How does the FA Cup work: your ultimate guide
The FA Cup is one of the most celebrated and historic competitions in football. Known for its thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes, the FA Cup captivates fans worldwide. But how exactly does the FA Cup work? Let's dive into the ultimate guide to understand the intricacies of this prestigious tournament.
| FA Cup Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1871-72 |
| Full Name | The Football Association Challenge Cup |
| Number of Teams | 736 (2022-23) |
| Current Champions | Manchester United (2023-24) |
| Most Titles | Arsenal (14 titles) |
| Most Wins - Top 10 Teams | Arsenal (14), Manchester United (13), Chelsea (8), Tottenham Hotspur (8), Liverpool (7), Aston Villa (7), Manchester City (7), Newcastle United (6), Blackburn Rovers (6), Everton (5) |
| Current Sponsor | Emirates |
| Broadcasting | UK: BBC Sport, ITV Sport; USA: ESPN, ESPN+; Africa: SuperSport |
| Final Venue | Wembley Stadium |
| Prize Fund (2023-24) | £22 million |
Table of Contents
History of the FA Cup
The FA Cup, officially known as The Football Association Challenge Cup, was established in the 1871-72 season. It is the oldest national football competition in the world. The competition was created by Charles W. Alcock, the then Secretary of the FA, who envisioned a "challenge cup" open to all member clubs of the Football Association.
The inaugural tournament featured 15 teams, with Wanderers FC winning the first final against Royal Engineers. Over the years, the FA Cup has grown exponentially, now including hundreds of clubs from across England and even a few from Wales.
Structure of the Competition
1) Preliminary Rounds
The FA Cup begins with the Extra Preliminary Round and Preliminary Round, where clubs from the lower tiers of the English football pyramid compete. These rounds are crucial for smaller clubs, providing a chance to progress and possibly face teams from higher divisions.
2) Qualifying Rounds
Following the preliminary stages, the competition moves into the First Qualifying Round, the Second Qualifying Round, the Third Qualifying Round, and the Fourth Qualifying Round. Clubs from the National League System join at various points during these rounds.
3) First Round Proper
The First Round Proper introduces clubs from League One and League Two, the third and fourth tiers of English football. At this stage, 32 non-league clubs that have progressed through the qualifying rounds join 48 professional clubs.
4) Second Round Proper
The Second Round Proper continues with the 40 winners from the First Round Proper. The competition starts to heat up as clubs vie for a place in the coveted Third Round.
5) Third Round Proper
The Third Round Proper is where the magic of the FA Cup truly begins. 20 Premier League clubs and 24 Championship clubs enter the fray, joining the 20 winners from the Second Round Proper. This stage is famous for its "giant-killings," where lower-league teams often upset top-flight opposition.
6) Fourth Round Proper to Semi-Finals
The competition proceeds through the Fourth Round Proper, Fifth Round Proper (also known as the Round of 16), and Quarter-Finals. Each round follows a knockout format, with drawn matches going to replays. If the replay ends in a draw, the match goes to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout.
7) The Final
The FA Cup Final is held at Wembley Stadium, a historic venue synonymous with football glory. The final is usually played in May and marks the culmination of the English football season. The winner not only lifts the prestigious FA Cup trophy but also earns a place in the UEFA Europa League.
How Teams Qualify
Non-League Teams
Non-league teams enter the FA Cup through the preliminary and qualifying rounds. Their journey starts early in the season, with the first matches often taking place in August. Progressing through these rounds can be grueling, but the reward is a chance to compete against professional clubs.
League Teams
League One and League Two teams enter the competition in the First Round Proper, while Championship and Premier League teams join in the Third Round Proper. This staggered entry helps to maintain competitive balance and adds to the excitement as underdogs get the chance to face higher-tier opponents.
The Role of Replays
Replays are a unique feature of the FA Cup. If a match ends in a draw, the teams play a second match, typically at the away team's ground. Replays have historically added to the competition's charm, providing more opportunities for upsets. However, in recent years, replays have been scrapped for the quarter-finals onwards to reduce fixture congestion.
Financial Impact and Rewards
Prize Money
The FA Cup offers significant financial rewards. For the 2023/24 season, the total prize fund is £22 million. The FA Cup offers significant financial rewards, which have increased substantially over the years. Let's compare the prize money from the 2023/24 season with that from 20 years ago to highlight this growth.
