The FA Cup is the oldest football competition in the world, and it still feels fresh every season. From tiny clubs dreaming of a giant‑kill to the big teams eyeing another trophy, the excitement never stops. If you’re new to the cup or just want a quick refresher, here’s what you need to know.
The tournament is a straight knockout. It starts with hundreds of clubs from the lowest tiers of English football and ends with the final at Wembley. Early rounds are regional to cut down travel costs, and matches that end in a draw go to extra time and, if needed, a penalty shoot‑out. There’s no group stage, so every game is do‑or‑die.
One of the coolest bits is that a non‑league side can face a Premier League giant in the third round. That’s when the “magic of the cup” really shows up. Smaller teams get a chance to host big clubs, which can bring a huge crowd and a big payday.
Fans love the upsets, and the FA Cup delivers them in spades. Remember when Sunderland beat Leeds United in 1973, or when Wigan stunned Manchester City in 2013? Those games become part of folklore, and they prove that on a single night, anything can happen.
On the other side, there are legendary finals that defined eras. The 1999 final, where Manchester United beat Newcastle to complete a historic treble, still gets mentioned in every pub conversation. The 2006 win for Liverpool over West Ham showed why the cup matters even when a team is chasing a league title.
Every season adds a new chapter. Keep an eye on the quarter‑finals and you’ll often see a giant‑kill that sends the whole country buzzing. It’s the reason people set alarms for early‑round matches they never thought they’d watch.
So, what’s happening this year? The draw for the next round is out, and a few lower‑league clubs have already caused shocks. Whether you’re rooting for your hometown team or just love a good story, the FA Cup provides drama from the first whistle to the final trophy lift.
Got a favorite memory? Share it in the comments and keep the FA Cup spirit alive. The tournament isn’t just a schedule; it’s a community tradition that brings together fans of every level. Stay tuned, because the next great upset could be just a kick away.
Cardiff City booked a spot in the FA Cup fourth round after a 1-0 win away at Sheffield United. Cian Ashford’s quick thinking punished a defensive lapse for the only goal, while the Blades hit the post late but couldn't find an equalizer. Both sides fielded heavily rotated squads, with Cardiff defending their narrow lead against late Sheffield pressure.
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The 2024/25 FA Cup fifth round draw is set for February 10, 2025, at 19:10 GMT, on BBC One and online channels. Manchester City, ball number 14, competes in the fourth round with Leyton Orient. Fifth round matches happen March 1-2, 2025, with possible rivals like Liverpool and Chelsea. The draw includes 16 teams, hinging on various fourth-round results.
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In a surprising move, Ipswich Town's manager Kieran McKenna revamped his team with 11 changes against Coventry City in the FA Cup fourth round. New signing Alex Palmer debuted in goal, while Coventry made strategic adjustments by introducing four fresh faces. This match at Coventry's CBS Arena brought back memories for Ipswich of their Premier League promotion.
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Manchester City narrowly avoided an FA Cup upset with a 2-1 win over Leyton Orient, thanks to Kevin De Bruyne's late goal. Leyton Orient stunned City early with Jamie Donley’s long-range strike. Pep Guardiola praised his team's comeback while debutant Nico Gonzalez departed early with an injury.
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Everton and Bournemouth face off in the FA Cup fourth round on February 8, 2025, with a 10:00 AM ET kick-off. The game will be aired on ESPN+ in the U.S., with Everton updating fans via their digital platforms. Despite struggles with injuries, Everton hopes to maintain winning momentum, while Bournemouth aims to bounce back from a recent defeat. Historically, Bournemouth has a slight advantage in head-to-head matches.
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