FA Cup -Fixtures: A Guide to the Season’s Thrills-The Emirates FA Cup, the oldest football competition in the world, continues to captivate fans with its blend of drama, giant-killings, and historic moments. The 2024-25 season, the 144th edition, has delivered unforgettable matches, from Plymouth Argyle’s shock defeat of Liverpool to Manchester City’s pursuit of silverware. With the competition now in its final stages, fans are eagerly searching for the latest FA Cup fixtures, results, and highlights, particularly on YouTube. This article provides an in-depth look at the 2024-25 FA Cup fixtures, recent results, upcoming matches, and what supporters are buzzing about online, drawing on the most current information available as of April 17, 2025.
The FA Cup: A Legacy of Magic
Founded in 1871, the FA Cup pits teams from the Premier League down to non-league tiers against each other, creating opportunities for underdogs to shine. The 2024-25 season began with 732 teams, including 44 Premier League and Championship clubs entering in the third round proper on January 11, 2025. Manchester United, the defending champions after their 2-1 victory over Manchester City in 2024, were knocked out in the quarter-finals, leaving the competition wide open. The final is set for May 17, 2025, at Wembley Stadium, with semi-finals on April 26-27 drawing closer.
Fans are scouring Google and YouTube for “FA Cup 2025 fixtures,” “FA Cup highlights,” and “FA Cup giant killings,” seeking updates on matches, replays, and standout moments. This article covers the latest fixtures, key results, and what’s driving online conversations, ensuring you’re up to speed on the cup’s magic.
FA Cup 2024-25 Structure and Round Dates
The FA Cup comprises 12 rounds, including six qualifying rounds, five proper rounds, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final. Here’s the schedule for the 2024-25 season, as confirmed by the Football Association:
Extra Preliminary Round: August 3, 2024
Preliminary Round: August 17, 2024
First Round Qualifying: August 31, 2024
Second Round Qualifying: September 14, 2024
Third Round Qualifying: September 28, 2024
Fourth Round Qualifying: October 12, 2024
First Round Proper: November 2, 2024
Second Round Proper: November 30, 2024
Third Round Proper: January 11, 2025
Fourth Round Proper: February 8, 2025
Fifth Round Proper: March 1, 2025
Quarter-Finals: March 29, 2025
Semi-Finals: April 26-27, 2025
Final: May 17, 2025
A significant rule change for 2024-25 eliminated replays from the first round onward, with drawn matches decided by extra time and penalties. This follows the removal of replays in later rounds in previous seasons, streamlining the competition but sparking debate among fans who cherish the tradition of replays.
Recent Results: Third Round to Quarter-Finals
Third Round Proper (January 11, 2025)
The third round, when Premier League and Championship teams enter, delivered shocks. Plymouth Argyle (Championship) stunned Liverpool 2-1 at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium, with Jonathan Wilson calling it a “famous FA Cup shock” for the Wayne Rooney-less side. Manchester United advanced with a 2-0 win over Arsenal, thanks to penalties from Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho. Other notable results included:
Manchester City 3-0 Watford: Erling Haaland’s brace set the tone.
Newcastle United 2-0 Sheffield Wednesday: Alexander Isak’s goals secured progression.
Tottenham 1-0 Leicester City: A tight win for Spurs.
Maidstone United 1-0 Stevenage: The National League South side’s upset was a fan favorite, with YouTube highlights trending.
Four matches were postponed due to frozen pitches, rescheduled for mid-January.
Fourth Round Proper (February 7-11, 2025)
The fourth round saw further drama. Manchester United edged Leicester City 3-2, with Rasmus Højlund’s late goal sealing the tie. Plymouth Argyle continued their run, defeating Leeds United 1-0. Key results included:
Manchester City 2-1 West Ham: Kevin De Bruyne’s free-kick was decisive.
Brighton 3-1 Everton: Danny Welbeck’s header sparked celebrations.
Aston Villa 4-0 Cardiff City: Ollie Watkins scored twice.
Crystal Palace 2-0 Doncaster Rovers: Eberechi Eze’s flair shone through.
Liverpool’s elimination left fans searching “Plymouth Argyle FA Cup highlights” on YouTube, with clips of their giant-killing amassing thousands of views.
