FA Cup Giant Killings
The greatest upsets and underdog victories in FA Cup history
What is an FA Cup Giant Killing?
A giant killing in FA Cup games occurs when a lower-league team defeats a club from a much higher division. The magic of the FA Cup lies in these moments - when non-league minnows face Premier League giants, anything can happen.
The FA Cup is unique in world football because teams from the 10th tier of English football can theoretically compete against Premier League clubs. This creates the perfect environment for giant killings, where the magic of the cup comes alive.
736
Teams compete annually
100+
Years of giant killings
14
Tier gaps possible
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The Greatest FA Cup Giant Killings
Wimbledon vs Liverpool
1988 FA Cup Final
1-0
Final Shock
The Crazy Gang defeat the reigning champions in one of the biggest FA Cup final shocks.
Sutton United vs Coventry City
1989 FA Cup Third Round
2-1
Classic Giant Killing
Non-league Sutton United beat top-flight Coventry in front of a national TV audience.
Wrexham vs Arsenal
1992 FA Cup Third Round
2-1
Classic Giant Killing
Wrexham, then in the Fourth Division, defeated the reigning league champions Arsenal.
Lincoln City vs Burnley
2017 FA Cup Third Round
1-0
Modern Giant Killing
Lincoln became the first non-league team to reach the Fourth Round in 103 years.
Wigan Athletic vs Manchester City
2013 FA Cup Final
1-0
Modern Giant Killing
Wigan, fighting relegation, stunned the heavily-favoured Manchester City at Wembley.
Boreham Wood vs AFC Wimbledon
2023 FA Cup Third Round
2-0
Modern Giant Killing
Boreham Wood reached the Fourth Round for the first time in their history.
Why Do FA Cup Giant Killings Happen?
One-Off Magic
Unlike league football, FA Cup games are single elimination. One bad day at the office for a favourite, or one brilliant performance from underdogs, can create history.
Team Rotation
Premier League teams often rotate squads for FA Cup games, giving opportunities to fringe players who may lack match fitness or motivation.
Pitch Conditions
Non-league grounds often have poor pitches that can neutralise technical advantage, leveling the playing field for the underdogs.
Nothing to Lose
Lower-league teams play with freedom and abandon, while favourites can play with fear of becoming the next giant killing victim.
Famous FA Cup Giant Killing Teams
Wimbledon FC
The Crazy Gang's 1988 FA Cup final victory over Liverpool remains the ultimate giant killing.
Learn More →Wrexham AFC
Multiple giant killings including the famous 1992 victory over Arsenal.
Learn More →