The FA Cup is famous for its unpredictability, where underdogs rise to the occasion and topple football’s biggest teams. From non-league sides stunning top-flight giants to dramatic last-minute winners, here are some of the biggest FA Cup upsets in history.
1. Sutton United 2-1 Coventry City (1989)
In one of the most iconic FA Cup shocks, non-league Sutton United stunned defending FA Cup champions Coventry City in the third round. Coventry had lifted the trophy just 18 months earlier, but they were outplayed by a Sutton side without a single full-time professional. Goals from Tony Rains and Matthew Hanlan sealed the victory, turning the players into overnight celebrities.
2. Liverpool 0-1 Wimbledon (1988)
One of the most famous FA Cup finals ever, Wimbledon’s "Crazy Gang" defied the odds to beat league champions Liverpool at Wembley. Dave Beasant became the first goalkeeper to save a penalty in an FA Cup final, while Lawrie Sanchez’s header secured the biggest win in the club’s history. This victory cemented Wimbledon’s reputation as one of football’s ultimate underdog stories.
3. Arsenal 0-2 Millwall (1995)
Arsenal, one of the most successful teams in FA Cup history, were stunned by Millwall in a replay at Highbury. George Graham’s side had previously won the FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup, but the fearless Lions dominated and pulled off one of the most unexpected victories in Arsenal’s history.
4. Manchester City 0-1 Wigan Athletic (2013)
One of the most shocking FA Cup final results, Wigan Athletic defeated Premier League giants Manchester City thanks to a Ben Watson header in the 91st minute. While City finished second in the league, Wigan were relegated just days later, making them the only club in history to win the FA Cup and be relegated in the same season.
5. Sunderland 1-0 Leeds United (1973)
Leeds United were one of the best teams in England in the early 1970s, but second-division Sunderland shocked them in the 1973 FA Cup final. Ian Porterfield’s goal secured an unlikely triumph, and Sunderland’s goalkeeper Jim Montgomery made one of the greatest saves in FA Cup history to preserve the win.
6. Wrexham 2-1 Arsenal (1992)
FA Cup holders Arsenal faced bottom-of-the-league Wrexham in the third round and were expected to cruise through. Instead, a stunning free-kick from Mickey Thomas and a late goal from Steve Watkin completed one of the greatest FA Cup giant-killings ever.
7. Manchester United 0-1 Leeds United (2010)
Leeds United were in League One when they visited Old Trafford to face Premier League champions Manchester United. A first-half goal from Jermaine Beckford was enough to dump Sir Alex Ferguson’s side out of the competition, marking the first time United had ever lost in the third round under Ferguson.
8. Hereford United 2-1 Newcastle United (1972)
One of the most famous FA Cup shocks, Hereford United, then in the fifth tier, defeated top-flight Newcastle United in a third-round replay. Ronnie Radford’s long-range stunner forced extra time before Ricky George scored the winner, sparking wild celebrations at Edgar Street. The game remains one of the most replayed FA Cup moments of all time.
9. Manchester United 0-0 Exeter City (2005)
While it wasn’t a win, non-league Exeter City held Manchester United to a goalless draw at Old Trafford. The non-league side’s defensive resilience forced a replay, which United eventually won, but the original match remains one of the biggest FA Cup shocks ever.
10. Shrewsbury Town 2-1 Everton (2003)
Struggling at the bottom of League Two, Shrewsbury Town pulled off a huge upset against Premier League side Everton. Nigel Jemson’s brace secured a memorable FA Cup victory, adding to Everton’s long list of early exits in the competition.
11. Chelsea 2-4 Bradford City (2015)
One of the biggest FA Cup shocks in modern history, League One Bradford City overturned a 2-0 deficit at Stamford Bridge to stun Chelsea. The Premier League leaders had been dominant at home, but Bradford scored four unanswered goals, completing one of the most incredible comebacks in FA Cup history.
12. Norwich City 0-1 Luton Town (2013)
Luton Town, then a non-league side, defeated Premier League Norwich City in the fourth round. Scott Rendell’s late goal sealed victory, making Luton the first non-league team to beat a top-flight club in the FA Cup in 24 years.
The Magic of the FA Cup Lives On
The FA Cup continues to produce shocking upsets year after year, proving that anything is possible in football. Whether it’s a non-league team knocking out a giant or an underdog winning the final, the competition remains one of the most unpredictable and exciting in world football.
Which FA Cup shock do you think was the biggest? Let us know in the comments!
