Your guide to the 2026 FA Cup
There’s nothing quite like the FA Cup. The giant-killings. The last-minute screamers. The lower-league heroes who suddenly turn into prime Zidane for one glorious round.
It’s the oldest cup competition in world football — and still the one that delivers the most spectacular moments.
If you’re gearing up for the 25/26 FA Cup, grab your mates and head to your local Hungry Horse sports pub.
We’ll have the matches, the big screens, the food, the drinks and the atmosphere you will not get sitting on your sofa nervously clawing the sofa.
Everything you need to know about the 2025/26 FA Cup
Want the key details before the road to Wembley kicks off? We’ve got you.
How many teams are in the FA Cup in 2026?
Before the first round even begins, hundreds of non-league clubs from all corners of English football jump into the early qualifying rounds. By the time the competition proper starts:
- 32 non-league teams have battled their way through.
- They join 48 clubs from League One and League Two.
- 24 Championship sides and all 20 Premier League teams enter in the third round.
That’s 745 teams dreaming of Wembley glory in the 25/26 FA Cup. Not bad for a competition that started in 1871!
Who are the favourites to win the 2026 FA Cup?
After that incredible 2025 final, where Crystal Palace stunned Manchester City 1–0 to lift their first-ever FA Cup, you better believe the big clubs will be out for revenge.
Teams to keep an eye on:
- Manchester City – wounded? Absolutely. Dangerous? Always.
- Arsenal – with 14 wins, they’re still the FA Cup kings until someone catches them.
- Liverpool – champions of England, but can they add silverware this year?
- Crystal Palace – the reigning champs! Don’t count out the Eagles soaring again.
Where is the 2026 FA Cup final held?
It simply wouldn’t feel right anywhere else — the 2026 FA Cup final will once again be held at Wembley Stadium.
When is the 2026 FA Cup final?
Wembley awaits on Saturday, 16 May 2026. Can’t get a ticket? No shame there — we’ve got the next best thing (arguably better… they don’t sell pints in the stands).
What channel is the 2026 FA Cup final on?
As one of the UK’s protected major sporting events, the final will be shown free on BBC and ITV. Prefer Shearer? Lineker? Roy Keane’s resting judgement face? The choice is yours.
Where to watch the FA Cup final
If you can’t get to Wembley, your local Hungry Horse sports pub is the place to be. Here’s why:
- Big screens everywhere — no bad seats. Cold pints you can’t get in the stadium.
- Top-value food deals to keep you fuelled through extra time.
- A proper football crowd to belt out Abide With Me with.
- Football is simply better with good company and a full plate.
Quick-fire FA Cup trivia
Think you’re the pub quiz hero? Try these.
Which manager has won the FA Cup the most times?
Arsène Wenger is the winner - seven FA Cup trophies with Arsenal.
Who won the first-ever FA Cup?
Wanderers beat Royal Engineers back in 1872 at the Kennington Oval.
Which team has won the most FA Cups?
Arsenal, with 14 wins. Manchester United follow close behind with 13.
Who has scored the most FA Cup final goals?
Drogba — he scored in four different finals for Chelsea.
What’s the largest victory ever recorded in the FA Cup?
Preston North End beat Hyde 26–0 in 1887. Yes, 26 goals. The keeper probably went home early.
Find a pub showing FA Cup football
From the early rounds to the big day in May, catch every upset, comeback, and trophy lift at your local Hungry Horse.
It only takes a few seconds to find your nearest sports pub — and you won’t want to miss a moment of the FA Cup madness. Find a local sports pub now.