FA Cup Final 2026
he drama of the FA Cup is just something that can't be beaten. The glory of cup final day. The oldest cup competition in world football still has it all to play for. And your local Hungry Horse sports pub has all the live action on its screens. Join us for the 2026 FA Cup final and watch your team push to reach the Wembley promised land.
Everything you need to know about the 2025/26 FA Cup
Want to know more about the 2025/26 FA Cup? Here we go!
How many teams are in the FA Cup in 2026?
Before the first round of the Emirates FA Cup, 124 non-league teams from the fifth to ninth tiers of English football compete for the coveted 84 spots in the first round proper. Once it starts, the 32 non-league clubs that made it are then joined by the 48 clubs from League One and League Two. The 24 teams from the Championship and the 20 from the Premier League drop in for the third round. That’s a total of 747 teams playing in the 2025/26 FA Cup. Cool, right?
Who are the favourites to win the 2025 FA Cup final?
Holders Crystal Palace were fancying their chances at a repeat of last year until a surprise third round knockout by Macclesfield in January left them trophyless on the bus home.
As always, Manchester City under Pep Guardiola will always be considered among the favourites and Liverpool will also feel like they have a shot after last year's Premier League win with Arne Slot at the helm.
Arsenal have the most FA Cup wins with 14 to Manchester United’s 13, so will rightly be considered one of the favourites for the trophy in 2026, but their Premier League campaign may take the forefront of their focus.
Aston Villa could pose a threat to the top teams as a dangerous outsider, while Brentford and Leeds are extreme underdogs with the trophy in their sights. Chelsea's new manager could also spur the London side to the final few rounds, making things difficult for London rivals Arsenal.
Where is the FA Cup final in 2026?
The 2026 FA Cup final will be hosted at Wembley Stadium. After a brief hiatus at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff (now the Principality Stadium), the FA Cup final returned to Wembley in 2007 and has been held there ever since.
When is the 2026 FA Cup final?
The FA Cup final 2026 date is 16th May 2026. You can catch all the action in your local Hungry Horse sports pub.
What channel is the 2026 Emirates FA Cup final on?
The FA Cup final is one of many events that are protected by UK law, meaning it has to be shown on free-to-air TV channels. Both ITV and BBC Sport will show the 2026 FA Cup final. The channel you choose is up to you. It could all be decided by the pundits on the respective channels.
Quick-fire FA Cup trivia
Think you know your FA Cup trivia? Let’s put your knowledge to the test.
Who won the last FA Cup?
Eberechi Eze led Crystal Palace to an FA Cup triumph in 2025 by scoring the only goal of the match against Manchester United. United beat city rivals Man City 2-1 in the 2024 final in a repeat of the previous year’s final, which City won by the same scoreline.
Who won the first FA Cup?
The first FA Cup was played at the Kennington Oval in 1872, with Wanderers defeating Royal Engineers in the final.
Which team has won the most FA Cups?
Arsenal have the most FA Cup triumphs in history with 14 wins, followed by Manchester United on 13.
How many teams are eligible for the FA Cup?
A total of 747 teams are eligible for the FA Cup, taking in all the qualifying rounds before the first round proper.
What round do Premier League clubs enter the FA Cup?
All 20 Premier League clubs enter the FA Cup in the third round, alongside the 24 Championship clubs.
Where to watch the Emirates FA Cup final
If you can’t get a ticket for Wembley – and let’s face it they’re like gold dust – the next best place is at one of our Hungry Horse sports pubs.
You’ll get the buzz of the FA Cup competition action surrounded by your fellow fans. You can sing plenty of chants and the National Anthem if you want. Plus, you can drink your pint while watching the game. You don’t get that privilege at Wembley Stadium.
We have big screens for the action and your choice of BBC Sport or ITV. You’ll find deals on drinks and food to keep everyone happy on cup final day.
Find a pub showing football
From the early rounds to the drama of the semi-finals and final, you can’t beat the action of the Emirates FA Cup. Whether it's major upsets or the triumphant team lifting the trophy, don’t miss the results with Hungry Horse sports pubs. Plus, you can always watch live football with us all year round! With Premier League, Champions League, EFL football and more, we're the place to be for all your football needs.
It only takes a few moments to find a sports pub near you and grab a fabulous view of our Sky, TNT, BBC Sport and ITV Sport screens. We'll see you soon!