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The 2020–21 FA Cup was the 140th edition of the oldest football tournament in the world, the Football Association Challenge Cup. It was sponsored by Emirates and known as the Emirates FA Cup for sponsorship purposes. The winners qualified for the 2021–22 UEFA Europa League group stage.
| Football Association Challenge Cup | |
|---|---|
| Tournament details | |
| Country | England Wales |
| Dates | 31 August 2020 – 15 May 2021 |
| Teams | 736 (all) 644 (qualifying competition) 124 (main competition) |
| Final positions | |
| Champions | Leicester City (1st title) |
| Runner-up | Chelsea |
| Tournament statistics | |
| Matches played | 123 |
| Goals scored | 366 (2.98 per match) |
| Top goal scorer(s) | Tammy Abraham Kelechi Iheanacho Gary Madine Alfie May Tom Nichols (4 goals each)[1] |
(Note: All statistics do not include qualifying play-offs) | |
Premier League side Arsenal were the defending champions, but were eliminated in the fourth round by Southampton.
Leicester City beat Chelsea 1–0 in the final to win their first FA Cup, having been runners-up on four previous occasions.[2]
The FA Cup[3] is a knockout competition with 124 teams taking part all trying to reach the Final at Wembley in May 2021. The competition consisted of the 92 teams from the Football League system (20 teams from the Premier League and the 72 in total from the EFL Championship, EFL League One and EFL League Two) plus the 32 surviving teams out of 644 teams from the National League System (levels 5–10 of the English football league system) that started the competition in qualifying rounds.
All rounds were drawn randomly usually either at the completion of the previous round or on the evening of the last televised game of a round being played depending on television broadcasting rights.
This year's competition was subject to changes to the rules and round dates at short notice to follow the latest national and local government guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
| Round | Main date | Number of fixtures | Clubs remaining | New entries this round | Winner prize money |
Loser prize money[lower-alpha 1] |
Divisions entering this round |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First round proper | Saturday 7 November 2020 | 40 | 124 → 84 | 48 | £16,972 | £5,657 | 24 EFL League One teams 24 EFL League Two teams |
| Second round proper | Saturday 28 November 2020 | 20 | 84 → 64 | None | £25,500 | £8,500 | None |
| Third round proper | Saturday 9 January 2021 | 32 | 64 → 32 | 44 | £61,500 | £20,500 | 20 Premier League teams 24 EFL Championship teams |
| Fourth round proper | Saturday 23 January 2021 | 16 | 32 → 16 | None | £90,000 | None | None |
| Fifth round proper | Wednesday 10 February 2021 | 8 | 16 → 8 | None | £180,000 | None | None |
| Quarter-finals | Saturday 20 March 2021 | 4 | 8 → 4 | None | £360,000 | None | None |
| Semi-finals | Saturday 17 April 2021 | 2 | 4 → 2 | None | £900,000 | £450,000 | None |
| Final | Saturday 15 May 2021 | 1 | 2 → 1 | None | £1,800,000 | £900,000 | None |
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, the previous season's competition was delayed, with the final played roughly three months late, on 1 August 2020.[5] In a normal year, the FA Cup would start in early August, but with the previous season finishing late, the start of the 2020–21 FA Cup was also delayed to 31 August 2020.[6][7]
Contrary to initial speculation that the 2020–21 FA Cup would be reduced in size,[8] on 25 July 2020, the FA confirmed that lower league teams would be able to compete in the competition, with 737 teams accepted (out of 889 entrants), actually representing an increase of two teams on the previous season.[9][10] Following the liquidation of Macclesfield Town, 736 teams ultimately entered the competition.
