History of FA Cup Final in Timeline

The FA Cup Final is the concluding match of the Football Association Challenge Cup, a major domestic football event drawing large crowds. The competition involves clubs within The Football Association in England, with Welsh teams regularly participating and even winning the Cup, such as Cardiff City in 1927. Historically, the final was primarily held at the original Wembley Stadium from 1923 to 2000. Subsequently, it was moved to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff from 2000 to 2006 before returning to the new Wembley Stadium in 2007, where it is currently held.

1903: Bury's Victory over Derby County

In 1903, Bury achieved a 6–0 victory over Derby County in the FA Cup Final, setting a record for one of the largest winning margins.

1923: FA Cup Final Played at Wembley Stadium

From 1923, the FA Cup Final was mostly played at the original Wembley Stadium, becoming its primary venue.

1923: "White Horse Final" at Wembley

In 1923, the first FA Cup Final at Wembley, between Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United, had a massive crowd, with a police horse named Billy helping to control the overflow; it was dubbed the "White Horse Final". Bolton won 2-0.

1925: Cardiff City Reaches FA Cup Final

In 1925, Cardiff City reached the FA Cup Final, showcasing their competitive presence in the tournament.

1927: Cardiff City Wins FA Cup

In 1927, Cardiff City won the FA Cup, marking a significant achievement for the Welsh team in the English football competition.

1927: "Abide with Me" Sung at FA Cup Final

In 1927, the hymn "Abide with Me" was sung for the first time at the FA Cup Final, starting a long-standing pre-match tradition.

1953: Stan Mortensen's Hat-Trick

In 1953, Stan Mortensen scored a hat-trick for Blackpool in the FA Cup Final, making it the only hat-trick ever scored at Wembley in the competition's final.

1993: Last FA Cup Final Replay

In 1993, the FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Sheffield Wednesday required a replay, marking the 14th and last occasion of such an event before the rules changed.

September 1998: FA Changes Final Rules

In September 1998, the Football Association decided that all future FA Cup Finals would be decided "on the day" with a penalty shootout if the score was level after extra time.

2000: Wembley Closes for Redevelopment

In 2000, Wembley Stadium closed for redevelopment, leading the FA Cup Final to be hosted elsewhere.

2000: FA Cup Final Played at Millennium Stadium

In 2000, the FA Cup Final was played at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, marking a temporary change of venue.

2001: Millennium Stadium Hosts FA Cup Final

In 2001, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff began hosting the FA Cup Final due to the Wembley redevelopment.

2005: Arsenal Defeats Manchester United in Penalty Shootout

In 2005, Arsenal defeated Manchester United in a penalty shootout in the FA Cup Final, which was one of the first finals decided by this method.

2006: Liverpool Defeats West Ham United in Penalty Shootout

In 2006, Liverpool defeated West Ham United in a penalty shootout in the FA Cup Final, marking another final decided by this method.

2006: Millennium Stadium Hosts Last FA Cup Final

In 2006, the Millennium Stadium hosted its last FA Cup Final before the event returned to Wembley.

2006: FA Cup Final Played at Millennium Stadium

Until 2006, the FA Cup Final was held at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, before moving back to Wembley.

2007: New Wembley Stadium Opens

In 2007, the new Wembley Stadium opened, and the FA Cup Final returned to its traditional home in London.

2007: FA Cup Final Played at New Wembley Stadium

Since 2007, the FA Cup Final has been played at the current Wembley Stadium, returning to its traditional London location.

2008: Cardiff City Reaches FA Cup Final

In 2008, Cardiff City reached the FA Cup Final. This was another significant appearance for the Welsh team in the competition.

2012: Didier Drogba Scores in Fourth Final

In 2012, Didier Drogba became the first player to score in four FA Cup Finals with his goal for Chelsea.

2017: FA Cup Final Attendance

In 2017, the FA Cup Final had an official attendance of 89,472, marking it as one of the most attended domestic football events worldwide.

2019: Manchester City's Victory over Watford

In 2019, Manchester City equaled the record for the largest winning margin in an FA Cup Final with a 6–0 victory over Watford.

2020: FA Cup Final During COVID-19

The 2020 FA Cup Final was an exception to the typically high attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted the event.

2022: Liverpool Defeats Chelsea in Penalty Shootout

In 2022, Liverpool defeated Chelsea in a penalty shootout in the FA Cup Final.

2023: Fastest Goal in FA Cup Final

In 2023, İlkay Gündoğan scored the fastest goal in an FA Cup Final for Manchester City, just 12 seconds after kick-off.

2025: 143 FA Cup Finals Played

As of 2025, a total of 143 FA Cup Finals have been played, highlighting the long history of the competition.

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