2023/24 Season
For the 2023/24 season, the total prize fund is £22 million. The winners of the final receive £2 million, while the losing team in the final gets a substantial £1 million. Each round offers increasing amounts of prize money, providing vital financial boosts to smaller clubs.
| Round | Winners | Losers |
|---|---|---|
| Extra preliminary round | £1,125 × 208 | £375 × 208 |
| Preliminary round | £1,444 × 136 | £481 × 136 |
| First round qualifying | £2,250 × 112 | £750 × 112 |
| Second round qualifying | £3,375 × 80 | £1,125 × 80 |
| Third round qualifying | £5,625 × 40 | £1,875 × 40 |
| Fourth round qualifying | £9,375 × 32 | £3,125 × 32 |
| First round proper | £41,000 × 40 | |
| Second round proper | £67,000 × 20 | |
| Third round proper | £105,000 × 32 | |
| Fourth round proper | £120,000 × 16 | |
| Fifth round proper | £225,000 × 8 | |
| Quarter-final | £450,000 × 4 | |
| Semi-final | £1,000,000 × 2 | £500,000 × 2 |
| Final | £2,000,000 × 1 (Winners) | £1,000,000 × 1 (Runners-up) |
2003/04 Season
In comparison, in the 2003/04 season, the total prize fund was significantly lower. The winners of the final received £1 million, while the losing team in the final got £500,000. The prize money for each round was also much lower compared to today's figures.
Comparison
Over the past 20 years, the prize fund for the FA Cup has increased significantly:
- Total Prize Fund: From £10 million in 2003/04 to £22 million in 2023/24.
- Winner's Prize: From £1 million in 2003/04 to £2 million in 2023/24.
- Runner-Up's Prize: From £500,000 in 2003/04 to £1 million in 2023/24.
This substantial increase in prize money highlights the growing importance and financial impact of the FA Cup, providing even more incentives for clubs to perform well in this historic competition. This growth has been vital in supporting smaller clubs financially.
Broadcast and Sponsorship
Broadcast rights for the FA Cup are highly lucrative, with matches shown live on BBC Sport and ITV Sport in the UK; ESPN and ESPN+ in the USA; and SuperSport in Africa. Sponsorship deals, such as the current partnership with Emirates, further enhance the competition's financial appeal.
Famous Upsets and Giant-Killings
The FA Cup is renowned for its "giant-killings," where lower-league teams defeat top-tier opponents. Some of the most famous upsets include Hereford United defeating Newcastle United in 1972, and Wrexham beating Arsenal in 1992. These surprises add to the magic of the FA Cup and are a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of the competition.
Famous FA Cup Upsets
The FA Cup is renowned for its dramatic "giant-killings," where lower-league teams triumph over top-tier clubs. Here are some of the most famous FA Cup upsets that have left an indelible mark on the competition's history:
Hereford United vs. Newcastle United (1972)
In one of the most iconic FA Cup moments, Southern League side Hereford United defeated First Division giants Newcastle United 2-1 in a replay. Ronnie Radford's stunning long-range goal and Ricky George's extra-time winner secured the memorable victory for Hereford.
Sunderland vs. Leeds United (1973)
Second Division Sunderland shocked the football world by defeating the mighty Leeds United 1-0 in the 1973 FA Cup Final. Ian Porterfield's goal and Jim Montgomery's legendary double save ensured Sunderland's historic triumph at Wembley.
Wimbledon vs. Liverpool (1988)
The "Crazy Gang" of Wimbledon stunned Liverpool with a 1-0 victory in the 1988 FA Cup Final. Lawrie Sanchez scored the decisive goal, and Dave Beasant became the first goalkeeper to save a penalty in an FA Cup Final, thwarting John Aldridge's effort.
Wrexham vs. Arsenal (1992)
Fourth Division side Wrexham pulled off a remarkable upset by defeating reigning First Division champions Arsenal 2-1 in the Third Round. Late goals from Mickey Thomas and Steve Watkin secured a famous victory for Wrexham at the Racecourse Ground.
Shrewsbury Town vs. Everton (2003)
Third Division Shrewsbury Town caused a major shock by beating Premier League Everton 2-1 in the Third Round. Nigel Jemson scored both goals for Shrewsbury, including a dramatic late winner.
Bradford City vs. Chelsea (2015)
League One side Bradford City staged an incredible comeback to defeat Premier League Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge in the Fourth Round. Despite being 2-0 down, Bradford scored four unanswered goals to complete one of the greatest FA Cup upsets.
Lincoln City vs. Burnley (2017)
National League side Lincoln City made history by becoming the first non-league team in over a century to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals. They defeated Premier League Burnley 1-0 in the Fifth Round, with Sean Raggett scoring the decisive goal.
Wigan Athletic vs. Manchester City (2018)
League One Wigan Athletic stunned Premier League leaders Manchester City with a 1-0 victory in the Fifth Round. Will Grigg's late goal sent Wigan through and ended City's hopes of a quadruple.
Oldham Athletic vs. Liverpool (2013)
League One side Oldham Athletic defeated Premier League Liverpool 3-2 in the Fourth Round. Matt Smith's brace and Reece Wabara's goal ensured a famous victory for Oldham at Boundary Park.
These unforgettable matches epitomize the magic of the FA Cup, where underdogs can defy the odds and create lasting memories for their fans.
Future of the FA Cup
The FA Cup continues to evolve, adapting to changes in the football landscape while maintaining its rich traditions. Initiatives to increase fan engagement, enhance matchday experiences, and leverage digital platforms are part of the FA's strategy to keep the competition relevant and exciting.
