Top 10 FA Cup Shocks

Written by Yaro Pavlenko

The oldest club competition in the world, the FA Cup, is renowned for its stories of giant-killing and underdog victories. Founded way back in 1871 with the first final in 1872, it has become such a well-loved competition due to it seemingly becoming even ground for all teams involved regardless of rank or stature, with odds often seemingly leaving the equation on magical days.

With the 2025/26 FA Cup already producing massive shocks including holders Crystal Palace being dumped out by Macclesfield and last weekend seeing Premier League Burnley knocked out by League One Mansfield at home, Spreadex Sports compiles a list of our Top 10 Biggest FA Cup Shocks of all time!*

*The following list is not in particular order

1. Hereford United 2–1 Newcastle United (1972, Third Round)

Non-league Hereford stunned top-flight Newcastle in a replay, sealed by Ronnie Radford’s famous long-range strike. Widely regarded as the greatest FA Cup shock ever.

2. Wigan Athletic 1–0 Manchester City (2013 Final)

Relegation-threatened Wigan beat big-spending City with a last-minute goal from Ben Watson to win their first major trophy.

3. Sutton United 2–1 Coventry City (1989, Third Round)

Non-league Sutton knocked out top-flight Coventry, who had won the FA Cup just two years earlier.

4. Lincoln City 1–0 Burnley F.C. (2017, Fifth Round)

Lincoln became the first non-league side in over a century to reach the quarter-finals by beating Premier League Burnley.

5. Wrexham A.F.C. 2–1 Arsenal F.C. (1992, Third Round)

Fourth-tier Wrexham shocked defending English champions Arsenal thanks to a stunning Mickey Thomas free-kick.

6. Bradford City A.F.C. 4–2 Chelsea F.C. (2015, Fourth Round)

League One Bradford came from 2–0 down to beat Premier League leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

7. Oldham Athletic A.F.C. 3–2 Liverpool F.C. (2013, Fourth Round)

League One Oldham beat Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool in a thrilling five-goal encounter.

8. Shrewsbury Town F.C. 2–1 Everton F.C. (2003, Third Round)

Third-tier Shrewsbury knocked out Premier League Everton in one of the competition’s classic giant-killings.

9. Leeds United 1–0 Manchester United (2010, Third Round)

League One Leeds defeated Premier League champions Manchester United at Old Trafford.

10. macclesfield 2–1 crystal palace (2026 THIRD round)

In the most recent (and perhaps biggest) FA Cup massive upset, holders Palace were booted out by Macclesfield, in what was the first time a level 6 side had knocked out a top flight club since the formation of the Premier League.

With the FA Cup always producing the unexpected, what will be the next massive shock? Watch this space.