What Is the FA Cup

The FA Cup is the oldest national football competition in the world and one of the most iconic tournaments in English sport. Every season clubs from across the country take part in a competition where lower league teams can face Premier League giants, dreams are made, reputations grow and unexpected upsets become part of football folklore. The FA Cup has a sense of magic that comes from its history, its open structure and the belief that any team can beat another on the day. For players and fans the tournament represents tradition, excitement and the chance to make unforgettable memories.

This guide explains exactly what the FA Cup is, how it works, why it matters, who takes part, how the competition is structured, what makes it unique and why FA Cup stories stay in football culture for years. You will also learn how teams qualify, what to expect from the matches, how the draw works, what the final involves and why the trophy itself holds such symbolic importance.

What the FA Cup Is

The FA Cup is an annual knockout football competition organised by the Football Association in England. It is open to clubs across the English football pyramid from professional Premier League teams to semi professional and amateur sides in the lower divisions. Because of its open structure the competition allows small clubs to compete against the biggest teams in the country which gives the FA Cup its famous reputation for drama and unpredictability.

The FA Cup final is played at Wembley Stadium and is one of the most watched domestic cup finals in the world. Winning the FA Cup is a major honour for any club because it carries prestige, respect and a place in English football history.

How the FA Cup Started

The FA Cup began in 1871 when the Football Association created a knockout tournament to help standardise competitive football in England. The first competition featured only fifteen teams although that number grew quickly as the sport expanded. Wanderers FC won the first FA Cup final at the Kennington Oval which marked the beginning of a tradition that has lasted more than 150 years.

Over time the FA Cup became one of the most important competitions in English football. As professional leagues were created, the FA Cup remained a chance for all clubs to compete on equal terms. Its long history has made it a symbol of English sporting culture and many of the sport’s greatest moments have taken place in FA Cup matches.

Who Takes Part in the FA Cup

One of the defining features of the FA Cup is how many teams can enter. Hundreds of clubs from across the English football system take part each season. These include:

• Premier League clubs
• Championship clubs
• League One and League Two clubs
• National League sides
• Semi professional clubs from levels below the National League
• Amateur and community clubs that meet the FA’s eligibility rules

This wide entry range is what creates the possibility of giant killings where a small team defeats a much bigger club. It also gives players from lower leagues the opportunity to play in major stadiums and compete against world famous opponents.

How the FA Cup Works

The FA Cup follows a knockout format. Once a team loses a match it is eliminated from the competition. The structure involves several rounds which vary depending on the level of the clubs.

Extra preliminary and qualifying rounds

Lower league clubs begin in the very early stages with several rounds to navigate before reaching the main draw. These qualifying stages take place months before Premier League teams enter.

First round proper

Clubs from League One and League Two join at this stage. Lower league survivors from the qualifying rounds enter here as well.

Second round proper

The winners progress to the second round where the competition begins to narrow.

Third round proper

This is one of the most anticipated points in the tournament because Premier League and Championship clubs join at this stage. This round often produces classic upsets and high profile matchups.

Fourth, fifth rounds and quarter finals

Teams continue through knockout matches with the stakes rising each time.

Semi finals

The semi finals are held at Wembley Stadium which brings even greater excitement for players and fans.

The final

The FA Cup final also takes place at Wembley and is one of the major events on the English sporting calendar.

How the Draw Works

The draw for each round is completely random. There are no seedings or restrictions which means any team can face any other team. A Premier League giant could draw a non league team or two top clubs could meet early in the competition. This randomness is central to the FA Cup’s charm because it creates unexpected pairings and opportunities.

Each draw is televised and generates huge anticipation. Supporters watch hoping for a favourable matchup or a memorable away trip. For smaller clubs drawing a Premier League side can transform finances due to ticket sales, television rights and increased exposure.

What Makes the FA Cup Unique

The FA Cup holds a unique place in football due to its history, unpredictability and emotional impact.

Age and tradition

As the oldest national football competition the FA Cup carries prestige. Its long history adds weight to every match.

Open entry system

Because the competition includes teams from all levels the FA Cup gives every club a theoretical chance of reaching Wembley.

Giant killings

Lower league clubs beating elite teams are some of the most loved stories in football. These moments are rare in league competitions which makes the FA Cup special.

One off matches

Knockout football means anything can happen. A team can succeed through determination, strong tactics or a moment of brilliance.

Magic of the Cup

Fans often speak about the magic of the FA Cup which describes the emotion, drama and unpredictability you rarely see in other tournaments.

What to Expect When Watching an FA Cup Match

Watching the FA Cup delivers a different experience compared to league football. Matches are often fast paced, emotional and unpredictable. Lower league teams raise their intensity when facing bigger clubs. Fans create loud atmospheres because every match matters and an entire season can be transformed by a single result.

