The 2024 FA Cup final proved there’s still magic in the old boy yet.
The FA’s illustrious domestic cup competition has grown synonymous with giant-killings over the years, although some had grown sceptical as to whether the strength of English football’s elite had almost completely shunned the chances of minnows to upset the big dogs.
But then Manchester United toppled Manchester City at Wembley to get their hands on the trophy. The FA Cup is alive and well.
Teams from all corners of the pyramid will once again lace up with hopes of being this season’s heart-warming story. The competition continues to throw up plenty of shocks and over 700 clubs will have the chance to get their story told in 2024/25.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024/25 FA Cup.
2024/25 FA Cup fixtures
The draw for the extra preliminary and preliminary rounds will be made in July.
FA Cup 2024/25 round dates
Round | Date |
---|---|
Extra preliminary round | Saturday 3 August 2024 |
Preliminary round | Saturday 14 August 2024 |
First round qualifying | Saturday 31 September 2024 |
Second round qualifying | Saturday 14 September 2024 |
Third round qualifying | Saturday 28 September 2024 |
Fourth round qualifying | Saturday 14 October 2024 |
First round | Saturday 2 November 2024 |
Second round | Saturday 30 November 2024 |
Third round | Saturday 11 January 2025 |
Fourth round | Saturday 8 February 2025 |
Fifth round | Saturday 1 March 2025 |
Quarter-finals | Saturday 29 March 2025 |
Semi-finals | Saturday 26 April 2025 |
Final | Saturday 17 May 2025 |
When is the 2025 FA Cup final?
The 2025 FA Cup final has been pencilled in for 17 May – a week before the 2024/25 Premier League season concludes.
Where is the 2025 FA Cup final being played?
As has been the case since its opening, Wembley Stadium will play host to the FA Cup final in 2025.
Who was the last team to win the FA Cup?
Man Utd stunned Man City in the 2024 FA Cup final / Gaspafotos/MB Media/GettyImages
Man City were the heavy favourites to retain the cup having secured their fourth-straight Premier League title last season, but they were stunned in the final by local rivals Man Utd in a repeat of the 2023 showpiece.
Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, two leading lights of United’s next generation, set the Red Devils on their way to an upset 2-1 victory.
Who has won the most FA Cups?
Man Utd’s success in 2024 was their 13th FA Cup victory, but Arsenal’s modern-day proficiency in this competition means United trail the Gunners at the top of the FA Cup table.
Arsenal have lifted the trophy four times since 2014 and were last successful under Mikel Arteta in 2020. The Red Devils had led the way after winning the competition five times under Sir Alex Ferguson’s watch, but their victory in 2024 was their first triumph since 2016.
Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham have all lifted the FA Cup eight times, while previous holders Man City are seven-time winners.