}</ref> Hereford finished the shocking comeback by defeating Newcastle 2–1 in the match. They finished that season as runners-up of the [[1971–72 Southern Football League|Southern League]], behind [[Chelmsford City F.C.|Chelmsford City]], and were [[re-election (Football League)|voted into the Football League]] at the expense of [[Barrow A.F.C.|Barrow]].

Some small clubs gain a reputation for being "cup specialists" after two or more giant killing feats within a few years.<ref name="times analysis" /> [[Yeovil Town F.C.|Yeovil Town]] hold the record for the most victories over league opposition as a non-league team, having recorded 20 wins through the years before they achieved [[Promotion and relegation#English example|promotion]] into The Football League in [[2002–03 Football Conference|2003]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2005/12/FACup_TwentyToTackleAnswers.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20081123025353/http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2005/12/FACup_TwentyToTackleAnswers.htm|url-status=dead|title=TheFA.com – Twenty to tackle answers|date=23 November 2008|archive-date=23 November 2008}}</ref> The record for a club which has never entered the Football League is held by [[Altrincham F.C.|Altrincham]], with 17 wins against league teams.

===Non-League cup runs===

For non-League teams, reaching the third round proper – where all Level 1 sides now enter – is considered a major achievement. In the [[2008–09 FA Cup]], a record eight non-League teams achieved this feat.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/jan/03/fa-cup-third-round-non-league |work=The Guardian |location=London |title=Non-league presence in third round of FA Cup breaks all-time record |first=Anna |last=Kessel |date=3 January 2009 |access-date=2 May 2010 |archive-date=5 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105044643/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/jan/03/fa-cup-third-round-non-league |url-status=live }}</ref> As of the [[2023–24 FA Cup|2023–24]] season, only [[List of non-League clubs in the Fifth Round of the FA Cup since 1925–26|eleven non-League teams]] have reached the fifth round proper (last 16) since 1925,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/sports_talk/1060082.stm |publisher=BBC News |title=Ask Albert – Number 8 |date=7 December 2000 |access-date=2 May 2010 |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423180227/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/sports_talk/1060082.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> and only [[Lincoln City F.C.|Lincoln City]] have progressed to the quarter-finals (last 8), during the [[2016–17 FA Cup|2016–17]] edition of the tournament.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38940052 |publisher=BBC News |title=Burnley 0 – 1 Lincoln City |date=18 February 2017 |access-date=18 February 2017 |archive-date=10 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190710122819/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38940052 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Chasetown F.C.|Chasetown]], while playing at [[English football league system#The system|Level 8]] of English football during the [[2007–08 FA Cup|2007–08 competition]], were the lowest-ranked team to ever play in the third round proper (final 64, of 731 teams entered that season). Chasetown was then a member of the [[2007–08 Southern Football League|Southern League Division One Midlands]] (a lower level within the [[Southern Football League]]), when they lost to [[Football League Championship]] (Level 2) team [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]], the eventual FA Cup runners-up that year.<ref>[https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/7163953.stm Chasetown 1–3 Cardiff] .</ref> Their success earned the club over £60,000 in prize money. [[Marine F.C.|Marine]] matched this in the [[2020–21 FA Cup|2020–21 competition]] as a member of the [[Northern Premier League]] Division One North West, and were drawn against [[Premier League]] (Level 1) team [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]], to whom they lost 5–0.

During the [[2023–24 FA Cup|2023–24]] season, [[Maidstone United F.C.|Maidstone United]] in the [[National League South]] (Level 6) had an 8–game cup run, reaching the fifth round when they won 2–1 away at [[EFL Championship]] (Level 2) side [[Ipswich Town F.C.|Ipswich Town]].<ref name=":1">{{cite news |date=28 January 2024 |title=Ipswich 1–2 Maidstone: Non-League Stones stun Championship high-flyers in major FA Cup shock |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/ipswich-vs-maidstone-utd/report/502451 |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> Their run ended at the fifth round after losing 5–0 away to another EFL Championship side [[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 February 2024 |title=Simms hat-trick sees Coventry end Maidstone's cup run |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68384184 |access-date=26 February 2024 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> They became the [[List of non-League clubs in the Fifth Round of the FA Cup since 1925–26|eleventh non–League team]] to reach the fifth round, and the lowest-ranked team to do so since [[Blyth Spartans A.F.C.|Blyth Spartans]] (Level 7) in [[1977–78 FA Cup|1977–78]]. Maidstone's co–owner Oliver Ash stated that their cup run had earned the club 'something like £700,000 before tax'.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 February 2024 |title=FA Cup fifth round: Non-league Maidstone United's cup run nets them '£700,000 before tax' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68309354 |access-date=26 February 2024 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref>