All eligible teams at step 5 of the National League System (and above) were accepted into the competition, with the remaining places given to clubs at step 6. In previous seasons step 6 clubs have been given access to the extra preliminary round based on their league position, but due to the cancellation of these leagues in 2019–20, the places for these teams was allocated by a random draw instead.[10]
Round & draw dates and rule changes
Planned dates for the early qualifying rounds were released to clubs in the National League System in late July,[6][11] and confirmed by the FA on 3 August 2020.[3] With replays removed from all rounds, some qualifying rounds were scheduled for Tuesdays rather than the usual Saturday.[3]
| Phase | Round | Draw date | First match date | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying rounds | Extra preliminary round | 18 August 2020 | 31 August 2020 | [3] |
| Preliminary round | 12 September 2020 | |||
| First round qualifying | 14 September 2020 | 22 September 2020 | ||
| Second round qualifying | 25 September 2020 | 3 October 2020 | ||
| Third round qualifying | 5 October 2020 | 13 October 2020 | ||
| Fourth round qualifying | 15 October 2020 | 24 October 2020 | ||
| Main tournament | First round proper | 26 October 2020 | 6 November 2020 | |
| Second round proper | 9 November 2020 | 28 November 2020 | ||
| Third round proper | 30 November 2020 | 9 January 2021 | ||
| Fourth round proper | 11 January 2021 | 23 January 2021 | ||
| Fifth round proper | 9 February 2021 | |||
| Quarter-finals | 11 February 2021 | 20 March 2021 | ||
| Semi-finals | 21 March 2021 | 17 April 2021 | ||
| Final | 15 May 2021 |
To fit into a truncated schedule for the 2020–21 season, replays were removed entirely from the competition.[3] The prize fund was reduced, with figures returning to those last used in the 2017–18 FA Cup.[3] While restrictions on fans attending games in person were in place, the usual prize money awarded to the winners for each round was split 75% to 25% with the losers.[4][12]
Teams that were not members of either the Premier League or English Football League competed in the qualifying rounds to secure one of 32 available places in the first round proper. The qualifying competition began with the extra preliminary round on 31 August 2020.[6]
The draw for the first round proper was held on 26 October 2020. The 31 winners from the fourth qualifying round joined the clubs from League One and League Two and bye recipients Chorley in 40 ties played over the weekend of 7 November.[13] This round included one team from level 9, Skelmersdale United, the lowest ranked team left in the competition. Chesterfield were originally drawn to play at Rochdale in this round. However, due to Chesterfield fielding an ineligible player during their fourth qualifying-round match[14] against Stockport County, the match was replayed and ultimately won by Stockport County.[15]
| 6 November 2020 | Harrogate Town (4) | 4–1 | Skelmersdale United (9) | Harrogate |
| 19:45 GMT | Miller  1'Beck 45+3'Lawlor 68'Martin 73' |
Report | Mitchley 89' |
Stadium: Wetherby Road Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Robert Madley |
| 7 November 2020 | Tonbridge Angels (6) | 0–7 | Bradford City (4) | Tonbridge |
| 12:30 GMT | Report | A. O'Connor 6' Clarke 14', 44'Donaldson 55'Samuels 68'Pritchard 83'Wood 90+1' |
Stadium: Longmead Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: James Oldham |
| 7 November 2020 | Exeter City (4) | 2–1 | AFC Fylde (6) | Exeter |
| 13:00 GMT | Jay 26' Hartridge 33' |
Report | Hulme 11' |
Stadium: St James Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Tom Reeves |
| 7 November 2020 | Leyton Orient (4) | 1–2 | Newport County (4) | Leyton, London |
| 15:00 GMT | Kyprianou 40' |
Report | Baker 37' Devitt 77' |
Stadium: Brisbane Road Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: James Adcock |
| 7 November 2020 | Sunderland (3) | 0–1 | Mansfield Town (4) | Sunderland |
| 15:00 GMT | Report | Lapslie 49' |
Stadium: Stadium of Light Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Anthony Backhouse |
| 7 November 2020 | Bolton Wanderers (4) | 2–3 | Crewe Alexandra (3) | Bolton |
| 15:00 GMT | Delfouneso 37', 78' |
Report | Mandron 29' Finney 70'Kirk 75' |
Stadium: University of Bolton Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Rob Lewis |
| 7 November 2020 | Oxford United (3) | 1–2 | Peterborough United (3) | Oxford |
| 15:00 GMT | Ruffels 45+2' |
Report | Dembélé 23' Taylor 63' |
Stadium: Kassam Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Ben Speedie |
| 7 November 2020 | Walsall (4) | 1–2 | Bristol Rovers (3) | Walsall |
| 15:00 GMT | Lavery 87' |
Report | Baldwin 33' Hanlan 39' |
Stadium: Bescot Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Ross Joyce |
| 7 November 2020 | Rochdale (3) | 1–2 | Stockport County (5) | Rochdale |
