Overview
The FA Cup (Football Association Challenge Cup) is the oldest national football tournament in the world, first held during the 1871–72 season. It is organized by The Football Association (FA) in England and has since become one of the most iconic competitions in global football.
What sets the FA Cup apart is its open-entry format — teams from all tiers of English football can participate. From the biggest Premier League sides to small non-league clubs, everyone has a chance to compete. This structure allows underdogs to occasionally defeat top-level teams, generating famous “giant-killing” stories that have become part of football folklore.
The tournament format is knockout-based from start to finish. Early rounds involve lower-division and amateur teams, while professional clubs enter later at various stages. The FA Cup Final is traditionally played at Wembley Stadium and remains among the most prestigious and watched domestic football matches worldwide.
Over the decades, the FA Cup has evolved in structure and significance. From the early amateur era to the modern professional game, its heritage has remained central to English football culture. The Cup has witnessed unforgettable moments — dramatic late goals, shocking upsets, and record-setting legends who defined eras. Today, winning the FA Cup not only delivers national glory but also grants qualification to European competition.
Most Successful Clubs
| Club | Titles |
|---|---|
| Arsenal | 14 |
| Manchester United | 12 |
| Chelsea | 8 |
| Liverpool | 8 |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 8 |
Selected Recent Finals
| Season | Winner | Runner-Up | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 | Arsenal | Chelsea | Wembley |
| 2020–21 | Leicester City | Chelsea | Wembley |
| 2021–22 | Liverpool | Chelsea | Wembley |
| 2022–23 | Manchester City | Manchester United | Wembley |
| 2023–24 | Manchester United | Manchester City | Wembley |
*More detailed results can be added year-by-year if needed.