===Giant killings between League clubs===
Giant-killings can apply to matches between league clubs, particularly where teams from tier 4 have defeated tier 1 sides. In games between League sides, one of the most notable results was the [[Wrexham A.F.C. 2–1 Arsenal F.C.|1992 victory]] by [[Wrexham F.C.|Wrexham]], [[1990–91 Football League Fourth Division|bottom]] of the previous season's League (avoiding relegation due to expansion of [[English Football League|The Football League]]), over [[1990–91 Football League#First Division|reigning]] champions Arsenal. Another similar shock was when [[Shrewsbury Town F.C.|Shrewsbury Town]] beat [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] 2–1 in [[2002–03 FA Cup|2003]]. Everton finished seventh in the [[2002–03 Premier League|Premier League]] and Shrewsbury Town were [[2002–03 Football League#Third Division|relegated]] to the [[2003–04 Football Conference|Football Conference]] that [[2002–03 in English football|same season]].

==Winners and finalists==
{{main|FA Cup Final|List of FA Cup finals}}

===Results by team===
Since its establishment, the FA Cup has been won by 45 clubs. Teams shown in ''italics'' are no longer in existence. Additionally, [[Queen's Park F.C.|Queen's Park]] ceased to be eligible to enter the FA Cup after a [[Scottish Football Association]] ruling in 1887.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ask Albert – Number 5 |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/sports_talk/1179349.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=26 April 2010 |date=19 February 2001 |archive-date=5 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805181449/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/sports_talk/1179349.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Results by team
!scope="col"|Club
!scope="col"|Wins
!scope="col"|First final won
!scope="col"|Last final won
!scope="col"|Runners-up
!scope="col"|Last final lost
!scope="col"|Total final<br />appearances
|-
!scope="row"|[[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]
|14
|[[1930 FA Cup final|1930]]
|[[2020 FA Cup final|2020]]
|7
|[[2001 FA Cup final|2001]]
|21
|-
!scope="row"|[[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]
|13
|[[1909 FA Cup final|1909]]
|[[2024 FA Cup final|2024]]
|9
|[[2023 FA Cup final|2023]]
|22
|-
!scope="row"|[[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]]
|8
|[[1970 FA Cup final|1970]]
|[[2018 FA Cup final|2018]]
|8
|[[2022 FA Cup final|2022]]
|16
|-
!scope="row"|[[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]]
|8
|[[1965 FA Cup final|1965]]
|[[2022 FA Cup final|2022]]
|7
|[[2012 FA Cup final|2012]]
|15
|-
!scope="row"|[[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]]
|8
|[[1901 FA Cup final|1901]]
|[[1991 FA Cup final|1991]]
|1
|[[1987 FA Cup final|1987]]
|9
|-
! scope="row" |[[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]
|7
|[[1904 FA Cup final|1904]]
|[[2023 FA Cup final|2023]]
|7
|[[2025 FA Cup final|2025]]
|14
|-
!scope="row"|[[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]]
|7
|[[1887 FA Cup final|1887]]
|[[1957 FA Cup final|1957]]
|4
|[[2015 FA Cup final|2015]]
|11
|-
!scope="row"|[[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]]
|6
|[[1910 FA Cup final|1910]]
|[[1955 FA Cup final|1955]]
|7
|[[1999 FA Cup final|1999]]
|13
|-
!scope="row"|[[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]]
|6
|[[1884 FA Cup final|1884]]
|[[1928 FA Cup final|1928]]
|2
|[[1960 FA Cup final|1960]]
|8
|-
!scope="row"|[[Everton F.C.|Everton]]
|5
|[[1906 FA Cup final|1906]]
|[[1995 FA Cup final|1995]]
