FA Cup Results: FA Cup Standings 2025/2026

The FA Cup is the oldest national football competition in the world, officially known as the Football Association Challenge Cup, and was established in 1871. The FA Cup features a knockout format, allowing clubs from various tiers of English football to compete, leading to unexpected outcomes and "giant-killing" matches where lower-league teams defeat top-tier clubs.

Betting on the FA Cup teams is popular due to its unpredictable nature and diverse FA Cup games. The tournament's structure results in surprising FA Cup results, providing bettors with opportunities to capitalize on favorable odds. Including teams from different levels adds complexity to betting strategies, making it an engaging competition for enthusiasts.

The FA Cup table and FA Cup standings are crucial for bettors and fans alike. They offer insights into team progressions, match outcomes, and potential future fixtures. Analyzing these tables allows one to assess team form, understand matchups, and make informed betting decisions. Tracking FA Cup results helps identify trends and evaluate team performances throughout the tournament.

Manchester United emerged as champions in the 2023/24 FA Cup, defeating Manchester City 2-1 in the final. The standout player, considered the MVP, was Kobbie Mainoo, who delivered a remarkable performance in the midfield, contributing significantly to United's victory.

Teams are considered favorites to win the competition as the 2024/25 FA Cup season progresses. Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool are among the top contenders, given their strong squads and recent performances. However, the FA Cup's history of upsets means that lower-league teams make deep runs, adding to the tournament's allure.

The FA Cup begins with a qualification phase involving numerous clubs from the lower tiers of English football. The main tournament is comprised of approximately 640 teams that compete in preliminary rounds. Thirty-two teams advance from these qualifiers to join the 92 clubs in the Premier League and English Football League in the First Round Proper, totaling 124 teams in the main draw. The extensive participation underscores the FA Cup's inclusivity and the vast number of FA Cup games played each season.

FA Cup Standings Table - 2025/2026 Season

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How to Understand the FA Cup Standings Table?

To understand the FA Cup Standings Table, grasp the FA Cup's unique structure and historical significance in English football. The Football Association Challenge Cup (FA Cup) is the oldest national football competition in the world, established in 1871, bringing together teams from all levels of English football in a knockout-style format. The FA Cup is a single-elimination knockout tournament, unlike the Premier League, which follows a league table system, where teams are removed from the competition after each loss, creating a high-stakes environment for all participants.

The FA Cup Standings or fixtures table provides information on the participating teams, organized round by round, beginning from the First Round and moving through the Second, Third, and Fourth Rounds, followed by the Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals, and Final. Each row in the table includes FA Cup Results for individual matchups, detailing the competing teams, final scorelines, and whether a match went into extra time or penalties. Progression details show which teams advanced and which were eliminated, giving fans and bettors a clear view of the competition's flow and current top contenders.

The FA Cup is famous for its inclusivity and unpredictable outcomes, allowing clubs from major and minor leagues to participate, leading to "giant killings," where smaller teams eliminate top-tier clubs. The unpredictable nature has made the FA Cup a favorite for betting enthusiasts, offering diverse wagering options due to the varying matchups and the potential for unexpected outcomes.

The FA Cup rewards prestige and financial gain in terms of monetary value. Top teams, including Arsenal (the club with the most FA Cup titles), Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool, are seen as favorites. The current champion as of the latest season is Manchester City, a powerhouse in both the FA Cup and the Premier League. The tournament winner qualifies for the UEFA Europa League, adding a European dimension to its significance.

Updates to the FA Cup standings table occur after each round concludes, so match results and progressions are refreshed following each game or series of games in a particular round rather than after every match. It means that fans expect updates to the FA Cup standings at the end of each matchday when a full round's fixtures are completed.

The FA Cup standings table is more than just a chart. It is a roadmap of one of football’s most celebrated tournaments. Following the FA Cup results offers insight into each team's form, potential upsets, and standout performers for fans interested in betting, adding excitement to every fixture in the world’s oldest and most celebrated domestic cup competition.

How Important is the FA Cup Results Table for Betting?