Fifth Round Proper (February 28-March 3, 2025)
The fifth round narrowed the field to eight. Manchester United faced Fulham, drawing 1-1 before losing 4-3 on penalties, with Bernd Leno saving shots from Victor Lindelöf and Joshua Zirkzee. Manchester City overcame Plymouth Argyle 3-1, with Matty O’Reilly’s brace not enough for the Championship side. Other results:
Aston Villa 2-0 Cardiff City: Unai Emery’s side cruised.
Crystal Palace 3-1 Millwall: A South London derby upset.
Brighton 2-1 Newcastle (AET): Extra-time heroics from João Pedro.
Bournemouth 1-1 Wolves (4-3 pens): Andoni Iraola’s side prevailed.
Preston North End 3-0 Burnley: The lone non-Premier League side claimed Lancashire bragging rights.
The fifth-round draw, conducted by Alex Scott and Theo Walcott on February 10, 2025, set up thrilling ties, with fans posting reactions on X.
Quarter-Finals (March 29, 2025)
The quarter-finals delivered high stakes. Crystal Palace secured the first semi-final spot with a 3-0 rout of Fulham at Craven Cottage, silencing Old Trafford dreams. Other results:
Manchester City 3-1 Plymouth Argyle: City ended Plymouth’s fairy-tale run.
Aston Villa 2-1 Cardiff City: Villa’s depth proved too much.
Brighton 2-1 Nottingham Forest: A late goal sent Brighton to the semi-finals.
Preston North End, the last non-Premier League team, fell to Bournemouth on penalties after a 1-1 draw, ending their historic run. The quarter-final draw, held on March 2, 2025, after Manchester United vs. Fulham, set the stage for these clashes.
Upcoming Fixtures: Semi-Finals and Final
Semi-Finals (April 26-27, 2025)
The semi-finals, played at Wembley Stadium, are confirmed:
Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Kick-off: 5:15 PM BST (12:15 PM EDT)
Venue: Wembley Stadium
Crystal Palace, led by Oliver Glasner, aim for their first FA Cup final since 1990, while Villa, under Unai Emery, seek their eighth title, last won in 1957.
Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester City
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
Kick-off: 4:30 PM BST (11:30 AM EDT)
Venue: Wembley Stadium
Forest, back in the semi-finals for the first time since 1991, face a formidable City side chasing a season-salvaging trophy.
The semi-final draw occurred after the last quarter-final on March 29, 2025, with fans searching “FA Cup semi-final fixtures” to plan viewing. BBC and ITV will broadcast the matches live in the UK, with ESPN+ streaming in the US.
Final (May 17, 2025)
The 2025 FA Cup final is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Wembley Stadium, a week before the Premier League season ends. The kick-off time, typically 3:00 PM BST, awaits confirmation. The winners will earn £2 million in prize money and a spot in the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League league stage, plus the right to face the 2024-25 Premier League champions in the FA Community Shield.
Fans are already searching “FA Cup final 2025 tickets” and “FA Cup final highlights” on YouTube, anticipating a clash between two of Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, or Manchester City.
Prize Money and Incentives
The FA Cup offers significant financial rewards, especially for lower-tier clubs. A team reaching the final from the first round proper could earn £4.03 million, with the winner banking £2 million and the runner-up £1 million. Key payouts include:
Third Round Proper: £105,000
Fourth Round Proper: £120,000
Fifth Round Proper: £225,000
Quarter-Finals: £450,000
Semi-Finals: £1,000,000 (winner), £500,000 (loser)
Final: £2,000,000 (winner), £1,000,000 (runner-up)
These funds are vital for non-league and lower-division clubs, with teams like Maidstone United and Plymouth Argyle gaining financially and in exposure. Fans search “FA Cup prize money 2025” to understand the stakes.
Broadcasting and How to Watch
In the UK, BBC and ITV share FA Cup broadcasting rights, with BBC airing up to 18 live matches and ITV showing at least 20 per season. Matches are also available on BBC iPlayer and ITVX for streaming. In the US, ESPN+ streams all rounds, with select games on ESPN. Other territories include:
India: Sony Sports Network
Australia: Paramount+
Middle East: beIN Sports
Fans searching “FA Cup live stream” or “FA Cup highlights YouTube” find clips on official channels like @EmiratesFACup and @BBCSport, with semi-final previews trending.