|8
|[[2009 FA Cup final|2009]]
|13
|-
! scope="row" |[[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]]
|5
|[[1888 FA Cup final|1888]]
|[[1968 FA Cup final|1968]]
|5
|[[1935 FA Cup final|1935]]
|10
|-
!scope="row"|''[[Wanderers F.C.|Wanderers]]''
|5
|[[1872 FA Cup final|1872]]
|[[1878 FA Cup final|1878]]
|0
|—
|5
|-
!scope="row"|[[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolverhampton Wanderers]]
|4
|[[1893 FA Cup final|1893]]
|[[1960 FA Cup final|1960]]
|4
|[[1939 FA Cup final|1939]]
|8
|-
!scope="row"|[[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]]
|4
|[[1923 FA Cup final|1923]]
|[[1958 FA Cup final|1958]]
|3
|[[1953 FA Cup final|1953]]
|7
|-
!scope="row"|[[Sheffield United F.C.|Sheffield United]]
|4
|[[1899 FA Cup final|1899]]
|[[1925 FA Cup final|1925]]
|2
|[[1936 FA Cup final|1936]]
|6
|-
!scope="row"|[[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]]{{efn-ua|[[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]]'s total includes two wins and one defeat under the earlier name of The Wednesday.}}
|3
|[[1896 FA Cup final|1896]]
|[[1935 FA Cup final|1935]]
|3
|[[1993 FA Cup final|1993]]
|6
|-
!scope="row"|[[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]]
|3
|[[1964 FA Cup final|1964]]
|[[1980 FA Cup final|1980]]
|2
|[[2006 FA Cup final|2006]]
|5
|-
!scope="row"|[[Preston North End F.C.|Preston North End]]
|2
|[[1889 FA Cup final|1889]]
|[[1938 FA Cup final|1938]]
|5
|[[1964 FA Cup final|1964]]
|7
|-
!scope="row"|[[Old Etonians F.C.|Old Etonians]]
|2
|[[1879 FA Cup final|1879]]
|[[1882 FA Cup final|1882]]
|4
|[[1883 FA Cup final|1883]]
|6
|-
!scope="row"|[[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]]
|2
|[[1939 FA Cup final|1939]]
|[[2008 FA Cup final|2008]]
|3
|[[2010 FA Cup final|2010]]
|5
|-
!scope="row"|[[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]]
|2
|[[1937 FA Cup final|1937]]
|[[1973 FA Cup final|1973]]
|2
|[[1992 FA Cup final|1992]]
|4
|-
!scope="row"|[[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Nottingham Forest]]
|2
|[[1898 FA Cup final|1898]]
|[[1959 FA Cup final|1959]]
|1
|[[1991 FA Cup final|1991]]
|3
|-
!scope="row"|[[Bury F.C.|Bury]]
|2
|[[1900 FA Cup final|1900]]
|[[1903 FA Cup final|1903]]
|0
|—
|2
|-
!scope="row"|[[Huddersfield Town F.C.|Huddersfield Town]]
|1
|colspan=2|[[1922 FA Cup final|1922]]
|4
|[[1938 FA Cup final|1938]]
|5
|-
!scope="row"|[[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]]
|1
|colspan=2|[[2021 FA Cup final|2021]]
|4
|[[1969 FA Cup final|1969]]
|5
|-
! scope="row" |[[Oxford University A.F.C.|Oxford University]]
|1
|colspan=2|[[1874 FA Cup final|1874]]
|3
|[[1880 FA Cup final|1880]]
|4
|-
! scope="row" |[[Royal Engineers A.F.C.|Royal Engineers]]
|1
|colspan=2|[[1875 FA Cup final|1875]]
|3
|[[1878 FA Cup final|1878]]
|4
|-
!scope="row"|[[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]]
|1
|colspan=2|[[1946 FA Cup final|1946]]
|3
|[[1903 FA Cup final|1903]]
|4
|-
!scope="row"|[[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]]
|1
|colspan=2|[[1972 FA Cup final|1972]]
|3
|[[1973 FA Cup final|1973]]
|4
|-
!scope="row"|[[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]]
|1
|colspan=2|[[1976 FA Cup final|1976]]
|3
|[[2003 FA Cup final|2003]]
|4
|-
! scope="row" |[[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]]
|1
|colspan=2|[[1914 FA Cup final|1914]]
|2
|[[1962 FA Cup final|1962]]
|3
|-
! scope="row" |[[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]]
|1
|colspan=2|[[1927 FA Cup final|1927]]
|2
|[[2008 FA Cup final|2008]]
|3
|-
!scope="row"|[[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool]]
