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Understanding the format of the FA Cup

The FA Cup, officially known as The Football Association Challenge Cup, is the oldest national football competition in the world, first held in 1871. If you want to make easy and secure online sports betting on this tournament, you can try your luck at 1xBet.


It holds a special place in English football culture, being famous for 3 main aspects:


  • its tradition;
  • its excitement;
  • and the opportunities it provides for lower-league teams to compete against the giants of the game.


Understanding the format of the FA Cup helps appreciate why it remains one of the most captivating tournaments globally. At 1xBet it is also possible to make secure and easy online sports betting on other English football competitions as well.


A competition with multiple rounds

The competition is a knockout tournament open to clubs across the English football league system, from the Premier League down to amateur teams. Entry is staggered depending on the league level, with preliminary and qualifying rounds beginning in August, featuring non-league and amateur clubs. These early rounds allow smaller clubs a chance to progress and gain recognition, often referred to as "giant-killing" when they upset professional teams. There are only profitable live football bets at 1xBet, where you can also wager on whether these giant-killing moments will occur.


After the qualifying rounds, the First Round Proper usually begins in November, introducing clubs from League One and League Two, the 3rd and 4th tiers of English football. These rounds are single-match knockouts, meaning the winner proceeds to the next round, while the loser is eliminated from the competition.


If a match is drawn after 90 minutes, traditionally a replay was held at the away team's ground, but in recent years, replays have been phased out in later rounds to reduce fixture congestion. Instead, ties are often decided by extra time and penalties. Don’t forget you can also make only live profitable football bets at 1xBet on extra time and penalty instances too.


The 3rd round, held in early January, is the highlight for many fans as it marks the entry of Premier League and Championship clubs, the top two tiers of English football. This introduction creates thrilling matchups where elite teams face lower-league opposition, providing drama and surprises.


From the 3rd round onwards, matches continue as single elimination, moving through successive rounds. There is the 4th round, 5th round, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finally, the iconic FA Cup Final held at Wembley Stadium. The final is a major event on the English football calendar, with a rich history of memorable moments.


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