YouTube Trends and Fan Searches
YouTube is a hub for FA Cup content, reflecting what fans are asking on Google:
“FA Cup 2025 highlights”: Clips of Plymouth Argyle’s Liverpool upset and Manchester City’s 3-1 quarter-final win over Plymouth are popular, with views exceeding 100,000 on channels like @SkySportsFootball.
“FA Cup giant killings 2025”: Maidstone United’s 1-0 win over Stevenage and Plymouth’s run dominate, with fan-made compilations on channels like @FootballFocus.
“FA Cup semi-final draw”: Videos of the March 29 draw, featuring pundits like Gary Lineker, trend, with fans analyzing matchups.
“FA Cup full match replay”: Full replays are rare due to broadcast restrictions, but condensed highlights of key games, like Crystal Palace’s 3-0 over Fulham, satisfy demand.
“FA Cup top scorers 2025”: Fans seek updates on players like Erling Haaland and Ollie Watkins, with stat videos from @TheSunFootball gaining traction.
X posts amplify excitement, with @wembleystadium’s semi-final announcement on April 4, 2025, sparking reactions like “Palace vs. Villa is going to be electric!” Fans also share clips of Preston North End’s 3-0 win over Burnley, celebrating the Championship side’s run.
Key Storylines and Fan Talking Points
Giant-Killings and Underdog Runs
The FA Cup’s magic lies in its upsets. Plymouth Argyle’s third-round defeat of Liverpool, dubbed a “shock for the ages” by The Observer, remains the season’s defining moment. Maidstone United’s third-round win and Preston North End’s fifth-round triumph over Burnley also captured hearts, with YouTube searches for “FA Cup underdog highlights” spiking. Fans on X praised Preston’s “Lancashire pride,” though their quarter-final exit ended the non-Premier League dream.
Manchester United’s Exit
As defending champions, Manchester United’s quarter-final loss to Fulham on penalties was a shocker. Bernd Leno’s heroics, saving two penalties, ended United’s title defense, with fans searching “Man United FA Cup highlights” to relive the 1-1 draw and shootout drama.
Manchester City’s Redemption Quest
Manchester City, after a disappointing Premier League season, see the FA Cup as a chance to salvage silverware. Their 3-1 quarter-final win over Plymouth Argyle, led by Matty O’Reilly’s brace, kept them alive. Fans search “Man City FA Cup 2025” for Haaland’s goals, with clips trending on @ESPNFC.
Crystal Palace’s Resurgence
Crystal Palace’s 3-0 quarter-final rout of Fulham has fans dreaming of a first FA Cup title. Eberechi Eze’s flair and Oliver Glasner’s tactics have sparked searches for “Crystal Palace FA Cup highlights,” with YouTube videos of their Craven Cottage win nearing 50,000 views.
Challenges and Controversies
Replay Removal
The decision to scrap replays from the first round has divided fans. While it reduces fixture congestion for top clubs, lower-tier teams lose revenue from potential replay matches. X posts lament the loss of tradition, with one user writing, “No replays kills the FA Cup’s soul.”
Pitch Postponements
Four third-round matches were postponed due to frozen pitches, frustrating fans and prompting searches for “FA Cup postponed games.” The FA’s scheduling adjustments ensured minimal disruption, but the issue highlighted infrastructure challenges for smaller clubs.
Broadcasting Access
While BBC and ITV provide extensive coverage, some fans in regions without streaming access search “FA Cup free stream,” often landing on unofficial YouTube channels. The FA and broadcasters are cracking down on illegal streams, urging fans to use legitimate platforms.
What’s Next for the FA Cup?
With the semi-finals looming, the FA Cup is poised for a thrilling climax. Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa pits two Premier League sides with rich histories, while Nottingham Forest’s underdog story against Manchester City offers potential for another upset. The final on May 17, 2025, promises a spectacle, with Wembley’s 90,000-capacity crowd and global viewership ensuring a fitting end.
Fans are already looking ahead, searching “FA Cup 2025 betting odds” and “FA Cup final predictions.” Manchester City are favorites, but Palace’s form and Villa’s depth make the outcome uncertain. YouTube channels like @ITVSport are posting semi-final previews, with pundits debating whether Forest can emulate Plymouth’s giant-killing spirit.
Where to Follow the FA Cup
Live Matches: BBC, ITV (UK); ESPN+ (US); Sony Sports (India); beIN Sports (Middle East).
Highlights: YouTube channels @EmiratesFACup, @BBCSport, @ITVFootball, and @ESPNFC.
