The FA Cup, officially known as the Emirates FA Cup, is one of football’s most prestigious and historic competitions. Founded in the 1871–72 season, it is the oldest national football tournament in the world and remains one of the most exciting knockout competitions due to its unpredictability and giant-killing moments.

But how many rounds are there in the FA Cup? The simple answer is:

The FA Cup consists of 14 rounds in total:

• 6 qualifying rounds
• 6 proper rounds
• Semi-finals
• Final

Thousands of clubs from across the English football pyramid enter the competition, ranging from small non-league teams to Premier League giants.

In this guide, we explain every FA Cup round, how the tournament works, when clubs enter, and why the competition is known for its unique magic.

Quick Answer: How Many Rounds Are in the FA Cup?

Stage	Number of Rounds
Qualifying Rounds	6
Proper Rounds	6
Semi-finals	1
Final	1
Total	14

Origins and History of the FA Cup

The Football Association Challenge Cup began during the 1871–72 season, making it football’s oldest organized knockout competition.

Some important milestones include:

• First winner: Wanderers FC
• Competition organized by the Football Association
• Suspended only during the two World Wars
• Open to clubs throughout the English football pyramid
• Arsenal holds the record for the most FA Cup titles

Over the years, the tournament has become famous for dramatic upsets and memorable finals.

How Does the FA Cup Format Work?

The FA Cup uses a single-elimination knockout format.

Key rules include:

• One defeat eliminates a team
• Winners progress to the next round
• Matches are decided through extra time and penalties if required
• Teams are drawn randomly
• Lower-ranked clubs are often given opportunities to face major clubs

The tournament begins with lower-tier clubs and gradually introduces stronger teams from higher divisions.

FA Cup Rounds Explained

Qualifying Rounds

Smaller clubs start their journey in the qualifying stages.

1. Extra Preliminary Round

• Entry point for clubs from lower levels of the English football pyramid
• Usually features teams from Levels 9 and 10

2. Preliminary Round

• Additional non-league clubs join
• Competition intensity begins increasing

3. First Qualifying Round

• Teams from higher non-league levels begin entering

4. Second Qualifying Round

• Stronger non-league clubs enter

5. Third Qualifying Round

• More established National League system clubs participate

6. Fourth Qualifying Round

• Final qualifying stage
• Winners advance to the First Round Proper

Proper Rounds

This is where clubs from the English Football League enter.

7. First Round Proper

New entrants:

• League One clubs
• League Two clubs
• Winners from the qualifying stages

This round often produces early giant-killing stories.

8. Second Round Proper

• Winners from the First Round Proper advance
• Lower-league teams fight for a chance to meet elite clubs

9. Third Round Proper

This is arguably the most famous stage of the competition.

New entrants:

• Premier League clubs
• Championship clubs

The Third Round often creates:

• Historic upsets
• David vs Goliath matchups
• Memorable FA Cup moments

Many fans consider this the stage where the competition truly comes alive.

10. Fourth Round Proper

• Remaining clubs continue knockout play
• Competition quality increases significantly

11. Fifth Round Proper

• Last stage before the quarter-finals
• Teams compete for a place in the final eight

12. Quarter-finals

• Final eight teams remain
• Wembley becomes increasingly close

13. Semi-finals

• Traditionally played at Wembley Stadium
• Winners secure a place in the final

14. Final

The FA Cup Final is the ultimate match of the competition.

Held at:

Wembley Stadium, London

The winners receive:

• The FA Cup trophy
• Prize money
• Qualification for European competition (subject to UEFA regulations)

Complete FA Cup Round Structure

Round	Teams Entering
Extra Preliminary Round	Lower-tier clubs
Preliminary Round	Additional lower-tier clubs
First Qualifying Round	Non-league clubs
Second Qualifying Round	More non-league entrants
Third Qualifying Round	National League system clubs
Fourth Qualifying Round	Final qualifying clubs
First Round Proper	League One and League Two
Second Round Proper	Winners advance
Third Round Proper	Premier League and Championship clubs
Fourth Round Proper	Winners advance
Fifth Round Proper	Winners advance
Quarter-finals	Final eight
Semi-finals	Final four
Final	Final two clubs

When Does the FA Cup Take Place?

The competition generally runs from August through May.

Typical schedule:

Round	Approximate Timing
Qualifying rounds	August–October
First Round Proper	November
Second Round Proper	December
Third Round Proper	January
Fourth Round Proper	January–February
Fifth Round Proper	February
Quarter-finals	March
Semi-finals	April
Final	May

Dates can vary slightly each season.

How Does the FA Cup Draw Work?

The draw is one of the tournament’s most exciting elements.

Important details:

• Draws are random
• Any eligible team can be drawn against another
• Smaller clubs can face elite teams
• Home advantage is randomly assigned

Contrary to a common misconception, teams from the same division can face each other at any stage if the draw selects them.

Why Is the FA Cup Famous for “Giant Killings”?

“Giant killing” happens when a smaller club defeats a much stronger opponent.

Examples include:

• Lower-league teams defeating Premier League clubs
• Part-time clubs upsetting professional teams
• Historic underdog runs toward later rounds

These unexpected results are a major reason fans describe the competition as having “FA Cup magic.”

Clubs With the Most FA Cup Titles

Club	Titles
Arsenal	14
Manchester United	13
Chelsea	8
Tottenham Hotspur	8
Liverpool	8

Recent FA Cup Winners

Year	Winner	Runner-up
2024	Manchester United	Manchester City
2023	Manchester City	Manchester United
2022	Liverpool	Chelsea
2021	Leicester City	Chelsea
2020	Arsenal	Chelsea

Final Thoughts

The FA Cup remains one of football’s most unique competitions because it gives every club, regardless of size, a chance to make history. From small local sides beginning in qualifying rounds to Premier League giants entering later, the tournament combines tradition, unpredictability, and drama in a way few competitions can match.

In the FA Cup, a club from the lower leagues can suddenly find itself facing one of football’s biggest names — and sometimes even defeating them. That possibility is what keeps the tournament’s magic alive year after year.

FAQs