| 15:00 GMT | Lund 22' |
Report | Rooney 7' Reid 14' |
Stadium: Spotland Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Scott Oldham |
| 7 November 2020 | Swindon Town (3) | 1–2 | Darlington (6) | Swindon |
| 15:00 GMT | Pitman 41' |
Report | Campbell 31', 60' |
Stadium: County Ground Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Declan Bourne |
| 7 November 2020 | Tranmere Rovers (4) | 2–1 | Accrington Stanley (3) | Birkenhead |
| 15:00 GMT | Blackett-Taylor 13' Clarke 84' |
Report | Bishop 24' |
Stadium: Prenton Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Graham Salisbury |
| 7 November 2020 | Bromley (5) | 0–1 (a.e.t.) | Yeovil Town (5) | Bromley, London |
| 15:00 GMT | Report | Rogers 120+2' |
Stadium: Hayes Lane Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Anthony Coggins |
| 7 November 2020 | Cheltenham Town (4) | 3–1 | South Shields (7) | Cheltenham |
| 15:00 GMT | May 12', 53' Sercombe 62' |
Report | Osei 18' |
Stadium: Whaddon Road Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Martin Woods |
| 7 November 2020 | Stevenage (4) | 2–2 (a.e.t.) (5–4 p) | Concord Rangers (6) | Stevenage |
| 15:00 GMT | Coker 28' Newton 99' |
Report | Wall 43' Martin 109' |
Stadium: Broadhall Way Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: John Busby |
| Penalties | ||||
| 7 November 2020 | Gillingham (3) | 3–2 | Woking (5) | Gillingham |
| 15:00 GMT | Samuel 59', 68' Oliver 79' |
Report | Kretzschmar 23' Davison 55' |
Stadium: Priestfield Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Chris Sarginson |
| 7 November 2020 | Charlton Athletic (3) | 0–1 | Plymouth Argyle (3) | Charlton, London |
| 15:00 GMT | Report | Jephcott 60' |
Stadium: The Valley Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Neil Hair |
| 7 November 2020 | Salford City (4) | 2–0 (a.e.t.) | Hartlepool United (5) | Salford |
| 15:00 GMT | Andrade 105+1' Dieseruvwe 120+3' |
Report | Stadium: Moor Lane Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Carl Boyeson |
| 7 November 2020 | Hull City (3) | 2–0 | Fleetwood Town (3) | Kingston upon Hull |
| 15:00 GMT | Magennis 31' Burke 63' |
Report | Stadium: KCOM Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Marc Edwards |
| 7 November 2020 | Colchester United (4) | 1–1 (a.e.t.) (3–5 p) | Marine (8) | Colchester |
| 15:00 GMT | Pell 64' |
Report | Miley 22' |
Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Samuel Allison |
| Penalties | ||||
| 7 November 2020 | Dagenham & Redbridge (5) | 3–1 | Grimsby Town (4) | Dagenham, London |
| 15:00 GMT | Wilson 10', 90+1' Brundle 90+6' (pen.) |
Report | Windsor 60' (pen.) |
Stadium: Victoria Road Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Craig Hicks |
| 7 November 2020 | Cambridge United (4) | 0–2 | Shrewsbury Town (3) | Cambridge |
| 15:00 GMT | Report | C. Daniels 47' Walker 89' |
Stadium: Abbey Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Peter Wright |
| 7 November 2020 | Brackley Town (6) | 3–3 (a.e.t.) (3–2 p) | Bishop's Stortford (7) | Brackley |
| 15:00 GMT | Ndlovu 14' Lowe 21'Mitford 69' |
Report | Foxley 65', 87' Richardson 72' |
Stadium: St James Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Adrian Quelch |
| Penalties | ||||
|
||||
| 7 November 2020 | Boreham Wood (5) | 3–3 (a.e.t.) (4–3 p) | Southend United (4) | Borehamwood |
| 15:00 GMT | Fyfield 8' Ricketts 51'Tshimanga 93' (pen.) |
Report | Goodship 59' Egbri 62'Olayinka 100' |
Stadium: Meadow Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Ben Toner |
| Penalties | ||||
|
||||
| 7 November 2020 | Ipswich Town (3) | 2–3 (a.e.t.) | Portsmouth (3) | Ipswich |
| 15:00 GMT | Nolan 43' Norwood 66' |
Report | Curtis 11' Naylor 13'Raggett 111' |
Stadium: Portman Road Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Andy Haines |
| 7 November 2020 | Port Vale (4) | 0–1 | King's Lynn Town (5) | Burslem |
| 15:00 GMT | Report | Carey 82' |
Stadium: Vale Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: David Richardson |
| 7 November 2020 | Lincoln City (3) | 6–2 | Forest Green Rovers (4) | Lincoln |
| 15:00 GMT | Grant 17', 24' (pen.) Johnson 64'Scully 78', 88'Jones 90+2' |
Report | Whitehouse 82' Young 90+2' |
Stadium: Sincil Bank Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Samuel Barrott |
| 7 November 2020 | Banbury United (7) | 1–2 | Canvey Island (8) | Banbury |
| 15:00 GMT | Johnson 68' |
Report | Hubble 23' Ronto 71' |
Stadium: Spencer Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Lewis Smith |
| 7 November 2020 | FC United of Manchester (7) | 1–5 | Doncaster Rovers (3) | Moston, Manchester |
| 17:30 GMT | Linney 30' |
Report | Okenabirhie 13' Whiteman 21'Sims 33', 50'Coppinger 42' |
Stadium: Broadhurst Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Thomas Bramall |
| 8 November 2020 | Scunthorpe United (4) | 2–3 | Solihull Moors (5) | Scunthorpe |