Live Scores: Sofascore, Flashscore, Livesport.com.
News and Fixtures: BBC Sport, Sky Sports, Goal.com, Sporting News.
The 2024-25 FA Cup has lived up to its reputation, delivering shocks like Plymouth Argyle’s Liverpool scalp, heartbreak like Manchester United’s penalty exit, and brilliance from stars like Erling Haaland and Eberechi Eze. With semi-finals on April 26-27 and the final on May 17, 2025, the competition is hurtling toward a dramatic finish. Fans searching “FA Cup fixtures 2025” and “FA Cup highlights YouTube” are immersed in a season of unforgettable moments, from Preston’s Lancashire derby win to Palace’s quarter-final rout. As Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester City vie for glory, the FA Cup’s magic continues to shine, uniting fans worldwide in anticipation of Wembley’s crowning moment.
FAQS
FA Cup 2024–25 Fixtures & Schedule: Your Ultimate Guide
The 2024–25 Emirates FA Cup is nearing its climax, with the final set for Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Wembley Stadium. This season marks a historic change, as all rounds from the first proper round onwards are being played without replays, aiming to ease fixture congestion and provide more exclusive weekends for the competition .Sporting News+4talkSPORT+4freetips.com+4Goal.com+3thebootroom.thefa.com+3Sporting News+3
FA Cup Round Dates
| Round | Date |
| Extra Preliminary | August 3, 2024 |
| Preliminary | August 17, 2024 |
| 1st Qualifying | August 31, 2024 |
| 2nd Qualifying | September 14, 2024 |
| 3rd Qualifying | September 28, 2024 |
| 4th Qualifying | October 12, 2024 |
| 1st Round Proper | November 2, 2024 |
| 2nd Round Proper | November 30, 2024 |
| 3rd Round Proper | January 11, 2025 |
| 4th Round Proper | February 8, 2025 |
| 5th Round Proper | March 1, 2025 |
| Quarter-Finals | March 29, 2025 |
| Semi-Finals | April 26, 2025 |
| Final | May 17, 2025 |
*Note: All rounds are scheduled on weekends, with no midweek fixtures, to provide exclusive weekends for the FA Cup .*
When is the FA Cup Final?
The FA Cup Final is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Wembley Stadium. Kick-off is expected at 3:00 PM BST, aligning with traditional scheduling .talkSPORT+1freetips.com+1
Who are the defending champions?
Manchester United are the reigning champions, having won the 2023–24 FA Cup by defeating Manchester City 2–1 in the final .Goal.com
What changes have been made to the FA Cup format this season?
Significant changes include:Sporting News+2Wikipedia+2thebootroom.thefa.com+2
No replays from the first round proper onwards.thebootroom.thefa.com+1Sporting News+1
VAR usage introduced from the fifth round onwards.Wikipedia+1thebootroom.thefa.com+1
Exclusive weekends for the FA Cup, with no Premier League fixtures during the fourth, fifth, and quarter-final rounds .thebootroom.thefa.com
How can I watch the FA Cup matches?
In the UK, FA Cup matches are broadcast on BBC Sport and ITV Sport. Internationally, broadcasting rights vary by country:
USA: ESPN+FourFourTwo
Canada: Sportsnet+FourFourTwo
Australia: Optus SportFourFourTwo
New Zealand: Sky SportFourFourTwo
*If you’re traveling abroad, consider using a VPN to access your home country’s broadcasts .*FourFourTwo
What is the prize money for the FA Cup?
The prize money for the 2024–25 FA Cup is as follows:
Winner: £2,000,000
Runner-up: £1,000,000
Semi-finalists: £1,000,000
Quarter-finalists: £450,000thebootroom.thefa.com
Fifth round: £225,000Goal.com
Fourth round: £120,000
Third round: £115,000Goal.com
Second round: £75,000
First round: £45,000
These amounts are awarded to clubs progressing to each respective round Wikipedia+Wikipedia+7 www.thefa.com+7
How to Follow the FA Cup
In the UK: Matches are available on BBC Sport and ITV Sport.FourFourTwo
Internationally: Check local listings for broadcasters or consider using a VPN to access UK streams.
Live Updates: Websites like BBC Sport and The FA provide live scores and match commentary.thebootroom.thefa.com
For the latest fixtures, results, and team news, visit the official FA Cup website or follow @EmiratesFACup on Twitter.
To read more click here