Despite top teams experiencing massive fixture congestion often prioritising the Premier League or Europe fixtures ahead of lesser competitions Premier League teams continue to prioritise the FA Cup due to it's route into lucrative European football for the winners.
Recent FA Cup Winners
- 2023: Manchester City
- 2022: Liverpool
- 2021: Leicester City
- 2020: Arsenal
- 2019: Manchester City
- 2018: Chelsea
- 2017: Arsenal
- 2016: Manchester United
- 2015: Arsenal
- 2014: Arsenal
- 2013: Wigan Athletic
FA Cup Winners List
| Team | Wins |
|---|---|
| Arsenal | 14 |
| Manchester United | 13 |
| Chelsea | 8 |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 8 |
| Liverpool | 8 |
| Aston Villa | 7 |
| Manchester City | 7 |
| Newcastle United | 6 |
| Blackburn Rovers | 6 |
| Everton | 5 |
| West Bromwich Albion | 5 |
| Wanderers | 5 |
| Wolverhampton Wanderers | 4 |
| Bolton Wanderers | 4 |
| Sheffield United | 4 |
| Sheffield Wednesday | 3 |
| Nottingham Forest | 2 |
| Old Etonians | 2 |
| Preston North End | 2 |
| Portsmouth | 2 |
| Sunderland | 2 |
| Bury | 2 |
| West Ham United | 3 |
| Huddersfield Town | 1 |
| Oxford University | 1 |
| Royal Engineers | 1 |
| Derby County | 1 |
| Clapham Rovers | 1 |
| Ipswich Town | 1 |
| Southampton | 1 |
| Barnsley | 1 |
| Charlton Athletic | 1 |
| Cardiff City | 1 |
| Blackpool | 1 |
| Burnley | 1 |
| Bradford City | 1 |
| Coventry City | 1 |
| Oxford United | 1 |
| Wimbledon | 1 |
| Wigan Athletic | 1 |
Conclusion
The FA Cup is more than just a football tournament; it is a celebration of the sport's history, passion, and unpredictability. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a globally recognized competition, the FA Cup continues to captivate fans and create unforgettable memories. Whether you're a lifelong supporter or new to football, the FA Cup offers something for everyone.
For more detailed information, historical data, and updates, be sure to check out the official FA Cup website and our FA Cup page.
This comprehensive guide aims to answer the question, "How does the FA Cup work?" and provide you with all the information you need to appreciate this iconic competition. From its structure and history to memorable moments and financial impact, the FA Cup remains a cornerstone of English football.
FAQs
How do the FA Cup stages work?
The FA Cup starts with preliminary and qualifying rounds, followed by the First Round Proper, which includes teams from League One and League Two. Higher-tier teams from the Championship and Premier League join in the Third Round Proper. The competition progresses through knockout rounds to the final at Wembley Stadium.
Does the FA Cup winner qualify for Europe?
Yes, the FA Cup winner qualifies for the UEFA Europa League. If the winner has already qualified for European competition through their league position, the spot goes to the next eligible team in the Premier League.
How many rounds does the FA Cup have?
The FA Cup consists of 14 rounds: 6 preliminary and qualifying rounds, followed by 8 rounds in the main competition, including the final.
What is the FA Cup?
The FA Cup, or the Football Association Challenge Cup, is the oldest national football competition, established in the 1871-72 season. It features clubs from across the English football pyramid, providing thrilling knockout matches and a chance for lower-tier teams to compete against top-tier clubs.
Who won the FA Cup 2023?
The winner of the FA Cup in 2023 was Manchester City.
What does FA Cup stand for?
FA Cup stands for the Football Association Challenge Cup.
When is the FA Cup final?
The FA Cup final is typically held in May at Wembley Stadium, marking the end of the English football season.
What are FA Cup replays?
FA Cup replays occur when a match ends in a draw. The teams play a second match to determine the winner. If the replay is also drawn, the match goes to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout. Replays are used up until the quarter-finals.
How many teams are in the FA Cup?
The FA Cup features 736 teams (as of the 2019-20 season), including clubs from various levels of the English football pyramid.
How to qualify for the FA Cup?
Non-league teams start in the preliminary and qualifying rounds. Teams from League One and League Two join in the First Round Proper, while Championship and Premier League teams enter at the Third Round Proper.
How does the FA Cup draw work?
The FA Cup draw is random and takes place before each round. Teams are drawn against each other without seeding, meaning any team can face another, regardless of their league position.
Who competes in the FA Cup?
Teams from across the English football pyramid compete in the FA Cup, including amateur, semi-professional, and professional clubs. This includes teams from the National League System up to the Premier League.
What is the difference between FA Cup and Carabao Cup?
The FA Cup is the oldest national football competition and includes a wide range of clubs from different tiers. The Carabao Cup, also known as the EFL Cup, involves only the 92 clubs from the top four tiers of English football (Premier League and EFL). The format and prize funds also differ between the two competitions.