The stage is set for the 2026 FA Cup final, with Chelsea and Manchester City facing off at Wembley on May 16.
Both sides are among the most successful in the history of the world’s oldest cup competition, now in its 145th season.
But who are the ultimate FA Cup club? Let’s find out…
Which Club Has Won the Most FA Cups?
Arsenal have won the FA Cup more times than any other club, lifting the famous trophy on 14 occasions. The Gunners first tasted glory in 1930 and triumphed most recently in 2020.
Following them on 13 FA Cups are Manchester United – the only other side to have got their hands on the trophy 10 or more times.
Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham are the next most successful FA Cup clubs with eight victories apiece, followed by Man City and Aston Villa (seven), and Newcastle and Blackburn Rovers (six).
Club | FA Cup Wins | Most Recent Win |
Arsenal | 14 | 2020 |
Man United | 13 | 2024 |
Chelsea | 8 | 2022 |
Liverpool | 8 | 2018 |
Spurs | 8 | 1991 |
Aston Villa | 7 | 1957 |
Man City | 7 | 2023 |
Blackburn | 6 | 1928 |
Newcastle | 6 | 1955 |
Everton | 5 | 1995 |
Wanderers | 5 | 1878 |
West Brom | 5 | 1968 |
Who Won the First FA Cup?
The first FA Cup final took place way back in 1872, with Wanderers beating Royal Engineers 1-0 at the Kennington Oval – nowadays much better known as an international cricket ground.
Morton Betts scored the only goal of the game as Wanderers – so named for their nomadic existence – won the trophy which they’d go on to retain the following year, then lift three more times in succession between 1876 and 1878.
Wanderers folded in 1887, yet still only nine clubs have won more FA Cups than them. They are also one of just two clubs to have a 100% record having played in multiple FA Cup finals, along with Bury.
Which Club Has Played in the Most FA Cup Finals?
Man United edge Arsenal for the most FA Cup final appearances, having played in 22 FA Cup finals to the Gunners’ 21.
United have also been FA Cup runners-up on the most occasions (nine), followed by Chelsea and Everton (eight).
Only three clubs have appeared in multiple FA Cup finals without ever winning the competition: Birmingham City, Watford and Queen’s Park (the only Scottish side to play in the English FA Cup final) have all lost two finals out of two.
