zoom_in Click to enlarge

FA Cup

▲ ▼

description FA Cup Overview

The FA Cup, formally the Football Association Challenge Cup, is an English knockout football competition organized by The Football Association. It began in the 1871-72 season, its first final was played in 1872, and the competition is open to eligible clubs from multiple levels of the English football pyramid; teams progress through successive rounds to a final traditionally held at Wembley Stadium. The winner receives the FA Cup trophy.

help FA Cup FAQ

Who won the first FA Cup final?

Wanderers won the first FA Cup final in 1872 by defeating the Royal Engineers 1-0. The match was played at the Kennington Oval in London.

How is the FA Cup different from the Premier League?

The FA Cup is a knockout competition open to eligible clubs from across English football. The Premier League is a 38-match league season in which teams earn points over many fixtures.

Can lower-division clubs play Premier League teams in the FA Cup?

Yes, eligible clubs from lower levels of the English football pyramid can be drawn against Premier League opponents. That structure is why clubs such as Wigan Athletic and Wimbledon have produced famous cup upsets.

Where is the FA Cup final played?

The modern final is traditionally held at Wembley Stadium in London. Wembley hosted its first FA Cup final in 1923, when Bolton Wanderers beat West Ham United.