The FA Cup, the world’s oldest football competition, is back for its 144th edition. In 2024-25, teams from all levels of the English football pyramid will battle it out, creating opportunities for “giant-killing” upsets and bringing the magic of the cup to life.
Broadcasting Information: Where to Watch the FA Cup
The FA Cup is broadcast live across multiple platforms:
- United States: ESPN and ESPN+
- United Kingdom: BBC and ITV, with BBC showing 18 matches and ITV airing at least 20 live games
- Australia: Optus Sport
FA Cup Second Round: Draw, Fixtures, and Results
The second round of the FA Cup took place on November 30, 2024, with the following key fixtures:
- Nov 29: Harrogate Town 1-0 Gainsborough Trinity (BBC Two / BBC iPlayer / ESPN+)
- Nov 30: Wealdstone vs Wycombe Wanderers (ITV1 / ITVX / ESPN+)
- Dec 1: Kettering Town vs Doncaster Rovers (BBC Two / BBC iPlayer / ESPN+)
First Round Results: Key Matchups and Outcomes
The FA Cup first round saw plenty of exciting matchups, including Sutton United vs Birmingham City and Wrexham’s visit to Harrogate Town. Here are some key results from November 2, 2024:
- Nov 2: Notts County 5-1 Alfreton Town
- Nov 2: Tamworth 1-0 Huddersfield Town (BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, ESPN+)
- Nov 2: Barrow 0-1 Doncaster Rovers
Upcoming FA Cup Rounds and Dates
The FA Cup continues with the following rounds:
- Third Round: January 11, 2025
- Fourth Round: February 8, 2025
- Fifth Round: March 1, 2025
- Quarter-finals: March 29, 2025
- Semi-finals: April 26, 2025
- Final: May 17, 2025
Prize Money Breakdown for the FA Cup 2024-25
Prize money is an important part of the FA Cup, with the following rewards for winners and losers in each round:
- First Round: Winner £45,000, Loser £15,000
- Second Round: Winner £75,000, Loser £20,000
- Third Round: Winner £115,000, Loser £25,000
- Fourth Round: Winner £120,000, No prize for losers
- Fifth Round: Winner £225,000, No prize for losers
- Quarter-finals: Winner £450,000, No prize for losers
- Semi-finals: Winner £1,000,000, Loser £500,000
- Final: Winner £2,000,000, Loser £1,000,000
A team that progresses all the way from the first round to win the FA Cup can earn a total of £4,030,000, with the final alone offering £2,000,000 to the winners.
Defending Champions: Who Won the 2023-24 FA Cup?
Manchester United are the current holders of the FA Cup, having won the 2023-24 edition with a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the final. Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scored for United, while City’s Jeremy Doku pulled one back late. United’s journey to the final included victories over Wigan Athletic, Newport County, Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, and Coventry City.
SOURCE: Goal.com
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