The FA Cup is celebrated for its rich history of thrilling “giant-killings,” where underdogs defy the odds to topple opponents from divisions above. The biggest FA Cup shock could arguably be Tottenham’s 1901 cup win, making them the only non-league side to win the competition. Since then, the cup has annually thrown up chances for smaller clubs to test their mettle against some of the biggest clubs in the world. Wimbledon’s FA Cup win in 1988 is another example of a huge shock, and encompasses the underdog spirit that makes the competition one of the most cherished in English football. Showcasing how lower-league clubs can overcome the odds on the biggest of stages, the FA Cup truly is a jewel in the crown of English football.
The tradition of the FA Cup giant-killings continues to capture the imagination of football fans. Last season, Maidstone United, a National League South side, made headlines with their exciting run to the fifth round. Their remarkable journey in the competition included a 2-1 triumph over then-Championship outfit Ipswich Town, a result that epitomises the underdog spirit. Stories of smaller clubs knocking out top opposition not only highlight the competition’s continued enduring appeal but also underscore the competition as a place where dreams come true and history is written.
What is the Biggest FA Cup Shock?
To identify the ultimate FA Cup giant killers, we conducted an in-depth analysis spanning twenty-five years of the competition, starting from the Third Round. Our approach takes the league position gap between underdogs who come out on top and their higher-ranked opponents.
Points were awarded to teams based on the number of league places that separated them from the teams they defeated within the league system. The title of “Biggest Giant Killers” is reserved for teams with the highest cumulative points of the last quarter century.
Our research shows that the biggest FA Cup shock is Conference Premier Luton Town’s defeat of Premier League Norwich City back in the 2012/13 season. With a whopping 88 places between the teams by the time the season ended, it was an historical result that nobody saw coming. This shock is closely followed by Shrewsbury Town’s victory over Everton in the 2002/03 season, while the third biggest upset was dished out by the lowest-ranked giant killer on our list when National League North side Chorley defeated a Derby team ravaged by illness.
Although it doesn’t feature in our list, an honourable mention must also go to Sutton United’s 1989 victory over Coventry, at which point there were some 81 places between them. You can also check out data on the teams that have caused the most FA Cup upsets, the biggest giant killers, the biggest giants killed, and the big teams that have been shocked most frequently – a list topped by none other than Liverpool.
Explore the full report to discover the FA Cup’s biggest giant killers and uncover which football giants have suffered unexpected defeats more often than they’d prefer.
The Ultimate Guide to FA Cup Upsets
Explore the teams that have consistently caused the biggest FA Cup shocks over the last quarter of a century. You’ll find a list of these underdog teams, along with the number of times they’ve defeated clubs positioned above them in the English football pyramid.
You can also check out the ‘Giants Most Frequently Killed’ tab to uncover the teams that have suffered the most unexpected defeats at the hands of lower-league opposition from the Third Round onwards.
The FA Cup remains synonymous with unforgettable moments when lower-league teams draw dream opponents and deliver extraordinary upsets. In recent years, teams like Lincoln City and Luton Town have provided fans with remarkable runs that embody the magic of the cup.
But which teams have pulled off the most significant individual giant killings? We showcase the top ten biggest upsets from the past twenty-five years, ranked by the gap in league positions in the English football pyramid.
