The 2025–26 Emirates FA Cup will conclude with its final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, 16 May 2026, marking another chapter in England's most historic competition. As the tournament begins its early preliminary rounds in August and builds through early summer, expect the traditional mix of top-flight giants and giant-killers vying for glory. The 2026 Final promises drama, as clubs chase the prestige of lifting the trophy and securing a place in European competition—usually entry to the UEFA Europa League—if they don’t qualify via league position.

Past 20 Years of Champions (2005–2025)

A concise rundown of recent winners and memorable runs:

2025 – Crystal Palace shocked the scene with their first-ever FA Cup triumph, defeating Manchester City 1–0 at Wembley.

2024 – Manchester United beat City 2–1 to claim their 13th title, halting City's back-to-back ambitions.

2023 – Manchester City edged neighbours United 2–1 in the first-ever Manchester derby final, securing their 7th FA Cup crown.

Earlier landmarks included Liverpool (2022) winning on penalties, Leicester City (2021) earning a fairytale first FA Cup, and Arsenal (2020) adding a record 14th title.

Other one-offs include Wigan Athletic’s 2013 upset over City and Portsmouth's 2008 victory, reflecting the FA Cup’s penchant for surprise among the big clubs.

All-Time Standouts & Records

✔ Arsenal holds the record for the most FA Cup titles, triumphing a remarkable 14 times.

✔ Manchester United follow, with 13 titles, the latest in 2024.

✔ Liverpool has lifted it eight times, including recent wins in 2022 and 2006.

✔ Manchester City have grown into modern powerhouses, collecting seven FA Cups, featuring dominant victories like their 6–0 demolition of Watford in 2019.

✔ Memorable rare winners include Wigan (2013), Leicester (2021), Crystal Palace (2025), and Portsmouth (2008)—fan-favourites whose one-off triumphs define memorable Cup moments.

Over the past two decades, the FA Cup has largely been owned by England's Big Five — Arsenal, Man United, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Man City — though Cup magic has repeatedly given fewer-fancied sides their moment in the sun. As the FA Cup Final 2026 approaches, anticipation will swirl not only around the giants bidding for silverware but also the dreamers chasing the next upset. Let me know if you’d like deeper breakdowns—player stats, classic matches, tactical trends across eras, or profiles of future contenders.