What Is the FA Cup? History, Format and Why It Matters in English Football

Few competitions in world sport carry the weight of history that surrounds the FA Cup. Established in 1871, the Football Association Challenge Cup is the oldest national football competition in existence and one of the defining traditions of the English game.

What began as a small tournament designed to promote the newly organised sport of football has grown into a competition followed around the world. Yet its central appeal has remained remarkably consistent: the chance for teams from every level of the game to compete for the same trophy.

The Football Association (FA) Challenge Cup is a symbol of passion, perseverance and the opportunity to watch English football played out at its best. It carries more than silverware; it carries the stories of clubs, players and communities who have experienced the unique drama of knockout football. From its earliest days to the present, the FA Cup has remained one of the most recognisable competitions in the global game.

• The FA Cup was founded in 1871 and first played during the 1871–72 season, making it the oldest national football competition in the world. (The Football Association)

• 15 teams entered the first FA Cup, although three withdrew before the competition began, leaving 12 clubs competing in the inaugural tournament. (The Football Association historical records)

• Wanderers FC won the first FA Cup in 1872, defeating the Royal Engineers 1–0 at the Kennington Oval in London. (FA Cup Archive)

• The modern FA Cup includes more than 700 clubs from across the English football pyramid, from amateur and non-league sides to the Premier League. (The Football Association)

• The competition features 12 rounds, including six qualifying rounds and six proper rounds, followed by the semi-finals and final. (The FA Competition Rules)

• Arsenal hold the record for the most FA Cup victories with 14 titles. (FA Cup Records / The Football Association)

• Manchester United have appeared in the most FA Cup finals (21 appearances) in the competition’s history. (FA Cup Historical Statistics)

• The largest winning margin in FA Cup history was 26–0, when Preston North End defeated Hyde in 1887. (English Football Historical Records)

• The FA Cup Final is played at Wembley Stadium, which has a capacity of 90,000 spectators. (Wembley Stadium / The Football Association)

• The FA Cup is broadcast in over 100 countries worldwide, making it one of the most widely viewed domestic cup competitions in football. (The Football Association Media Data)

• The FA distributes millions of pounds in prize money each season, with funds shared across clubs from the preliminary rounds through to the final. (The FA Prize Fund Reports)

The Origins of the FA Cup

The FA Cup was inaugurated by Charles W. Alcock in 1871. At the time, football was still establishing itself as an organised sport. The rules had only recently been formalised, and the game was spreading rapidly through schools, clubs and communities across England.

Alcock saw the opportunity to use a national competition to help the sport grow. The FA Cup would provide a structured way for teams to compete, but it would also promote the game more widely.

The first FA Cup was a modest affair by modern standards. Fifteen teams entered the competition, although three withdrew before the tournament began. A total of thirteen matches were played before Wanderers FC lifted the trophy as the first winners of the competition.

Even in those early days, the knockout format created excitement. Every match carried the weight of elimination. A single result could end a team’s journey or propel them closer to the final.

From those beginnings, the FA Cup gradually expanded alongside the growth of football itself. As clubs formed and leagues developed, the tournament evolved into a national event that attracted attention far beyond the teams involved.

Moments That Defined the Competition

Part of the FA Cup’s enduring appeal lies in the moments it has produced. Knockout football has a way of concentrating tension, and the FA Cup has repeatedly delivered matches that remain embedded in football history.

One of the most famous came in the 1979 FA Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester United. For most of the match, Arsenal appeared to be in control. With the score at 2–0 late in the game, victory seemed secure. Manchester United then scored twice in quick succession to equalise, transforming the closing moments of the match. Just as extra time seemed inevitable, Alan Sunderland scored in the final seconds to restore Arsenal’s lead and win the Cup.

The dramatic ending earned the match its nickname: the “Five Minute Final.”

Another unforgettable moment arrived in 1991 when Tottenham Hotspur faced Arsenal in the semi-final. Paul Gascoigne stepped forward to take a free-kick from around thirty-five yards. His powerful strike flew into the net, sending Tottenham into the final and reinforcing Gascoigne’s reputation as one of the most talented players of his generation.

Matches like these help explain why the FA Cup continues to resonate with supporters. The competition repeatedly produces stories that extend beyond the ninety minutes of play.

How the FA Cup Works

More than a century after its creation, the FA Cup remains the primary domestic cup competition in English football. 

Each year, nearly 750 teams take part in the competition. These teams come from across the English football pyramid, ranging from Premier League clubs at the top to non-league teams playing several levels below the professional divisions.

The structure of the tournament is designed to accommodate this wide range of clubs. The FA Cup consists of twelve rounds followed by a semi-final and a final. The first six rounds act as qualifying stages, primarily involving non-league clubs. These qualifying rounds begin in August and gradually reduce the number of teams progressing into the main competition.

The next six rounds are known as the “proper” rounds.

The first round proper typically begins in November and involves 124 teams. At this stage, clubs from League One and League Two join the surviving teams from the qualifying rounds. The second round follows without new entrants.

The third round, which begins in January, is often seen as the moment the competition truly comes alive. This is when Premier League and Championship clubs enter the tournament. Suddenly, teams from the top levels of English football are drawn against lower-league opponents who have already fought their way through several rounds.