The FA Cup Results Table for Betting is important because it provides critical insights into team performance, progression, and potential upsets. Each result changes betting odds in the FA Cup, where teams compete in a knockout format. The table allows bettors to track which clubs advance, offering a snapshot of teams' current form. The table's unique features, such as elimination data and progression, allow bettors to make informed decisions by observing how teams perform under high-pressure situations.

The FA Cup standings and progression affect betting decisions when assessing FA Cup odds for each round. The FA Cup's single-elimination format places immense pressure on every match, affecting odds based on recent results, unlike league formats, where consistency is paramount. Teams that advance past challenging fixtures see improved odds, while high-ranked teams facing lower-tier clubs offer unique betting angles if past results indicate the potential for "giant killings." Bettors leverage these standings to evaluate clubs’ recent performances, such as whether they have won by narrow margins or faced weaker opponents, which affect their probability of further progression.

Attributes like current form, goal differentials, and match outcomes are essential when analyzing the FA Cup standings table. Observing current form reveals trends, such as a team consistently winning away games, which are critical for betting on future matches. Goal differentials give insights into a team's offensive and defensive strengths, which affect spread betting or correct score predictions. Match outcomes like penalty victories or extra-time wins indicate a team's resilience, making them stronger candidates in later, high-stakes rounds.

The FA Cup Results Table is an essential tool for bettors seeking an edge in FA Cup betting. The best way to interpret FA Cup odds and make strategic decisions is to understand each team's standing, form, and path to advancement.

How are Teams Ranked for Positions in the FA Cup Table?

The teams ranked for positions in the FA Cup Table are organized by progression through each round rather than by points, as the FA Cup is a knockout tournament rather than a traditional league competition. Advancement in the FA Cup relies entirely on winning each match, unlike the league, where teams accumulate points throughout the season. A team either progresses to the next round with a win or is eliminated from the tournament upon loss, with FA Cup results determining each team’s standing.

Tie-in points are irrelevant in the FA Cup since there is no need for point-based rankings. Each round’s outcome dictates which teams advance, from the First Round to the Final. For instance, it is resolved through extra time or penalties to ensure a winner is declared, a rule typical in knockout-style tournaments if a match ends in a draw. The FA Cup standings reflect the format by listing teams based on rounds rather than by points or goal differentials, emphasizing the unique progression-oriented structure of the competition.

The FA Cup’s structure allows for a distinct ranking style similar to the Carabao Cup, which operates as a knockout tournament. The approach influences betting as teams’ standings fluctuate greatly between rounds, depending solely on recent performances rather than season-long consistency. It becomes crucial to consider each round’s results in the FA Cup standings for bettors, as it provides the most immediate reflection of a team’s form and prospects for advancing further.

The FA Cup Table ranks teams based on their ability to win matches, with each fixture as a decisive step in their tournament journey. The format means that every FA Cup result is critical, as it either propels a team forward or ends their campaign, creating a dynamic and unpredictable competition where only match victories matter.

What Factors Impact the Final Decision for Tiebreakers in the FA Cup Games?

The Factors that Impact the Final Decision for Tiebreakers in the FA Cup Games are listed below.

Replay Matches (up to Fourth Round Proper): A replay match is scheduled if a game in the first four rounds ends in a draw after regular time. The second game is played at the away team's venue to provide another opportunity for one team to secure victory outright. Further tiebreakers are applied if the replayed game ends in a tie.
Extra Time (Fifth Round Proper Onwards): A game proceeds directly into extra time if teams are tied at the end of regular time after the fifth round. The period includes two 15-minute halves, allowing each team a final chance to break the tie. Extra time introduces an added layer of pressure, as any goal scored is crucial to securing advancement.
Penalty Shootouts: A penalty shootout determines the winner if the tie remains unresolved after extra time. Each team takes five penalty shots, with the highest-scoring team winning. The shootout continues to sudden death until one team scores while the other misses if the teams remain tied after five shots each.

The Factors that Impact the Final Decision for Tiebreakers in the FA Cup Games are listed below.