| 12:00 GMT | McAtee 14' Van Veen 84' |
Report | Gleeson 4' (pen.), 80' (pen.) Pearce 51' |
Stadium: Glanford Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: James Bell |
| 8 November 2020 | Havant & Waterlooville (6) | 1–0 | Cray Valley Paper Mills (8) | Havant |
| 12:45 GMT | Gomis 18' |
Report | Stadium: Westleigh Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: James Durkin |
| 8 November 2020 | Barnet (5) | 1–0 | Burton Albion (3) | Edgware, London |
| 12:45 GMT | Fonguck 10' |
Report | Stadium: The Hive Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Trevor Kettle |
| 8 November 2020 | Wigan Athletic (3) | 2–3 (a.e.t.) | Chorley (6) | Wigan |
| 12:45 GMT | Garner 19' James 34' |
Report | Newby 48' Cardwell 60'Hall 92' |
Stadium: DW Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Martin Coy |
| 8 November 2020 | Maldon & Tiptree (8) | 0–1 | Morecambe (4) | Maldon |
| 12:45 GMT | Report | Phillips 43' (pen.) |
Stadium: Wallace Binder Ground Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Will Finnie |
| 8 November 2020 | Torquay United (5) | 5–6 (a.e.t.) | Crawley Town (4) | Torquay |
| 12:45 GMT | Nemane 18' Whitfield 24'Umerah 90+18'Hall 102' (pen.), 107' (pen.) |
Report | Nichols 83' (pen.), 108', 113' Watters 90+14'Tunnicliffe 90+21'Nadesan 118' |
Stadium: Plainmoor Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Charles Breakspear |
| 8 November 2020 | Hayes & Yeading United (7) | 2–2 (a.e.t.) (3–4 p) | Carlisle United (4) | Hayes, London |
| 12:45 GMT | Rowe 104' Nasha 108' |
Report | Mellish 118', 120+1' |
Stadium: Beaconsfield Road Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Ollie Yates |
| Penalties | ||||
| 8 November 2020 | Eastleigh (5) | 0–0 (a.e.t.) (3–4 p) | Milton Keynes Dons (3) | Eastleigh |
| 12:45 GMT | Report | Stadium: Ten Acres Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Alan Young | ||
| Penalties | ||||
| 8 November 2020 | Hampton & Richmond Borough (6) | 2–3 | Oldham Athletic (4) | Hampton, London |
| 12:45 GMT | Deadfield 30' (pen.), 75' |
Report | Garrity 6' Grant 40'Rowe 49' |
Stadium: Beveree Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Sam Purkiss |
| 8 November 2020 | Eastbourne Borough (6) | 0–3 | Blackpool (3) | Eastbourne |
| 14:30 GMT | Report | Madine 58', 68' Yates 90+2' |
Stadium: Priory Lane Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: David Rock |
| 9 November 2020 | Oxford City (6) | 2–1 | Northampton Town (3) | Oxford |
| 19:45 GMT | Roberts 12' Ashby 68' (pen.) |
Report | Hoskins 7' |
Stadium: Marsh Lane Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Paul Howard |
| 26 November 2020[lower-alpha 3] | Barrow (4) | 0–0 (a.e.t.) (2–4 p) | AFC Wimbledon (3) | Barrow-in-Furness |
| 19:45 GMT | Report | Stadium: Holker Street Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Seb Stockbridge | ||
| Penalties | ||||
The draw for the second round proper was held on 9 November 2020. The 40 winners from the first round proper competed in 20 ties played over the weekend of 28 November.[16] This round included two teams from level 8, Canvey Island and Marine, the lowest ranked teams left in the competition.
| 27 November 2020 | Tranmere Rovers (4) | 1–0 | Brackley Town (6) | Birkenhead |
| 19:55 GMT | Woolery 67' |
Report | Stadium: Prenton Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Tom Nield |
| 28 November 2020 | Morecambe (4) | 4–2 (a.e.t.) | Solihull Moors (5) | Morecambe |
| 12:30 GMT |
|
Report | Stadium: Globe Arena Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Benjamin Speedie |
| 28 November 2020 | Gillingham (3) | 2–3 | Exeter City (4) | Gillingham |
| 13:00 GMT | Report | Stadium: Priestfield Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Alan Young |
| 28 November 2020 | Newport County (4) | 3–0 | Salford City (4) | Newport |
| 13:00 GMT | Report | Stadium: Rodney Parade Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Kevin Johnson |
| 28 November 2020 | Harrogate Town (4) | 0–4 | Blackpool (3) | Harrogate |
| 15:00 GMT | Report |
|
Stadium: Wetherby Road Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: James Oldham |
| 28 November 2020 | Plymouth Argyle (3) | 2–0 | Lincoln City (3) | Plymouth |
| 15:00 GMT | Report | Stadium: Home Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: David Rock |
| 28 November 2020 | Portsmouth (3) | 6–1 | King's Lynn Town (5) | Portsmouth |
| 15:00 GMT | Report | Southwell 68' |
Stadium: Fratton Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Will Finnie |
| 28 November 2020 | Cheltenham Town (4) | 2–1 (a.e.t.) | Crewe Alexandra (3) | Cheltenham |
| 15:00 GMT | Report | Porter 63' |
Stadium: Whaddon Road Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: James Adcock |
| 28 November 2020 | Bradford City (4) | 1–2 | Oldham Athletic (4) | Bradford |
| 15:00 GMT | Donaldson 11' (pen.) |
