Cup Shocks, Comebacks & Colossal Clashes: The FA Cup Fifth Round Awaits

FA Cup Drama Continues as Mansfield Produce Stunning Upset

The FA Cup has a reputation for producing the unexpected, and this year’s Fourth Round certainly lived up to that legacy. League One side Mansfield Town pulled off one of the standout shocks of the weekend, overcoming Premier League strugglers Burnley with a brilliant 2–1 comeback victory at Turf Moor on Saturday. Additionally, those attending the match could take advantage of FA Cup Hospitality for a special experience.

Their reward? A mouth-watering Fifth Round showdown with 14-time champions Arsenal, who will travel to the One Call Stadium as Mansfield look to extend their giant‑killing journey. For fans looking for an elevated matchday, FA Cup Hospitality at this stage offers exclusive access and perks.

Elsewhere in the draw, the competition has served up several heavyweight clashes. Manchester City will head to Newcastle in one of two all‑Premier League ties—a repeat of this season’s League Cup semi-final. West Ham United will welcome Brentford, while Championship high-flyers Wrexham are set to host eight-time winners Chelsea in another eye-catching matchup.

All Fifth Round ties are scheduled to take place across the weekend of 7–8 March, with each winning club set to earn £238,500 from the 2025–26 competition prize fund. As a result, FA Cup Hospitality options are in high demand for supporters wishing to witness these exciting games in comfort.

FA Cup Fifth-Round Draw

  • Fulham vs Southampton
  • Port Vale or Bristol City vs Sunderland
  • Newcastle vs Manchester City
  • Leeds United vs Norwich City
  • Mansfield Town vs Arsenal
  • Wolves vs Liverpool
  • Wrexham vs Chelsea
  • West Ham vs Brentford

A Look Back at the FA Cup’s Rich History

First contested in 1871, the FA Cup stands as the oldest national football tournament in the world, beloved for its tradition, inclusivity, and the unforgettable “giant‑killing” moments that have defined its story.

Origins and Early Development

The competition—officially named the Football Association Challenge Cup—was proposed in July 1871 by FA Secretary C.W. Alcock as a nationwide knockout tournament. The first matches kicked off that November with twelve competing teams, and the inaugural final was held in March 1872 at the Kennington Oval. Wanderers emerged as the first champions, edging out Royal Engineers 1–0.

As football grew in popularity, so too did the Cup. By the late 1800s, entries surged past 100 teams, prompting the introduction of qualifying rounds in 1888–89. The rise of professionalism reshaped the competition, eventually leading to the creation of the FA Amateur Cup in 1893. By 1913, the Cup had become a major sporting spectacle, with the final at Crystal Palace drawing an astonishing 121,000 spectators.

Old Trafford Hospitality

War-Time Interruptions and Iconic Moments

The tournament paused during both World Wars, but its legacy continued to grow. The 1923 “White Horse Final”—the first at Wembley—became part of football folklore due to the enormous crowd. Other traditions followed, including the now-famous singing of “Abide With Me” before each final, first introduced in 1927, the same year Cardiff City became the only non‑English club to lift the trophy.

The Modern FA Cup

Today, over 700 clubs from every level of the English football pyramid enter the competition, from non-league hopefuls to Premier League giants. The FA Cup is synonymous with remarkable upsets—from Hereford’s shock win over Newcastle in 1972, to Wigan’s fairy‑tale victory over Manchester City in 2013, and Bradford’s unforgettable 4–2 comeback at Chelsea in 2015.

Records and Milestones

Arsenal remain the most successful club in the Cup’s history with 14 titles, while the competition continues to evolve, hosting landmark moments such as the first penalty shootout in a final (Liverpool vs West Ham, 2006) and the first use of VAR in 2021.

Why the FA Cup Still Matters

More than just a trophy, the FA Cup represents the heart of English football. Its open‑to‑all structure, rich traditions, and reputation for producing the extraordinary make it one of the most cherished competitions in world sport. In fact, FA Cup Hospitality makes these events even more memorable for guests and clients.

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Book Your FA Cup Hospitality with AR Events! ⚽✨

Make the next round of the FA Cup an unforgettable experience. Enjoy premium hospitality, great food, and unbeatable views with packages tailored for fans, clients, and corporate groups. For even more excitement, FA Cup Hospitality brings you closer to the action than ever before.

Secure your place today with AR Events — contact us now to book!