FA Cup: Latest News, History & Match Highlights

Welcome to the hub for everything FA Cup. Whether you’re a die‑hard supporter or just curious about England’s biggest knockout competition, you’ll find the freshest scores, key storylines, and quick references right here.

What’s happening this season?

The 2025‑26 FA Cup kicked off with a flurry of upsets in the early rounds. Non‑league side Southport knocked out a Championship club, proving that giant‑killing is still alive. In the third round, the big guns—Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal—entered the fray, each facing lower‑division opponents. So far, Arsenal has edged a tight 2‑1 win over Bradford City, while Liverpool needed penalties to beat Forest Green Rovers. Keep an eye on the match calendar; the quarter‑finals land in early March and the final is set for May 24 at Wembley.

Quick guide to the FA Cup format

The competition starts with hundreds of clubs from Levels 9 to 10 of the English pyramid. Rounds progress through qualifying stages before the First Round Proper, where League One and Two teams join. The big clubs from the Premier League and Championship wait until the Third Round. Each tie is a single‑match knockout; if it ends level after 90 minutes, extra time and possibly penalties decide the winner. No replays this season, which speeds up the schedule and adds drama.

If you’re new to the tournament, think of it as the ultimate underdog storybook. A tiny village side can dream of a night at Wembley, while a top‑flight club can see a single bad day erase months of league work. That unpredictability fuels the magic.

For fans tracking their favourite teams, here’s a handy cheat sheet:

• Match dates: Early rounds run from August to November, third round in early January, and the final in late May.
• Broadcast: Most matches air on BBC, ITV, and Sky Sports. Stream the live feed on the BBC iPlayer or the Sky Go app.
• Ticket tips: Early‑round tickets sell fast. Join your club’s official waiting list and consider travel packages for the final.

Talking about tickets, the Wembley final always sells out within minutes. Prices vary based on seating tier, but a decent view can be snagged for about £60 if you act quickly on the official FA site.

History lovers, you’re in for a treat. The FA Cup is the world’s oldest football competition, first contested in 1871‑72. Wanderers lifted the inaugural trophy, and since then, clubs like Manchester United (12 wins) and Arsenal (14 wins) have built legendary legacies.

One of the most unforgettable moments came in 1983, when Norwich City beat Manchester United 2‑1 in a dramatic final that still gets replayed on TV. Another classic is the 2008 final, where Portsmouth beat Cardiff City on penalties after a 0‑0 draw—proof that lower‑league clubs can shine on the biggest stage.

From a tactical viewpoint, the FA Cup often forces managers to be bold. You’ll see formations switch mid‑game, goalkeepers become unlikely heroes in penalty shoot‑outs, and bench players get a chance to start. That unpredictable coaching makes every fixture a learning case for aspiring tacticians.

If you want to stay ahead of the curve, sign up for our weekly FA Cup roundup. We’ll send you a concise email with scores, key injuries, and a preview of the next round’s head‑to‑head matchups.

Finally, remember the spirit of the competition: football should be fun, communal, and full of surprises. Whether your team goes all the way or exits in the first round, the FA Cup gives you stories you’ll retell for years. Keep checking back for live updates, post‑match analysis, and fan reactions right here on TrackMaster Motorsports.