Report | Stadium: Valley Parade Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Martin Coy |
| 28 November 2020 | Peterborough United (3) | 1–2 | Chorley (6) | Peterborough |
| 17:30 GMT | Taylor 2' |
Report | Stadium: London Road Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Darren Drysdale |
| 29 November 2020 | Stevenage (4) | 1–1 (a.e.t.) (6–5 p) | Hull City (3) | Stevenage |
| 13:30 GMT | List 79' |
Report | Eaves 52' (pen.) |
Stadium: Broadhall Way Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Sam Allison |
| Penalties | ||||
| 29 November 2020 | AFC Wimbledon (3) | 1–2 | Crawley Town (4) | Wimbledon, London |
| 13:30 GMT | Pigott 22' |
Report | Stadium: Plough Lane Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Robert Lewis |
| 29 November 2020 | Stockport County (5) | 3–2 (a.e.t.) | Yeovil Town (5) | Stockport |
| 13:30 GMT |
|
Report | Stadium: Edgeley Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Thomas Bramall |
| 29 November 2020 | Shrewsbury Town (3) | 1–0 (a.e.t.) | Oxford City (6) | Shrewsbury |
| 13:30 GMT | Udoh 108' |
Report | Stadium: New Meadow Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Christopher Pollard |
| 29 November 2020 | Mansfield Town (4) | 2–1 (a.e.t.) | Dagenham & Redbridge (5) | Mansfield |
| 13:30 GMT | Report | McCallum 19' |
Stadium: Field Mill Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Lee Swabey |
| 29 November 2020 | Carlisle United (4) | 1–2 | Doncaster Rovers (3) | Carlisle |
| 13:30 GMT | Mellish 78' |
Report | Whiteman 32', 40' |
Stadium: Brunton Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Scott Oldham |
| 29 November 2020 | Barnet (5) | 0–1 | Milton Keynes Dons (3) | Edgware, London |
| 13:30 GMT | Report | Jerome 82' |
Stadium: The Hive Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Ben Toner |
| 29 November 2020 | Bristol Rovers (3) | 6–0 | Darlington (6) | Bristol |
| 13:30 GMT | Report | Stadium: Memorial Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Brett Huxtable |
| 29 November 2020 | Marine (8) | 1–0 (a.e.t.) | Havant & Waterlooville (6) | Crosby |
| 14:45 GMT | Cummins 120' |
Report | Stadium: Rossett Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Ross Joyce |
| 30 November 2020 | Canvey Island (8) | 0–3 | Boreham Wood (5) | Canvey Island |
| 19:45 GMT | Report | Stadium: Park Lane Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Ollie Yates |
The draw for the third round proper was held on 30 November 2020.[17] The 20 winners from the second round proper joined the clubs from the Premier League and EFL Championship in 32 ties played over the weekend of 9 January 2021. This round included one team from level 8, Marine, the lowest ranked team left in the competition.[18] Marine were drawn against Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, representing the biggest league position gap between two teams in the competition's history.[19]
| 8 January 2021 | Wolverhampton Wanderers (1) | 1–0 | Crystal Palace (1) | Wolverhampton |
| 19:45 GMT | Traoré 35' |
Report | Stadium: Molineux Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: David Coote |
| 8 January 2021 | Aston Villa (1) | 1–4 | Liverpool (1) | Birmingham |
| 19:45 GMT | Barry 41' |
Report | Stadium: Villa Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Craig Pawson |
| 9 January 2021 | Boreham Wood (5) | 0–2 | Millwall (2) | Borehamwood |
| 12:00 GMT | Report |
|
Stadium: Meadow Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Benjamin Speedie |
| 9 January 2021 | Everton (1) | 2–1 (a.e.t.) | Rotherham United (2) | Liverpool |
| 12:00 GMT | Report | Olosunde 56' |
Stadium: Goodison Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Stuart Attwell |
| 9 January 2021 | Luton Town (2) | 1–0 | Reading (2) | Luton |
| 12:00 GMT | Moncur 30' |
Report | Stadium: Kenilworth Road Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Darren Bond |
| 9 January 2021 | Norwich City (2) | 2–0 | Coventry City (2) | Norwich |
| 12:00 GMT | Report | Stadium: Carrow Road Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Darren Drysdale |
| 9 January 2021 | Nottingham Forest (2) | 1–0 | Cardiff City (2) | Nottingham |
| 12:00 GMT | L. Taylor 3' |
Report | Stadium: City Ground Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: David Webb |
| 9 January 2021 | Chorley (6) | 2–0 | Derby County (2) | Chorley |
| 12:15 GMT | Report | Stadium: Victory Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Kevin Friend |
| 9 January 2021 | Blackburn Rovers (2) | 0–1 | Doncaster Rovers (3) | Blackburn |
| 15:00 GMT | Report | Richards 42' |
Stadium: Ewood Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Samuel Barrott |
| 9 January 2021 | Blackpool (3) | 2–2 (a.e.t.) (3–2 p) | West Bromwich Albion (1) | Blackpool |
| 15:00 GMT | Report | Stadium: Bloomfield Road Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: John Brooks | ||
