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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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FA Cup

The FA Cup, officially the Football Association Challenge Cup, is an annual knockout football competition organised by The Football Association in England.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The FA Cup, officially the Football Association Challenge Cup, is an annual knockout football competition organised by The Football Association in England. Founded in 1871, it is widely regarded as the oldest national football competition in the world and is known for its open format and potential for lower-division clubs to upset top-tier teams.

History

The FA Cup was established in 1871 by The Football Association and began with the 1871–72 season. It has been interrupted only during the world wars and has remained one of the most enduring competitions in English football.

Format

The competition uses a single-elimination knockout structure. Clubs from multiple tiers of English football can enter if eligible, which creates a large and mixed field of participants.

Significance

The FA Cup is considered one of the most prestigious domestic tournaments in England. Its open entry system and single-match ties have helped create a long tradition of smaller clubs eliminating much larger opponents.

Final stage

In modern practice, the semi-finals and final are staged at Wembley Stadium in London. The trophy is awarded to the winner of the final, which is usually played at the end of the English domestic season.

Key facts

  • It is England’s main domestic cup competition and is open to a wide range of eligible clubs.
  • The competition began in 1871 and is generally described as the world’s oldest national football competition.
  • Its knockout format has long made it notable for surprise results between clubs from different divisions.
  • The first final was played in 1872, with Wanderers winning the inaugural title.
  • The tournament is closely associated with Wembley Stadium, which hosts the semi-finals and final in modern editions.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may know the FA Cup because English football is widely followed in Canada, and Canadian broadcasters and clubs with English ties have often attracted interest in the competition.

Frequently asked questions

What is the FA Cup?
The FA Cup is England’s main domestic knockout football cup competition, organised by The Football Association.
Why is the FA Cup famous?
It is famous for being very old, open to many clubs, and producing frequent upset victories by lower-division teams.
When was the FA Cup founded?
It was founded in 1871, with the first season played in 1871–72.
Who won the first FA Cup?
Wanderers won the inaugural FA Cup final in 1872.
Where is the final usually played?
The final is usually played at Wembley Stadium in London.

References

  1. tpnpn.com — https://www.tpnpn.com/archives/23154
    Supports: States that the FA Cup began in 1871, is a long-running English knockout competition, and identifies Wanderers as the first winners.
  2. Baidu Baike — https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E8%8B%B1%E6%A0%BC%E5%85%B0%E8%B6%B3%E6%80%BB%E6%9D%AF/3054440
    Supports: Describes the FA Cup as the Football Association Challenge Cup, a men’s knockout competition organised by The Football Association and founded in 1871.
  3. 163.com — https://www.163.com/dy/article/HQFAKQ4J0553W7Y4.html
    Supports: Explains the knockout format, lack of seeding, mixed-division entry, and Wembley staging of the semi-finals and final.
  4. Wiki-style encyclopedia — https://www.baike.com/wiki/%E8%8B%B1%E6%A0%BC%E8%98%AD%E8%B6%B3%E7%B8%BD%E7%9B%83
    Supports: Provides the official name, common name, and the competition’s status as England’s long-running national cup.