FA Cup Matches Deliver Drama as Macclesfield Create History
Historic Weekend for FA Cup Matches
The FA Cup third round has once again demonstrated why it remains one of football’s most captivating competitions. The Emirates FA Cup third round proper takes place this weekend, with 32 ties scheduled between Friday 9 and Monday 12 January 2026. This stage marks the entrance of Premier League and Championship teams, setting the scene for potential giant-killings and memorable moments.
Macclesfield’s Stunning Victory
Macclesfield FC delivered the greatest upset in Emirates FA Cup history as they bridged a gap of 117 league places to stun defending champions Crystal Palace in a magical third round tie. The National League North side secured a remarkable 2-1 victory, with Paul Dawson’s towering header and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts’ genius flick ensuring their progression. They’ve already scored what is being hailed as the biggest shock in FA Cup history by holding on to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 early Saturday.
Manchester City’s Record-Equalling Performance
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Manchester City produced a dominant display. City scored ten goals, two of which were own goals by Exeter, who only managed to score a consolation goal in a comprehensive 10-1 victory. The result equalled the record for the largest winning margin in FA Cup history, showcasing the gulf in class between Premier League and lower-league opposition.
Wrexham Cause Championship Upset
Arthur Okonkwo was Wrexham’s hero as the Championship outfit knocked out Nottingham Forest 4-3 on penalties in an Emirates FA Cup third-round thriller. A captivating contest ended 3-3 after extra time, with Forest substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi scoring twice as the visitors fought back from 2-0 and 3-1 down. The penalty shootout drama provided another memorable FA Cup moment.
Premier League Sides Progress
Chelsea beat Charlton Athletic 5-1 in Liam Rosenior’s first game as head coach, with Jorrel Hato’s long-range strike the pick of the goals. Other Premier League clubs also advanced, with Fulham came from a goal down to beat Middlesbrough 3-1 and Brentford securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday.
What This Means for Football Fans
The FA Cup third round has once again demonstrated its unique appeal, delivering the perfect blend of romance and drama. Macclesfield’s historic victory against Crystal Palace reinforces the competition’s reputation for producing unforgettable upsets, while Manchester City’s emphatic win highlights the quality at the top level. The FA Cup’s fourth round draw will be held on Monday, January 12, where successful teams will learn their next opponents in this prestigious tournament. These matches remind us why the FA Cup remains special—where dreams can come true and football’s underdog spirit thrives.