| Penalties | ||||
| 9 January 2021 | Bournemouth (2) | 4–1 | Oldham Athletic (4) | Bournemouth[lower-alpha 4] |
| 15:00 GMT | Report | Bahamboula 45+1' (pen.) |
Stadium: Dean Court Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Andy Woolmer |
| 9 January 2021 | Bristol Rovers (3) | 2–3 | Sheffield United (1) | Bristol |
| 15:00 GMT | Report | Stadium: Memorial Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Keith Stroud |
| 9 January 2021 | Burnley (1) | 1–1 (a.e.t.) (4–3 p) | Milton Keynes Dons (3) | Burnley |
| 15:00 GMT | Vydra 90+4' |
Report | Jerome 29' |
Stadium: Turf Moor Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Jon Moss |
| Penalties | ||||
| 9 January 2021 | Exeter City (4) | 0–2 | Sheffield Wednesday (2) | Exeter |
| 15:00 GMT | Report | Stadium: St James Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Dean Whitestone |
| 9 January 2021 | Queens Park Rangers (2) | 0–2 (a.e.t.) | Fulham (1) | White City, London |
| 15:00 GMT | Report |
|
Stadium: Loftus Road Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Simon Hooper |
| 9 January 2021 | Stevenage (4) | 0–2 | Swansea City (2) | Stevenage |
| 15:00 GMT | Report | Stadium: Broadhall Way Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Michael Salisbury |
| 9 January 2021 | Stoke City (2) | 0–4 | Leicester City (1) | Stoke-on-Trent |
| 15:00 GMT | Report |
|
Stadium: Bet365 Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Tony Harrington |
| 9 January 2021 | Wycombe Wanderers (2) | 4–1 | Preston North End (2) | High Wycombe |
| 15:00 GMT | Report | Riis Jakobsen 43' (pen.) |
Stadium: Adams Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Matt Donohue |
| 9 January 2021 | Arsenal (1) | 2–0 (a.e.t.) | Newcastle United (1) | Highbury, London |
| 17:30 GMT |
|
Report | Stadium: Emirates Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Chris Kavanagh |
| 9 January 2021 | Brentford (2) | 2–1 | Middlesbrough (2) | Brentford, London |
| 18:00 GMT |
|
Report | Folarin 48' |
Stadium: Brentford Community Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Tim Robinson |
| 9 January 2021 | Huddersfield Town (2) | 2–3 | Plymouth Argyle (3) | Huddersfield |
| 18:00 GMT | Report | Stadium: Kirklees Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Martin Coy |
| 9 January 2021 | Manchester United (1) | 1–0 | Watford (2) | Trafford, Greater Manchester |
| 20:00 GMT | McTominay 5' |
Report | Stadium: Old Trafford Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Andrew Madley |
| 10 January 2021 | Barnsley (2) | 2–0 | Tranmere Rovers (4) | Barnsley |
| 13:30 GMT | Report | Stadium: Oakwell Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Oliver Langford |
| 10 January 2021 | Bristol City (2) | 2–1 | Portsmouth (3) | Bristol |
| 13:30 GMT | Report | Johnson 45+1' |
Stadium: Ashton Gate Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Jarred Gillett |
| 10 January 2021 | Chelsea (1) | 4–0 | Morecambe (4) | Fulham, London |
| 13:30 GMT |
|
Report | Stadium: Stamford Bridge Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Darren England |
| 10 January 2021 | Cheltenham Town (4) | 2–1 (a.e.t.) | Mansfield Town (4) | Cheltenham |
| 13:30 GMT | Report | McLaughlin 3' |
Stadium: Whaddon Road Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Tom Nield |
| 10 January 2021 | Crawley Town (4) | 3–0 | Leeds United (1) | Crawley |
| 13:30 GMT |
|
Report | Stadium: Broadfield Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Peter Bankes |
| 10 January 2021 | Manchester City (1) | 3–0 | Birmingham City (2) | Manchester |
| 13:30 GMT | Report | Stadium: City of Manchester Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Robert Jones |
| 10 January 2021 | Marine (8) | 0–5 | Tottenham Hotspur (1) | Crosby |
| 17:00 GMT | Report |
|
Stadium: Rossett Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Michael Oliver |
| 10 January 2021 | Newport County (4) | 1–1 (a.e.t.) (3–4 p) | Brighton & Hove Albion (1) | Newport |
| 19:45 GMT | Webster 90+6' (o.g.) |
Report | March 90' |
Stadium: Rodney Parade Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Lee Mason |
| Penalties | ||||
| 11 January 2021 | Stockport County (5) | 0–1 | West Ham United (1) | Stockport |
| 20:00 GMT | Report | Dawson 83' |
Stadium: Edgeley Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Mike Dean |
| 19 January 2021[lower-alpha 5] | Southampton (1) | 2–0 | Shrewsbury Town (3) | Southampton |
| 20:00 GMT |
|
Report | Stadium: St Mary's Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Graham Scott |
The draw for the fourth round proper was held on 11 January 2021, right before the fifth round proper draw.[21] The 32 winners from the third round proper played in 16 ties over the weekend of 23 January 2021. This round included one team from level 6, Chorley, the lowest ranked and the only non-league team left in the competition.