Expect:

• High energy performances
• Bold tactics from underdogs
• Emotional celebrations
• Late drama and extra time tension
• Unpredictable scorelines
• Big teams under pressure
• Smaller clubs playing with nothing to lose

Even the early rounds can be compelling because they give smaller teams the chance to dream of a deep run.

How Replays Work

Traditionally FA Cup matches that ended in a draw were replayed at the away team’s ground. This created more opportunities for smaller clubs to host big opponents and benefit financially. Replays have been used less often in recent years for scheduling reasons. In some rounds matches go straight to extra time and penalties instead of replaying.

How Extra Time and Penalties Work

If a match reaches the stage where replays are not used and the game ends level after ninety minutes, teams play thirty minutes of extra time. If the score is still level the match is decided by a penalty shootout. This creates drama and can produce unforgettable moments.

The FA Cup Trophy

The FA Cup trophy is one of the most recognisable trophies in sport. It has a traditional shape with handles and ribbon colours that match the winning team. Although several versions of the trophy have been produced throughout history the current version remains deeply symbolic. Players often dream of lifting it at Wembley because it represents history, achievement and national pride.

Who Has Won the FA Cup the Most

Arsenal are the most successful club in FA Cup history. They have lifted the trophy more times than any other team and have had long periods of dominance in the competition. Manchester United follow closely with many FA Cup titles across several decades. Other clubs with strong FA Cup histories include Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City.

Smaller clubs also claim historic wins such as Wimbledon’s famous victory against Liverpool in 1988 or Wigan Athletic beating Manchester City in 2013. These triumphs add to the charm and mythology of the competition.

Famous FA Cup Moments

The FA Cup has produced some of the greatest moments in English football including:

• Ronnie Radford’s long range goal for Hereford United against Newcastle United in 1972
• Wimbledon’s shock victory over Liverpool in 1988
• Steven Gerrard’s dramatic long range equaliser for Liverpool in the 2006 final
• Wigan’s injury time winner against Manchester City in 2013
• Leicester City’s first ever FA Cup win in 2021 with a stunning strike from Youri Tielemans

These moments are remembered not only by fans of the clubs involved but by football supporters across the country.

Why the FA Cup Matters to Clubs and Players

Winning the FA Cup is a major accomplishment for any club. It provides recognition, prestige and a place in football history. For players the FA Cup offers the chance to perform at Wembley and become part of memorable stories. For smaller clubs the financial rewards can help fund improvements to stadiums, training facilities and youth development.

The FA Cup also offers a route into European competition. The winner earns a place in the UEFA Europa League which can raise the profile of the club further.

Safety, Regulations and Match Standards

FA Cup matches follow the same rules and safety standards as other competitions organised by the Football Association. Referees are appointed based on experience and performance. VAR may be used in later rounds at Premier League stadiums. Medical teams are present at all matches and stadiums must meet safety regulations.

Weather conditions sometimes affect fixtures although matches are rescheduled rather than cancelled. Pitch inspections ensure safety and playability especially for lower league grounds.

Cost and Accessibility

Watching FA Cup matches can be affordable or expensive depending on the round and the teams involved. Early round matches at non league grounds are usually inexpensive and create a unique community atmosphere. Tickets for the final are more expensive due to demand. Many matches are broadcast on free to air television which makes the FA Cup accessible to millions of viewers.

Alternatives or Comparable Competitions

Other domestic cup competitions exist such as the EFL Cup although none have the history or cultural weight of the FA Cup. International tournaments like the Champions League or Europa League offer higher levels of football but do not provide the same opportunity for small clubs to face elite opponents. The FA Cup remains unique because of its inclusivity and unpredictability.

Practical Advice for New Fans Watching the FA Cup

If you are new to the FA Cup here are helpful ways to enjoy it fully:

Follow early round stories

Small clubs often produce memorable moments long before Premier League teams enter.

Watch the third round

This is when top clubs join and when major upsets become more likely.

Learn about underdog teams

Their stories, players and stadiums add charm to the competition.

Enjoy the variety

Different grounds, playing styles and atmospheres make each match distinct.

Watch the final at Wembley

It is one of the most historic annual events in English sport.

Final Thoughts

The FA Cup is a celebration of English football history, community spirit and competitive drama. Its open format allows teams from all levels of the game to dream of unlikely victories and historic achievements. Whether watching a small club host a Premier League giant or tuning into the final at Wembley the FA Cup provides a unique blend of tradition, tension and emotion.

Understanding what the FA Cup is helps you appreciate why it holds such a special place in the hearts of players and fans. It is a tournament defined by opportunity passion and the belief that on the right day anything can happen.