|1
|colspan=2|[[1953 FA Cup final|1953]]
|2
|[[1951 FA Cup final|1951]]
|3
|-
!scope="row"|[[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]]
|1
|colspan=2|[[2025 FA Cup final|2025]]
|2
|[[2016 FA Cup final|2016]]
|3
|-
!scope="row"|''[[Clapham Rovers F.C.|Clapham Rovers]]''
|1
|colspan=2|[[1880 FA Cup final|1880]]
|1
|[[1879 FA Cup final|1879]]
|2
|-
!scope="row"|[[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]]
|1
|colspan=2|[[1894 FA Cup final|1894]]
|1
|[[1891 FA Cup final|1891]]
|2
|-
! scope="row" |[[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]]
|1
|colspan=2|[[1912 FA Cup final|1912]]
|1
|[[1910 FA Cup final|1910]]
|2
|-
! scope="row" |[[Charlton Athletic F.C.|Charlton Athletic]]
|1
|colspan=2|[[1947 FA Cup final|1947]]
|1
|[[1946 FA Cup final|1946]]
|2
|-
! scope="row" |[[Old Carthusians F.C.|Old Carthusians]]
|1
|colspan=2|[[1881 FA Cup final|1881]]
|0
|—
|1
|-
!scope="row"|''[[Blackburn Olympic F.C.|Blackburn Olympic]]''
|1
|colspan=2|[[1883 FA Cup final|1883]]
|0
|—
|1
|-
!scope="row"|[[Bradford City A.F.C.|Bradford City]]
|1
|colspan=2|[[1911 FA Cup final|1911]]
|0
|—
|1
|-
! scope="row" |[[Ipswich Town F.C.|Ipswich Town]]
|1
|colspan=2|[[1978 FA Cup final|1978]]
|0
|—
|1
|-
!scope="row"|[[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]]
|1
|colspan=2|[[1987 FA Cup final|1987]]
|0
|—
|1
|-
!scope="row"|''[[Wimbledon F.C.|Wimbledon]]''{{efn-ua|[[Wimbledon F.C.|Wimbledon]] [[Relocation of Wimbledon F.C. to Milton Keynes|relocated to Milton Keynes]] in 2002 who re-named in 2004 to [[Milton Keynes Dons F.C.|Milton Keynes Dons]], thus ''de facto'' ceased to exist.<ref>{{cite news |title=Merton to be given Dons trophies |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/w/wimbledon/6927439.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 August 2007 |access-date=17 January 2014 |archive-date=16 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080116210449/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/wimbledon/6927439.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
|1
|colspan=2|[[1988 FA Cup final|1988]]
|0
|—
|1
|-
! scope="row" |[[Wigan Athletic F.C.|Wigan Athletic]]
|1
|colspan=2|[[2013 FA Cup final|2013]]
|0
|—
|1
|-
! scope="row" |[[Queen's Park F.C.|Queen's Park]]
|0
|colspan=2|—
|2
|[[1885 FA Cup final|1885]]
|2
|-
!scope="row"|[[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]]
|0
|colspan=2|—
|2
|[[1956 FA Cup final|1956]]
|2
|-
!scope="row"|[[Watford F.C.|Watford]]
|0
|colspan=2|—
|2
|[[2019 FA Cup final|2019]]
|2
|-
! scope="row" |[[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]]
|0
|colspan=2|—
|1
|[[1909 FA Cup final|1909]]
|1
|-
! scope="row" |[[Luton Town F.C.|Luton Town]]
|0
|colspan=2|—
|1
|[[1959 FA Cup final|1959]]
|1
|-
! scope="row" |[[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]]
|0
|colspan=2|—
|1
|[[1975 FA Cup final|1975]]
|1
|-
! scope="row" |[[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]]
|0
|colspan=2|—
|1
|[[1982 FA Cup final|1982]]
|1
|-
!scope="row"|[[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]]
|0
|colspan=2|—
|1
|[[1983 FA Cup final|1983]]
|1
|-
! scope="row" |[[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]]
|0
|colspan=2|—
|1
|[[1997 FA Cup final|1997]]
|1
|-
! scope="row" |[[Millwall F.C.|Millwall]]
|0
|colspan=2|—
|1
|[[2004 FA Cup final|2004]]
|1
|-
! scope="row" |[[Stoke City F.C.|Stoke City]]
|0
|colspan=2|—
|1
|[[2011 FA Cup final|2011]]
|1
|-
! scope="row" |[[Hull City A.F.C.|Hull City]]
|0
|colspan=2|—
|1
|[[2014 FA Cup final|2014]]
|1
|}

