Hull City Progress in FA Cup as Championship Promotion Push Continues

Introduction: Hull City’s Current Campaign

Hull City Association Football Club finds itself at a crucial juncture in the 2025-26 season, balancing ambitions across multiple competitions. The Tigers currently sit seventh in the Championship and are only outside the playoff places on goal difference, whilst also maintaining their presence in the FA Cup following a hard-fought victory.

Turkish media mogul Acun Ilıcalı, who purchased the club in January 2022, appointed Bosnian coach Sergej Jakirović in June 2025, marking the beginning of a new era for the club. This appointment has coincided with Hull’s strongest push for promotion in recent years, as they seek to return to the Premier League.

FA Cup Victory Breaks Unwanted Streak

Goalkeeper Dillon Phillips was the hero as Hull defeated Sky Bet Championship rivals Blackburn 4-3 on penalties to reach the FA Cup fourth round. The match, played on 11 January 2026, wasn’t a good match, quite uneventful with few scoring opportunities, but the result was significant for the club.

Hull knocked a side from the top two tiers out of the FA Cup for the first time since 2018, ending a frustrating run. Hull have crashed out of the FA Cup in the third round for the past four seasons, making this progression particularly meaningful for the club and its supporters.

Championship Ambitions and Squad Strength

Hull have been one of the best attacking records in the league, with only Coventry City and Ipswich Town more prolific in front of goal. The Tigers’ attacking prowess has been crucial to their promotion push, with the team demonstrating consistency throughout the campaign.

However, the club faces ongoing challenges. The club faces ongoing challenges including financial scrutiny and squad rebuilding, issues that have required careful management throughout the season. Despite these obstacles, Hull City Association Football Club, based in Kingston upon Hull, compete in the EFL Championship and play their home matches at the 25,586-capacity MKM Stadium, where fan support has remained strong.

Conclusion: Significance for Hull City’s Future

Hull City’s dual pursuit of Championship promotion and FA Cup progression represents a pivotal moment in the club’s modern history. The breakthrough in the FA Cup, combined with their position just outside the playoff places, suggests that this could be a season of significant achievement for the Tigers.

For supporters and stakeholders, the coming months will be crucial. Success in either competition would mark substantial progress for a club that has experienced considerable turbulence in recent seasons. As Hull City continue their campaigns, the combination of strong attacking play, renewed managerial direction, and passionate home support positions them well for the challenges ahead. The question now is whether they can maintain momentum across both fronts and deliver the success their fans crave.