| 22 January 2021 | Chorley (6) | 0–1 | Wolverhampton Wanderers (1) | Chorley |
| 19:45 GMT | Report | Vitinha 12' |
Stadium: Victory Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Anthony Taylor |
| 23 January 2021 | Southampton (1) | 1–0 | Arsenal (1) | Southampton |
| 12:15 GMT | Gabriel 24' (o.g.) |
Report | Stadium: St Mary's Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Peter Bankes |
| 23 January 2021 | Barnsley (2) | 1–0 | Norwich City (2) | Barnsley |
| 15:00 GMT | Styles 56' |
Report | Stadium: Oakwell Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: John Brooks |
| 23 January 2021 | Brighton & Hove Albion (1) | 2–1 | Blackpool (3) | Brighton and Hove |
| 15:00 GMT | Report | Madine 45+1' |
Stadium: Falmer Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Darren England |
| 23 January 2021 | Millwall (2) | 0–3 | Bristol City (2) | Bermondsey, London |
| 15:00 GMT | Report | Stadium: The Den Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Tony Harrington |
| 23 January 2021 | Sheffield United (1) | 2–1 | Plymouth Argyle (3) | Sheffield |
| 15:00 GMT | Report | Camará 75' |
Stadium: Bramall Lane Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Lee Mason |
| 23 January 2021 | Swansea City (2) | 5–1 | Nottingham Forest (2) | Swansea |
| 15:00 GMT | Report | Knockaert 56' |
Stadium: Liberty Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Kevin Friend |
| 23 January 2021 | West Ham United (1) | 4–0 | Doncaster Rovers (3) | Stratford, London |
| 15:00 GMT |
|
Report | Stadium: London Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Robert Jones |
| 23 January 2021 | Cheltenham Town (4) | 1–3 | Manchester City (1) | Cheltenham |
| 17:30 GMT | May 59' |
Report |
|
Stadium: Whaddon Road Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Stuart Attwell |
| 24 January 2021 | Chelsea (1) | 3–1 | Luton Town (2) | Fulham, London |
| 12:00 GMT | Abraham 11', 17', 74' |
Report | Clark 30' |
Stadium: Stamford Bridge Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: David Coote |
| 24 January 2021 | Brentford (2) | 1–3 | Leicester City (1) | Brentford, London |
| 14:30 GMT | Sørensen 6' |
Report | Stadium: Brentford Community Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Michael Oliver |
| 24 January 2021 | Fulham (1) | 0–3 | Burnley (1) | Fulham, London |
| 14:30 GMT | Report | Stadium: Craven Cottage Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Andrew Madley |
| 24 January 2021 | Manchester United (1) | 3–2 | Liverpool (1) | Trafford, Greater Manchester |
| 17:00 GMT | Report | Salah 18', 59' |
Stadium: Old Trafford Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Craig Pawson |
| 24 January 2021 | Everton (1) | 3–0 | Sheffield Wednesday (2) | Liverpool |
| 20:00 GMT |
|
Report | Stadium: Goodison Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Graham Scott |
| 25 January 2021 | Wycombe Wanderers (2) | 1–4 | Tottenham Hotspur (1) | High Wycombe |
| 19:45 GMT | Onyedinma 25' |
Report | Stadium: Adams Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Jon Moss |
| 26 January 2021[lower-alpha 6] | Bournemouth (2) | 2–1 | Crawley Town (4) | Bournemouth |
| 19:00 GMT | Report |
|
Stadium: Dean Court Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Andre Marriner |
The draw for the fifth round proper was held on 11 January 2021, immediately after the fourth round proper draw.[21] The 16 winners from the fourth round proper played in eight ties in midweek during the week commencing Monday 8 February 2021.
The round featured 12 teams from the Premier League (level 1) and four from the EFL Championship (level 2).
| 9 February 2021 | Burnley (1) | 0–2 | Bournemouth (2) | Burnley |
| 17:30 GMT | Report | Stadium: Turf Moor Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Darren England |
| 9 February 2021 | Manchester United (1) | 1–0 (a.e.t.) | West Ham United (1) | Trafford, Greater Manchester |
| 19:30 GMT | McTominay 97' |
Report | Stadium: Old Trafford Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Paul Tierney |
| 10 February 2021 | Swansea City (2) | 1–3 | Manchester City (1) | Swansea |
| 17:30 GMT | Whittaker 77' |
Report |
|
Stadium: Liberty Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Peter Bankes |
| 10 February 2021 | Leicester City (1) | 1–0 | Brighton & Hove Albion (1) | Leicester |
| 19:30 GMT | Iheanacho 90+4' |
Report | Stadium: King Power Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Mike Dean |
| 10 February 2021 | Sheffield United (1) | 1–0 | Bristol City (2) | Sheffield |
| 19:30 GMT | Sharp 66' (pen.) |
Report | Stadium: Bramall Lane Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Robert Jones |
| 10 February 2021 | Everton (1) | 5–4 (a.e.t.) | Tottenham Hotspur (1) | Liverpool |
| 20:15 GMT |
|
Report | Stadium: Goodison Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: David Coote |
| 11 February 2021 | Wolverhampton Wanderers (1) | 0–2 | Southampton (1) | Wolverhampton |
| 17:30 GMT | Report | Stadium: Molineux Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Jon Moss |
| 11 February 2021 | Barnsley (2) | 0–1 | Chelsea (1) | Barnsley |
| 20:00 GMT | Report | Abraham 64' |
Stadium: Oakwell Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Martin Atkinson |
The draw for the quarter-finals was held on 11 February 2021, before the match between Barnsley and Chelsea.[21] The eight winners from the fifth round proper play in four ties played on the weekend of 20 March 2021.