{{notelist-ua}}

===Consecutive winners===
Four clubs have won consecutive FA Cups on more than one occasion: [[Wanderers F.C.|Wanderers]] (1872, 1873 and 1876, 1877, 1878), [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] (1884, 1885, 1886 and 1890, 1891), [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] (1961, 1962 and 1981, 1982) and [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] ([[2002 FA Cup Final|2002]], [[2003 FA Cup Final|2003]] and [[2014 FA Cup Final|2014]], [[2015 FA Cup Final|2015]]).

===Winning managers===
{{See also|List of FA Cup winning managers}}
The record for most titles for a manager is held by [[Arsène Wenger]], who won the FA Cup with Arsenal seven times ([[1998 FA Cup Final|1998]], [[2002 FA Cup Final|2002]], [[2003 FA Cup Final|2003]], [[2005 FA Cup Final|2005]], [[2014 FA Cup Final|2014]], [[2015 FA Cup Final|2015]], [[2017 FA Cup Final|2017]]). Wenger is also the only manager to have won the Cup at the old Wembley Stadium, the Millennium Stadium, and the new Wembley Stadium.

===Doubles/Trebles===
[[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] (2019) are the only club to have achieved a domestic [[Treble (association football)|treble]] of league, FA Cup and [[EFL Cup|League Cup]], having beaten [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] 4–3 on penalties in the [[2019 EFL Cup Final|League Cup Final]], finished at the top of the [[2018–19 Premier League|Premier League]], and beaten [[Watford F.C.|Watford]] 6–0 in the FA Cup Final.

[[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] ([[1998–99 in English football|1999]]) and [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] ([[2022-23 Manchester City F.C. season|2023]])  are the only two English teams to have won the continental treble of [[FA Premier League|league]], FA Cup, and [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]]. They are two of only nine European sides to do so. Liverpool won the FA Cup, [[2000–01 Football League Cup|League Cup]] and [[2000–01 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]] in [[2000–01 in English football|2001]] to complete a cup treble.

Eight clubs have won the FA Cup as part of a [[Double (association football)|league and cup double]], namely [[Preston North End F.C.|Preston North End]] (1889), [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] (1897), [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] (1961), [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] (1971, 1998, 2002), [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] (1986), [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] (1994, 1996, 1999), [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] (2010) and [[Manchester City F.C|Manchester City]] (2019, 2023). In 1993, Arsenal became the first side to win both the FA Cup and the League Cup in the same season when they beat [[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]] in both finals. Liverpool (2001, 2022), Chelsea (2007) and Manchester City (2019) have since repeated this feat. In 2012, Chelsea won both the FA Cup and the Champions League.

===Outside England===
The FA Cup has only been won by a non-English team once. [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]] achieved this in 1927 when they beat Arsenal in the final at Wembley. They had previously made it to the final only to lose to [[Sheffield United F.C.|Sheffield United]] in 1925 and lost another final to [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]] in 2008. Cardiff City are also the only team to win the national cups of two countries in the same season, having also won the [[Welsh Cup]] in 1927. The Scottish team [[Queen's Park F.C.|Queen's Park]] reached and lost the final in both 1884 and 1885.

===Outside the top division===
Since the creation of the Football League in 1888, the final has never been contested by two teams from outside the top division, and there have only been eight winners who were not in the top flight: [[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]] ([[1894 FA Cup Final|1894]]); [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] ([[1901 FA Cup Final|1901]]); [[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolverhampton Wanderers]] ([[1908 FA Cup Final|1908]]); [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]] ([[1912 FA Cup Final|1912]]); [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]] ([[1931 FA Cup Final|1931]]); [[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]] ([[1973 FA Cup Final|1973]]), [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]] ([[1976 FA Cup Final|1976]]) and [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]] ([[1980 FA Cup Final|1980]]). With the exception of Tottenham, these clubs were all playing in the second tier (the old Second Division) – Tottenham were playing in the [[Southern Football League|Southern League]] and were only elected to the Football League in 1908, meaning they are the only non-League winners of the FA Cup since the League's creation. Other than Tottenham's victory, only [[#Winners and finalists|24 finalists]] have come from outside English football's top tier, with a record of 7 wins and 17 runners-up: and none at all from the third tier or lower, Southampton ([[1902 FA Cup Final|1902]], then in the Southern League) being the last finalist from outside the top two tiers.

Sunderland's win in 1973 was considered a major upset, having beaten [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]] who finished third in [[1972–73 Football League#First Division|the top flight]] that season,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/TheFACup/History/Postings/2003/11/46982.htm |title=TheFA.com – Shocks do happen |publisher=The Football Association |access-date=6 April 2005 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20050305044037/http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/TheFACup/History/Postings/2003/11/46982.htm |archive-date=5 March 2005 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> as was West Ham's victory over Arsenal in 1980 as the Gunners were in their third successive FA Cup Final and were the cup holders and just having finished [[1979–80 Football League|4th in the First Division]], whereas West Ham had ended the season 7th in Division 2. This also marked the last time (as of 2023–24) a team from outside the top division won the FA Cup. Uniquely, in [[2007–08 FA Cup|2008]] three of the four semi-finalists (Barnsley, [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]] and West Bromwich) were from outside the top division, although the eventual winner was the last remaining top-flight team, [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/7286364.stm |title=FA Cup semi-final draw 2008 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=15 March 2012 |date=10 March 2008 |archive-date=17 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080317164702/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7286364.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> West Bromwich (1931) are the only team to have won the FA Cup and earned promotion to the top flight in the same season; whereas [[Wigan Athletic F.C.|Wigan Athletic]] ([[2013 FA Cup Final|2013]]) are the only team to have won the Cup and been relegated from the top flight in the same season.

