FA Cup 2025 – What You Need to Know

If you love English football, the FA Cup is the biggest knockout event of the year. 2025 brings fresh drama, new match‑ups and plenty of chances for underdogs to shine. Below you’ll find the schedule, ticket tips and ways to catch every goal.

2025 FA Cup schedule and key dates

The competition kicks off with qualifying rounds in early August. Clubs from lower leagues battle for a spot in the First Round Proper, which begins on Saturday, September 7. That’s the day when League One and League Two teams join the qualifiers.

Premier League clubs enter at the Third Round Proper, scheduled for Saturday, January 12, 2025. Expect big names like Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal to face lower‑division sides – a classic recipe for upsets.

From there, the rounds are spaced about two weeks apart. The Fourth Round lands on January 26, the Fifth Round on February 16, and the Quarter‑Finals on March 9. Semi‑finals are set for April 20 at Wembley, and the grand finale will be on Saturday, May 24, 2025, also at Wembley.

Keep an eye on the official FA website for exact kickoff times – they can shift due to TV deals.

How to get tickets and watch the games

FA Cup tickets sell fast, especially when a big club meets a smaller team. The safest way to snag a seat is through the club’s official ticketing portal. Sign up for email alerts as soon as the draw is announced. Many clubs also run a lottery system for high‑demand matches, so entering early gives you a better chance.

If you miss the lottery, check secondary platforms like Ticketmaster or trusted resale sites, but avoid scalpers – prices can be inflated and tickets may be invalid.

For fans who can’t make it to the stadium, the FA has a solid broadcast lineup. BBC and ITV typically share live coverage of early rounds, while Sky Sports and BT Sport take over the later stages. Streaming options include the BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Sky Go and the official FA Cup app.

Don’t forget the free-to-air matches on the weekend after the draw – they’re a great way to see the underdogs without paying. If you have a smart TV, you can also cast live streams from your phone for a bigger screen.

Finally, plan your travel early if you’re heading to Wembley for the semi‑finals or final. Public transport runs extra services on match days, but tickets can sell out quickly. Booking a train or coach seat a week ahead usually secures you a spot.

Whether you’re a die‑hard fan or just curious about the drama, the FA Cup 2025 promises excitement from start to finish. Mark the dates, grab your tickets, and enjoy every twist the competition throws your way.