This weekend marks the 3rd round of the FA Cup.
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The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is the world’s oldest football competition. Since its inception in 1871, teams from England and Wales have competed annually (with exceptions during the world wars) for the esteemed FA Cup trophy. This season, the journey began in August with an impressive entry of 732 teams vying for a spot in the first round, which commenced in November. Now, the tournament escalates as the larger clubs join in for the third round this weekend. It’s a competition rich in heritage and history; but which clubs hold the record for the most FA Cup victories?
Most Successful Teams in FA Cup History
Leading the pack is Arsenal, who have claimed the FA Cup trophy a record 14 times, with their most recent victory occurring under Mikel Arteta in 2020. They triumphed over Chelsea with a 2-1 win in the final, courtesy of two goals from former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. During Arsène Wenger’s 22-year management, the North London club secured seven FA Cup titles, making him the most successful manager in the tournament’s history, lifting the cup in 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2014, 2015, and 2017.
In second place, Manchester United boasts 13 FA Cup wins, the most recent being in May under Erik ten Hag, where they defeated rivals Manchester City 2-1 in the final. Following them are three clubs, each with eight triumphs, but Liverpool edges out Chelsea and Tottenham for third place due to their recent success; they secured victory over Chelsea in the 2022 final via penalties. Chelsea last won the cup in 2018 against Manchester United, placing them fourth, while Tottenham’s last FA Cup lift was in 1991.
Two clubs share seventh place with seven titles each; reigning champions Manchester City have two FA Cups in the last five seasons, while Aston Villa last celebrated their success in 1957. Villa’s last final appearance was in 2015, where they were defeated 4-0 by Arsenal. Lastly, two teams have six titles but haven’t won in over 50 years, with Newcastle in eighth, last winning in 1955, and Blackburn in ninth, their last victory occurring prior to World War II in 1928.