==Media coverage==

===Domestic broadcasters===
{{See also|English football on television}}

The FA Cup Final is one of 10 events reserved for live broadcast on UK terrestrial television under the [[Ofcom Code on Sports and Other Listed and Designated Events]].

In the early years of coverage the BBC had exclusive radio coverage with a picture of the pitch marked in the ''[[Radio Times]]'' with numbered squares to help the listener follow the match on the radio. The first FA Cup Final on Radio was in [[1926 FA Cup Final|1926]] between [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]] and Manchester City but this was only broadcast in Manchester, the first national final on BBC Radio was between Arsenal and Cardiff City in 1927. The first final on BBC Television was in 1937 in a match which featured Sunderland and Preston North End but this was not televised in full. The following season's final between Preston and [[Huddersfield Town F.C.|Huddersfield Town]] was covered in full by the BBC. When ITV was formed in 1955 they shared final coverage with the BBC in one of the only club matches shown live on television, during the 1970s and 1980s coverage became more elaborate with BBC and ITV trying to steal viewers from the others by starting coverage earlier and earlier some starting as early as 9&nbsp;a.m. which was six hours before kick off. The sharing of rights between BBC and ITV continued from 1955 to 1988, when ITV lost coverage to the BBC. From 1988 to 1997, the BBC was the exclusive broadcaster of the competition on terrestrial television and covered the competition from the third round onwards, showing one live match per round alongside highlights.

In 1990, [[British Satellite Broadcasting]] (BSB) obtained rights to the competition, and showed a live match from rounds 1 and 2. This continued to be the case after [[Sky Television (1984–1990)|Sky]] took over BSB in 1991.

{| class="wikitable"
|+ FA Cup Broadcasters since [[1990–91 FA Cup|1990–91]]
|-
! Seasons !! [[Free-to-air]] !! [[Pay television|Pay-TV]] !! Streaming{{refn|group=a|Streaming services which are separate to the ones offered by the linear broadcasters}}
|-
| [[1990–91 FA Cup|1990–91]]
| [[BBC]]
| rowspan=3|[[Sky Sports]]
| rowspan="4" |
|-
| [[1996–97 FA Cup|1996–97]]
| [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]]
|-
| [[2001–02 FA Cup|2001–02]]
| [[BBC]]
|-
| [[2008–09 FA Cup|2008–09]]
| rowspan=4|[[ITV (TV network)|ITV]]
| [[Setanta Sports]]
|-
| [[2009–10 FA Cup|2009–10]]
| 
| [[The Football Association|FA Player]]
|-
| [[2010–11 FA Cup|2010–11]]
| [[TNT Sports 4|ESPN]]
| rowspan="3" |
|-
| [[2013–14 FA Cup|2013–14]]
| rowspan=4|[[TNT Sports (United Kingdom)|BT Sport]]
|-
| [[2014–15 FA Cup| 2014–15]]
| rowspan=3|[[BBC]]
|-
| [[2019–20 FA Cup|2019–20]]
| [[Facebook]]
|-
| [[2020–21 FA Cup|2020–21]]
| [[The Football Association|FA Player]]
|-
| [[2021–22 FA Cup|2021–22]]
| [[BBC]]/[[ITV (TV network)|ITV]]
|
| rowspan=2|
|-
| [[2025–26 FA Cup|2025–26]]
| [[BBC]]
| [[TNT Sports (United Kingdom)|TNT Sports]]
|}

====1997 to 2001====
From 1997 to 2001, Sky owned the coverage showing one match per round, with the free-to-air rights sublicensed to ITV who showed an additional match from the third round onwards.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Summary of UK sports rights|url=https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0025/54187/annex_10.pdf|date=18 December 2007|access-date=18 May 2024|publisher=[[Ofcom]]}}</ref>{{rp|44}} The BBC continued with highlights on ''[[Match of the Day]]''.

====2001 to 2008====
From 2001 to 2008, BBC and Sky again shared coverage with BBC having two or three matches per round and Sky having one or two.

Until the 2008–09 season, the [[BBC]] and [[Sky Sports]] shared television coverage, with the BBC showing three matches in the earlier rounds. Some analysts argued the decision to move away from the Sky and, in particular, the BBC undermined the FA Cup in the eyes of the public.