One of the defining features of the FA Cup is that matches are drawn at random. There is no seeding system. As a result, a Premier League club might find itself facing a non-league side in the early stages of the tournament.

Since the 2024–2025 season, replays have been removed from the competition from the first round proper onwards. Previously, drawn matches were replayed at the opposing team’s stadium. The change was introduced partly because of the increasing number of fixtures created by domestic and European competitions.

Clashes Across the Football Pyramid

One of the defining features of the FA Cup is the way it brings together clubs from very different levels of the football pyramid.

Because the competition is open to teams ranging from the Premier League to semi-professional and non-league sides, it regularly creates match-ups that would rarely occur in league football. A top-flight club might find itself travelling to a small stadium with only a few thousand supporters, facing a team that operates on a fraction of its budget.

These encounters create a unique dynamic. The higher-ranked team carries the expectation of victory, while the lower-league side has the opportunity to test itself against opponents it would normally never face in competitive play.

Occasionally, the outcome does not follow the expected script. When a smaller club defeats a team from a higher division, the result can become a defining moment in that club’s history. Victories like these often bring national attention, new supporters and a place in the long narrative of the competition.

The Women’s FA Cup

The influence of the FA Cup is not limited to the men’s game. The Women’s FA Cup was established in 1970 and follows a similar knockout format.

The competition progresses through several rounds before reaching a semi-final and final. Over the years, it has played an important role in raising the visibility of women’s football in England.

As the women’s game continues to grow, the tournament has become an increasingly important fixture in the football calendar.

The FA Cup and the League Cup

English football also hosts another domestic cup competition: the English Football League Cup.While both tournaments involve knockout football, there are key differences between them.

The FA Cup is open to a much wider range of clubs, including teams from the Premier League down to level nine of the English football pyramid. In contrast, the League Cup is limited to the ninety-two clubs that make up the Premier League and the English Football League.

The League Cup consists of seven rounds, with Premier League teams joining in the second round. Clubs involved in European competitions may enter later through byes.

Prize money also differs significantly between the competitions. FA Cup winners receive around £2 million, while League Cup winners receive approximately £100,000.

These differences reflect the relative prestige of the two tournaments. The FA Cup’s long history and broad participation give it a unique place within English football.

What Happens if You Win the FA Cup?

Winning the FA Cup brings both financial rewards and competitive advantages.

Clubs receive prize money at every stage of the competition, with the amount increasing as they progress through the rounds. By the later stages of the tournament, the financial incentives become substantial. 

The winners of the FA Cup also qualify automatically for the league phase of the UEFA Europa League. This can provide a valuable route into European competition for clubs that finish outside the qualifying positions in the Premier League.

A clear example came in 2024 when Manchester United finished eighth in the league but won the FA Cup final. The victory secured them a place in the Europa League that they would not have achieved through their league position alone.

Yet for many players and supporters, the greatest reward remains the trophy itself. Lifting the FA Cup places a club alongside generations of previous winners and connects them to the long history of the competition.

Why the FA Cup Still Matters

Over more than 150 years, the FA Cup has witnessed the transformation of football from a developing sport into a global industry followed by billions of supporters.

Despite these changes, the competition still reflects many of the values that shaped the early game. It brings together clubs from across the football pyramid and gives each of them the opportunity to compete on the same stage.

Participation in the tournament can also provide practical benefits for smaller clubs. Even reaching the early rounds can bring prize money and match fees that help support club finances. A favourable draw against a Premier League opponent can generate significant income through ticket sales and television coverage.

For local communities, these matches often become major events. Supporters gather around their clubs, local businesses benefit from increased activity, and the entire community shares in the excitement of the occasion.

The FA Cup therefore operates as more than just a football competition. It acts as a connection between the professional game and grassroots football, linking clubs, supporters and communities across the country.

A Competition That Reflects English Football

The FA Cup captures something fundamental about English football culture. It combines tradition, unpredictability and a deep sense of history.

Clubs enter the tournament knowing that every match could shape their season. A lower-league side might produce a giant-killing upset. A famous club might add another chapter to its history. A player might create a moment that lives on in football memory.

More than a century after its creation, the FA Cup continues to represent the spirit of the game: competition open to all, decided on the pitch, and capable of producing stories that endure far beyond the final whistle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the FA Cup?
The FA Cup was created in 1871 to promote organised football and provide a structured national competition for clubs. It allows teams from across the English football pyramid to compete for the same trophy, helping grow the sport while encouraging competition and camaraderie among clubs.

Does winning the FA Cup qualify for the Champions League?
No. Winning the FA Cup qualifies the club for the league phase of the UEFA Europa League, not the UEFA Champions League.

What’s the difference between the League Cup and FA Cup?
The FA Cup is open to nearly 750 clubs from across the English football pyramid, including non-league teams. The League Cup is limited to the 92 clubs in the Premier League and English Football League and has fewer rounds.

How many teams are in the FA Cup?
Around 750 teams participate in the FA Cup each year, ranging from Premier League clubs to non-league teams from lower levels of the English football pyramid.

Who qualifies for the FA Cup?
Clubs from across the English football pyramid can qualify, including Premier League, English Football League and eligible non-league teams down to level nine. These teams enter at different stages depending on their league level.