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, organized by the Football Association.
Quick Facts
- Total wins
- 8
- First victory
- 1970
- Most recent victory
- 2018
- Record finalist
- Yes (tied with Arsenal)
- Notable comeback
- 1970 vs Leeds United
Lore & Background
Arsenal are the most successful club with fourteen titles, most recently in 2020. Manchester City are the current holders, having defeated Chelsea 1–0 in the 2026 final. Arsène Wenger holds the record for most tournament wins with seven titles.
Reader's Guide
The competition is open to eligible clubs down to level 9 of the English football league system, with level 10 clubs as stand-ins. The tournament consists of 12 randomly drawn rounds, semi-finals, and a final. Winners qualify for the UEFA Europa League and the FA Community Shield.
Did You Know?
- A record 763 clubs competed in the 2011–12 season.
- Only one non-League team has ever reached the quarter-finals in the modern era.
- The current FA Cup trophy is a 2014 replica of the second design, introduced in 1911.
More in Honours & Records
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