====2008 to 2009====
From [[2008–09 FA Cup|2008–09]] to [[2013–14 FA Cup|2013–14]], FA Cup matches were shown live by [[ITV (TV channel)|ITV]] across England and [[Wales]], with [[UTV (TV channel)|UTV]] broadcasting to [[Northern Ireland]]. Scottish member [[STV (TV network)|STV]] refused to show them, and instead the regularly advertised programming that otherwise would mostly have been shown across the UK (new and repeated network entertainment and drama content, films, local productions etc.) would continue as normal in a delayed or exclusive fashion while the rest of the ITV network aired the football. ITV showed 16 FA Cup games per season, including the first pick of live matches from each of the first to sixth rounds of the competition, plus one semi-final exclusively live. The final was also shown live on ITV. Under the same 2008 contract, [[Setanta Sports]] showed three games and one replay in each round from round three to five, two quarter-finals, one semi-final and the final. The channel also broadcast ITV's matches, albeit with their own commentary teams, exclusively to [[Scotland]], after STV's decision to replace the games with regular programming. Setanta entered administration in June 2009 and as a result the FA terminated Setanta's deal to broadcast FA-sanctioned competitions and [[England national football team|England internationals]].<ref>{{cite news |title=FA face Setanta shortfall |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8115805.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 June 2009 |access-date=12 August 2009 |archive-date=12 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612085850/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8115805.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

The early rounds of the 2008–09 competition were covered for the first time by ITV's online service, [[ITV Local]]. The [[2008–09 FA Cup qualifying rounds#Extra preliminary round|first match]] of the competition, between [[Wantage Town F.C.|Wantage Town]] and [[Brading Town F.C.|Brading Town]], was broadcast live online. Highlights of eight games of each round were broadcast as catch up on ITV Local.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/FA_Cup_online.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20081123062714/http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/FA_Cup_online.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 November 2008 |title=Watch The FA Cup online }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2008/07/Watch_live_online.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20080818225653/http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2008/07/Watch_live_online.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 August 2008 |title=Cup tie live online }}</ref> Since ITV Local closed, this coverage did not continue.

====2009 to 2010====
As a result of Setanta going out of business ITV showed the competition exclusively in the 2009–10 season with between three and four matches per round, all quarter finals, semi-finals and final live as the FA could not find a pay TV broadcaster in time. Many expected [[BSkyB]] to make a bid to show some of the remaining FA Cup games for the remainder of the 2009–10 season which would include a semi-final and shared rights to the final.

In October 2009, the FA announced that ITV would show an additional match in the first and second rounds on ITV, with one replay match shown on [[ITV4]]. One match and one replay match from the first two rounds were broadcast on the FA's website for free, in a similar situation to the [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|2010 World Cup Qualifier]] between [[Ukraine national football team|Ukraine]] and [[England national football team|England]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/2009/FACup_TVTies_1P.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20091027202428/http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/2009/FACup_TVTies_1P.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 October 2009 |title=FA Cup to be broadcast Free-to-Air |access-date=27 October 2009}}</ref> The 2009–10 first-round match between [[Oldham Athletic A.F.C.|Oldham Athletic]] and Leeds United was the first FA Cup match to be streamed online live.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/10/oldham-athletic-news/31689/latics-to-face-leeds-in-cup |title=Latics to face Leeds in Cup |access-date=27 October 2009 |archive-date=31 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091031063846/http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/10/oldham-athletic-news/31689/latics-to-face-leeds-in-cup |url-status=live }}</ref>

====2010 to 2014====
ESPN bought the competition for the 2010–11 to 2012–13 season and during this time [[Rebecca Lowe]] became the first woman to host the FA Cup Final in the UK.

[[ESPN (UK)|ESPN]] took over the package Setanta held for the FA Cup from the 2010–11 season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/dec/07/fa-cup-espn-bbc-itv |title=ESPN secures rights to show FA Cup matches from next season |date=7 December 2009 |work=The Guardian |access-date=30 December 2009 |location=London |first=Owen |last=Gibson |archive-date=1 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101231207/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/dec/07/fa-cup-espn-bbc-itv |url-status=live }}</ref> The 2011 final was also shown live on [[Sky 3D]] in addition to ESPN (who provided the 3D coverage for Sky 3D) and ITV.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://corporate.sky.com/media/press_releases/2011/ESPN_3D_Coverage.htm |title=ESPN's 3D coverage of 2011 FA Cup Final to be available on Sky 3D |work=Sky TV |access-date=26 April 2011 |location=London |archive-date=2 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110502064642/http://corporate.sky.com/media/press_releases/2011/ESPN_3D_Coverage.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> Following the sale of ESPN's UK and Ireland channels to [[BT Group|BT]], ESPN's rights package transferred to [[BT Sport]] from the 2013–14 season.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.btplc.com/News/Articles/Showarticle.cfm?ArticleID=022AEA86-B466-4C6E-9A3F-0BE241ED630B |title=BT Group acquires ESPN's UK and Ireland television channels business |publisher=BT Group |date=25 February 2013 |access-date=25 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301073342/http://www.btplc.com/News/Articles/Showarticle.cfm?ArticleID=022AEA86-B466-4C6E-9A3F-0BE241ED630B |archive-date=1 March 2013  }}</ref>
STV would continue to broadcast regular programming in place of FA Cup games, live draws and highlights shows throughout this period, although it did the broadcast the 2014 final live.