Replay Matches (up to Fourth Round Proper): A replay match is scheduled if a game in the first four rounds ends in a draw after regular time. The second game is played at the away team's venue to provide another opportunity for one team to secure victory outright. Further tiebreakers are applied if the replayed game ends in a tie.
Extra Time (Fifth Round Proper Onwards): A game proceeds directly into extra time if teams are tied at the end of regular time after the fifth round. The period includes two 15-minute halves, allowing each team a final chance to break the tie. Extra time introduces an added layer of pressure, as any goal scored is crucial to securing advancement.
Penalty Shootouts: A penalty shootout determines the winner if the tie remains unresolved after extra time. Each team takes five penalty shots, with the highest-scoring team winning. The shootout continues to sudden death until one team scores while the other misses if the teams remain tied after five shots each.

What are the Factors that Influence FA Cup Standings?

The Factors that Influence FA Cup Standings are listed below.

Player Performances: Individual player performances greatly impact a team’s success in the FA Cup. Key players who perform under pressure, score crucial goals, or defend strongly make a significant difference in knockout matches. Exceptional performances from star players lead to match-winning moments that determine advancement.
Injuries: Injuries to key players disrupt team dynamics and weaken performance. Teams must adjust their tactics or rely on less experienced substitutes, which affect their chances in high-stakes knockout rounds. The timing and severity of injuries drastically influence a team’s ability to compete effectively.
Strategy and Tactical Decisions: Coaches' strategies and tactical decisions are pivotal in FA Cup matches, where one-off games require precise planning. Decisions such as defensive formations, pressing tactics, and substitutions shape the outcome. Managers adjust strategies based on the strengths and weaknesses of the opponent, making tactical acumen essential for progressing in the tournament.
Scheduling: FA Cup matches are interspersed with regular league fixtures, creating a congested schedule that leads to player fatigue for clubs competing in multiple tournaments. Teams with better squad depth handle the strain of scheduling better, giving them an advantage as they rotate players without significantly weakening their lineup.
Weather Conditions: Weather heavily influences gameplay during winter when many FA Cup matches are held. Adverse conditions, such as rain, snow, or high winds, impact playing styles, favoring teams with a more physical approach or players adapting to challenging weather. The conditions affect pitch quality, player visibility, and even ball control, introducing an element of unpredictability.
Home Advantage: Playing at home gives a team an edge, as they benefit from the familiarity of their pitch and the support of home fans. The FA Cup’s early rounds include matches hosted at smaller stadiums where smaller clubs compete against top-tier teams. The support of home fans inspires lower-division teams to put in strong performances and create memorable upsets.
Team Morale and Confidence: Confidence levels and team morale strongly impact performance in knockout competitions. A team on a winning streak or recently overcoming strong opponents has a psychological advantage. Teams under pressure or dealing with recent losses struggle in the high-stakes environment of the FA Cup.

How do the FA Cup Standings Affect the Teams?

The FA Cup Standings affect the teams by shaping financial prospects, team morale, and long-term stability. The FA Cup provides rewards and challenges that influence clubs at all levels as a prestigious knockout tournament, from top-tier teams to lower-league participants, with each progressing round bringing unique advantages and impacts.

Advancing in the FA Cup standings translates directly to financial gain for teams. Each round offers increasing prize money, with substantial rewards awaiting teams who reach the later stages, particularly the semi-finals and final. Lower-league teams benefit greatly from a single FA Cup run, funding operational costs, or player development. Success in the FA Cup brings additional revenue through broadcasting rights, ticket sales, and merchandise for top-tier clubs. The financial boost strengthens clubs in the short term and supports future planning, improving squad depth and facilities.

The FA Cup has a notable effect on team morale and stability. Advancing in the standings fosters team pride and unity for smaller clubs, motivating players to perform beyond their usual levels. These victories boost morale, building confidence that extends into regular league performance. Progress in the FA Cup provides stability for larger teams with demanding schedules by maintaining high morale and motivating the squad. However, balancing FA Cup matches with league commitments tests a team’s stability if it leads to player fatigue or injuries, underscoring the importance of effective squad rotation.

