8 interesting facts about FA Cup every football fan should know

• The FA Cup is the oldest football competition in the world
• The first edition of the tournament took place in 1871 and was won by Wanderers FC
• Arsenal have been the most dominant team in FA Cup finals, winning 14 times

Reaching so far back  into the history of English football, there are several fascinating facts about the FA Cup every football lover should know.

The FA Cup is prestigious, unlike any other domestic club competitions in the football world. Three months from now, this year’s winner will be crowned at Wembley. As we wait for that moment to come here are seven interesting facts about FA Cup:

1. Oldest Tournament In The World

The FA Cup is the oldest tournament in the world. Photo/ The FA.

The FA Cup is not only one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world but also the oldest. The first edition of the tournament took place in 1871 and has been happening every year (excluding years during world wars), with teams from England and Wales participating.

2. The First FA Cup Was Won By Wanderers 

Wanderers FC won the first FA Cup final in 1872. The club was among the 15 entrants to the first FA Cup in the 1871–72 season and progressed to the final where a goal from Morton Betts was enough to give them victory over Royal Engineers.

3. Arsenal Have Won The Most FA Cups

Arsenal have won the FA Cup 14 times. Photo/ Sky Sports.

Arsenal have been the most dominant team in FA Cup finals, winning 14 times. The Gunners won four FA Cups last decade – 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2020. They had also won the trophy in 2002, 2003 and 2005. Despite winning the prestigious trophies more than any other side, Arsenal’s performance in the Premier League still caused worries among their fans. But the Gunners have really improved under Mikel Arteta and are currently serious title contenders.

4. Most Consecutive Wins

Wanderers FC did not disappear after winning the first ever FA Cup in 1872. It would triumph again the following year to establish itself as one of the top teams during those days. They lost the next two editions of the tournament in the quarterfinals before coming to triumph again 1876, 1877 and 1878 to become the first team to win the FA Cup three times consecutively.

Blackburn matched the threepeat the following year, winning the title in 1884, 1885 and 1886. They returned to winning ways in 1890 and also won the trophy in 1891, etching their name in the history books. Whereas Blackburn Rovers is still active, Wanderers FC dissolved around 1887.

5. Leicester Have Reached Four FA Cup Finals But Have Won None

One of the fascinating facts about FA Cup is Leicester City reaching four finals and not winning even one. They made it to the final for the first time in 1949 and lost to Wolverhampton Wanderers. They also progressed to the final in 1961, 1963 and 1969, losing to Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Manchester City, respectively.

6. Three Hat-Tricks in FA Cup finals 

There have been only three hat-tricks in FA Cup finals. William Townley became the first footballer to score a treble in FA Cup final as his Blackburn Rovers thrashed The Wednesday (now Sheffield Wednesday) 6-1. Jimmy Logan of Notts County then scored a hat-trick in 1894 as his side beat Bolton 4-1. The most recent hat-trick was scored in 1953 by Blackpool’s Stan Mortensen as The Seasiders The Tangerines beat Bolton 4-3.

The biggest win in a FA Cup final is 6-0, which has been achieved twice. The first team to win the final with such a huge margin was Bury in 1903. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City would win with the same margin in 2019 against Watford.

7. An All-English Team 

In 1888, West Bromwich Albion won the FA Cup with completely English-born player. This is a statistic that will continue flying in the face of modern winners considering almost all top clubs in England have players from different places.

8. Most Wins By An Individual

Ashley Cole (right) won the FA Cup seven times. Photo/ Chelsea Football Club.

Rounding up the facts about FA Cup you should know, Ashley Cole holds the record for the most wins by a player. Widely regarded as one of the best full-backs the football world has ever seen, Cole won a total of seven FA Cups during his playing days. He won three with Arsenal and then won four more after joining Chelsea. Arsene Wenger is the most decorated manager in FA Cup history with seven wins.