====2014 to 2019====
ITV lost the rights to the FA Cup beginning with the [[2014–15 FA Cup]]. Terrestrial rights returned to [[BBC Sport]], with the final being shown on [[BBC One]] while BT Sport hold the pay TV rights. Under this deal, the BBC would show around the same number of games as ITV and still have the first pick for each round.<ref>{{cite web |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=BBC to show live matches from 2014–15 season |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23339424 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 July 2013 |access-date=17 July 2013 |archive-date=18 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718173519/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23339424 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Matches involving Welsh clubs are sometimes exclusively broadcast on [[Welsh language]] channel [[S4C]], which is also available to view across the rest of the United Kingdom on satellite and cable television, and through the channel's website.<ref>{{cite web |title=S4C to broadcast live coverage of Wrexham's FA Cup clash |url=http://www.s4c.co.uk/e_press_level2.shtml?id=575 |publisher=Sianel Pedwar Cymru |date=2 November 2011 |access-date=3 January 2015 |archive-date=18 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218130256/http://www.s4c.co.uk/e_press_level2.shtml?id=575 |url-status=live }}</ref> A similar arrangement is shared with [[BBC Cymru Wales]] when the corporation obtained the rights from 2014 to 2015, potentially giving the BBC an extra match per round.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wrexham v Stevenage or Maidstone live on BBC Wales |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30043743 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 November 2014 |access-date=3 January 2015 |archive-date=17 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141117053103/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30043743 |url-status=live }}</ref>

====2019 to 2025====
On 23 May 2019, it was announced that ITV would replace [[BT Sport]] in broadcasting the FA Cup from the 2021–22 season. This deal saw the [[BBC]] and ITV become joint broadcasters of the tournament for the first time since 1988, which meant that, for the first time, all FA Cup matches would be exclusively broadcast on [[free-to-air]] television.<ref>{{Cite news|title=FA Cup to be free-to-air from 2021|publisher=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48388980|access-date=24 February 2021|archive-date=15 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515210246/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48388980|url-status=live}}</ref>

In addition, full coverage of the tournament returned to STV in Scotland, after the broadcaster replaced content from the competition with regular network programmes (and local content made in Scotland, plus films and specials) during the 2008 to 2014 period that ITV last held the rights.

[[BBC Radio 5 Live]] and [[Talksport]] provided radio coverage including several full live commentaries per round, with additional commentaries broadcast on [[BBC Local Radio]].

====2025 onwards====
On 15 February 2024, it was announced that TNT Sports obtained full broadcasting rights of the FA Cup from 2025–26 season. The BBC then confirmed a sub-licensing deal with TNT Sports to allow the competition to remain free-to-air.

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=a}}

{{Portal|English football}}
{{Clear}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

===Notes===
{{Reflist|group=note}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{official website}}
* [http://www.fattorini.co.uk/ Thomas Fattorini Ltd. makers of the 1911 FA Cup] – manufacturers of the 1911 FA Cup and other sporting trophies
*[https://archive.today/20090616021730/http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFACup/History/CupFinalResults.aspx FA Cup statistics] (archived 16 June 2009)
* [https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/4151177.stm FA Cup going under the hammer] – BBC News story on the sale of the second trophy
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20141006123439/https://faclub16.com/Season2011.aspx FA Supporters] – Independent FA Cup Supporters Club (archived 6 October 2014)

{{FA Cup}}
{{Football in England table cells}}
{{Football in the United Kingdom}}
{{National football Cups (UEFA region)}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fa Cup}}
[[Category:FA Cup| ]]
[[Category:Recurring sporting events established in 1871]]
[[Category:Men's football cup competitions in England|1]]
[[Category:National association football cups]]
[[Category:The Football Association competitions|Cup]]
[[Category:1871 establishments in England]]
[[Category:Professional sports leagues in the United Kingdom]]