The round featured seven teams from the Premier League (level 1) and one from the EFL Championship (level 2). AFC Bournemouth were the only non-top flight team to play in this round.
| 20 March 2021 | Bournemouth (2) | 0–3 | Southampton (1) | Bournemouth |
| 12:15 GMT | Report | Stadium: Dean Court Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Martin Atkinson |
| 20 March 2021 | Everton (1) | 0–2 | Manchester City (1) | Liverpool |
| 17:30 GMT | Report | Stadium: Goodison Park Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Michael Oliver |
| 21 March 2021 | Chelsea (1) | 2–0 | Sheffield United (1) | Fulham, London |
| 13:30 GMT | Report | Stadium: Stamford Bridge Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Andrew Madley |
| 21 March 2021 | Leicester City (1) | 3–1 | Manchester United (1) | Leicester |
| 17:00 GMT | Report |
|
Stadium: King Power Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Andre Marriner |
The draw for the semi-finals was held on 21 March 2021, at half-time of the match between Leicester City and Manchester United.[23] The four winners from the quarter-finals played in two ties at Wembley Stadium on 17 and 18 April 2021.[24][25]
The round featured four teams from the Premier League (level 1).
| 17 April 2021 | Chelsea (1) | 1–0 | Manchester City (1) | Wembley, London |
| 17:30 BST | Ziyech 55' |
Report | Stadium: Wembley Stadium Attendance: 0[lower-alpha 2] Referee: Mike Dean |
| 18 April 2021 | Leicester City (1) | 1–0 | Southampton (1) | Wembley, London |
| 18:30 BST | Iheanacho 55' |
Report | Stadium: Wembley Stadium Attendance: 4,000[lower-alpha 7] Referee: Chris Kavanagh |
| Chelsea | 0–1 | Leicester City |
|---|---|---|
| Report | Tielemans 63' |
The domestic broadcasting rights for the competition were held by the BBC and subscription channel BT Sport. The BBC held the rights since 2014–15, while BT Sport since 2013–14. The FA Cup Final was required to be broadcast live on UK terrestrial television under the Ofcom code of protected sporting events.
A number of games per round also aired on BT Sport and BBC digital platforms, BT Sport Extra, and the FA Player.[27] For the first time, all matches in the Third and fourth rounds Proper were aired live in the UK.[28][29]
The following matches were broadcast live on UK television:
| Round | Fate | Number of teams | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra preliminary round | Losers | 184 | £375 |
| Winners | 184 | £1,125 | |
| Preliminary round | Losers | 160 | £481 |
| Winners | 160 | £1,444 | |
| First round qualifying | Losers | 117 | £750 |
| Winners | 117 | £2,250 | |
| Second round qualifying | Losers | 80 | £1,125 |
| Winners | 80 | £3,375 | |
| Third round qualifying | Losers | 40 | £1,875 |
| Winners | 40 | £5,625 | |
| Fourth round qualifying | Losers | 32 | £3,125 |
| Winners | 32 | £9,375 | |
| First round proper | Losers | 40 | £5,657 |
| Winners | 40 | £16,972 | |
| Second round proper | Losers | 20 | £8,500 |
| Winners | 20 | £25,500 | |
| Third round proper | Losers | 32 | £20,500 |
| Winners | 32 | £61,500 | |
| Fourth round proper | Losers | 16 | £22,500 |
| Winners | 16 | £67,500 | |
| Fifth round proper | Losers | 8 | £45,000 |
| Winners | 8 | £135,000 | |
| Quarter-finals | Losers | 4 | £180,000 |
| Winners | 4 | £360,000 | |
| Semi-finals | Losers | 2 | £450,000 |
| Winners | 2 | £900,000 | |
| Final | Runners-up | 1 | £900,000 |
| Winners | 1 | £1,800,000 | |
| Sources: The FA[30][4] | |||
- Attendance was capped at 20,000 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.[26]
- The FA announced that, while restrictions on fans attending game in person were in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, the usual prize money awarded to the winners of each proper round of the FA Cup would be split 75%/25% with the losers of that round.[4]
- The match was played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
- The match, originally scheduled for 7 November 2020, was postponed due to a number of AFC Wimbledon players being tested positive for COVID-19.
- Tie was reversed due to a frozen pitch at Oldham's Boundary Park.[20]
- The match, originally scheduled for 9 January 2021, was postponed due to a number of Shrewsbury Town players being tested positive for COVID-19.
- Capped attendance as part of a pilot event trailing large crowds during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom
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