Success in the FA Cup contributes to a team’s historical legacy and brings lasting recognition. Reaching advanced rounds in the FA Cup enhances the reputation and visibility of clubs at every level, leading to opportunities such as player endorsements, sponsorships, and interest from top talent. Winning the FA Cup, or even reaching the final, boosts a club's profile significantly, attracting fans and enhancing brand value. A deep FA Cup run serves as a gateway to European competition for top-tier clubs, as the FA Cup winner qualifies for the UEFA Europa League, providing further financial and competitive incentives.

FA Cup standings affect teams financially, emotionally, and strategically. Advancing in the tournament fosters team growth, enhances club stability, and generates revenue, with each victory adding to the team’s reputation and expanding opportunities for future success.

What is the Format for FA Cup Matches?

The Format for FA Cup Matches includes a qualification and main tournament phases. The setup allows teams from various tiers of English football, including amateur and semi-professional clubs, to compete, making the FA Cup one of the most inclusive competitions in football.

The FA Cup begins with a qualification phase comprising six preliminary rounds. Thousands of teams from the lower divisions, including non-league and amateur teams, participate in the stage. These rounds are single-elimination matches, where a team must win to advance to the next round, adding an element of unpredictability and excitement. 32 teams remain by the end of the qualification phase. These teams earn the right to enter the main tournament phase and compete alongside the more prominent clubs from the upper divisions of English football.

The main tournament phase begins with the First Round Proper, where the 32 teams that emerged from the qualification rounds join the competition. They are matched with clubs from League One and League Two, the third and fourth tiers of English football in the phase. The Championship and Premier League clubs enter later in the Third Round Proper. The tournament follows a knockout format where each match is a single elimination from this stage onward, meaning the losing team is eliminated from the competition. A replay match occurs up to the fourth round if a match ends in a draw; from the fifth round onwards, extra time and penalty shootouts are used to decide the winner.

The FA Cup format allows 32 winners from the qualification phase to join the main tournament in total, creating opportunities for lower-league teams to face and potentially upset higher-ranked opponents. The format is a hallmark of the FA Cup and adds to the tournament's distinct character and unpredictability with its mix of professional and semi-professional teams.

How many games are in the FA Cup?

There are hundreds of FA Cup games held throughout each tournament season due to its extensive structure, which includes a qualification phase and a main tournament phase.

There are 640 FA Cup matches held across six rounds in the qualification phase. The phase involves thousands of lower-tier teams competing in a single-elimination format, including non-league and amateur clubs. The stage quickly narrows down the field, with each team needing to win and progress. 32 teams emerge victorious and advance to the main tournament by the end of the qualification rounds. The stage sees over 600 games, while the exact number of matches varies slightly each year depending on the number of teams entering.

Around 124 FA Cup games are held in the main tournament phase, which begins with the First Round Proper. The phase brings in the 32 teams from the qualification phase alongside clubs from the English Football League and, eventually, the Premier League. The tournament follows a knockout format through each round, with replays in early rounds, leading to a maximum number of games if all matches require replays. The later rounds (fifth round onwards) use extra time and penalties to settle ties in a single game, reducing the total number of matches.

The FA Cup involves nearly 800 games combining both phases, from the qualification start to the final match at Wembley. The extensive number of FA Cup games makes the tournament one of the most dynamic and inclusive in football, with a vast range of clubs participating and the potential for exciting upsets and historic moments.

How to Track FA Cup Match Schedules?

To track FA Cup match schedules, there are three steps to follow.First, visit the official website of the FA Cup, where the latest FA Cup fixtures and updates are listed, including times, venues, and any changes to upcoming games. The source provides the most accurate information, including additional details such as player line-ups and live match links.

Second, download a sports tracking app, such as ESPN, BBC Sport, or FlashScore, allowing real-time updates on the FA Cup schedule. These apps offer push notifications for match reminders, scores, and results, making it easy to stay informed even if schedules change.

Lastly, follow reliable social media accounts, including the FA Cup or prominent sports networks, for quick schedule updates and highlights. The method provides timely information and insight into match-day events, helping to ensure that no FA Cup match is missed.