FA Cup
The oldest national football competition in the world.
The FA Cup is an annual knockout football competition in domestic English football, first played during the 1871–72 season. It is the oldest national football competition in the world, organised by the Football Association.
Quick Facts
- Total titles won
- 14
- First final victory
- 1930
- Most recent final victory
- 2020
Lore & Background
Arsenal are the most successful club with fourteen titles, most recently in 2020. Their former manager Arsène Wenger holds the record for most tournament wins, having secured seven titles. Manchester City are the current holders, having defeated Chelsea 1–0 in the 2026 final.
Reader's Guide
The competition is open to all eligible clubs down to level 9 of the English football league system, with level 10 clubs acting as stand-ins. The first six rounds are the Qualifying Competition, contested by non-League clubs. The 20 Premier League and 24 Championship clubs enter in the third round proper.
Did You Know?
- Only one non-League team has ever reached the quarter-finals in the modern era.
- Teams below Level 2 have never reached the final.
- The most replayed tie was between Alvechurch and Oxford City in 1971–72, going to 6 matches.
More in Honours & Records
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