Did you know that the FA Cup is the oldest national football competition in the world? The first season was played all the way back in 1871, organised by The Football Association in England.
In 2026, this prestigious competition remains incredibly popular among football fans in the UK and around the world. It is a straight knockout tournament where most matches are decided in a single leg. For a long time, drawn matches would go to a replay, but in recent years, including the 2025/26 season, ties go straight to extra time and penalties if necessary.
How the FA Cup Works
The sheer number of participants confirms just how big this tournament is. Each season, over 700 clubs are eligible to take part, including every team from the Premier League and English Football League, alongside hundreds of semi-pro and amateur teams. This unique structure, where anyone can compete, is what creates the "magic of the cup."
The competition begins with extra preliminary rounds for non-league clubs. The tournament progresses through the qualifying rounds before the First Round Proper, which is when teams from League One and League Two join the FA Cup draw. The Premier League and Championship clubs enter in the famous Third Round. From there, it is a straight knockout through the fourth and fifth rounds, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final at Wembley Stadium.
As of 2026, Arsenal holds the most FA Cup titles with 14, followed by Manchester United with 13. In the 2025/26 season, the quarter-final clash between Manchester City and Liverpool is one of the most interesting ties, while Port Vale's surprise run sees them take on Chelsea.
Follow the Action with LiveScore
At LiveScore, you can follow all the FA Cup fixtures from the early rounds to the final. Before the matches begin, our detailed statistics, including head-to-head records and recent form, can help you predict the outcomes. During the games, our live commentary covers every essential moment.
If you miss the action, our FA Cup results page is there to help. We provide video highlights for each fixture shortly after the game, allowing you to see if the final score truly reflected what happened on the pitch.
Frequently Asked Questions on the FA Cup
When does the FA Cup 2025/26 end?
This year, the final will be played on May 16th, 2026, at Wembley Stadium. The semi-final dates are planned for late April but can depend on the international commitments of the participating clubs.
Who is the all-time top scorer in the FA Cup?
Ian Rush is the leading goalscorer in the history of the FA Cup with 41 goals. While modern-era players like Sergio Aguero and Wayne Rooney have scored over 20 goals each, Rush's long-standing record will be hard to beat.
See our pages on players stats and team stats for this season's FA Cup campaign.
