Wrexham kickstarted the excitement by defeating a Premier League team for the first time in 26 years. Shortly after, the small club Macclesfield made headlines around the world by knocking out the defending champions, Crystal Palace, in what is regarded as the biggest upset in FA Cup history. At the same time, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United reminded everyone of the familiar challenge they face in knockout competitions.
Additionally, there were no video assistant referees to interrupt the thrilling highs and lows that come with a crucial goal—either for or against your team.
During this one-weekend spectacle, the FA Cup third round highlighted the best aspects of the sport. While not entirely a level playing field—Manchester City did score a staggering 10 goals against League One’s Exeter City—it’s evident that surprises are becoming more common in English football, and the drama of this FA Cup weekend took that to new heights.
– Explore the biggest upsets in FA Cup history
– Watch LIVE FA Cup matches and replays on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
In 2025, Newcastle United finally claimed a domestic trophy after 70 years by winning the Carabao Cup, while Crystal Palace celebrated their first major title in their 164-year history by defeating City in the FA Cup final last May.
Therefore, Macclesfield’s stunning victory over Palace, a team 117 places above them in the football hierarchy, exemplified the unpredictability of English football and kept top-tier teams cautious about potential pitfalls. No team from the top flight had ever lost to a sixth-tier side—Macclesfield competes in the National League North—so the idea that the reigning champions would be eliminated seemed unfathomable.
Managed by John Rooney (brother of former Manchester United and England captain Wayne), Macclesfield is composed of part-time players who juggle their football commitment with regular jobs. Defender Sam Heathcote returned to his job as a P.E. teacher on Monday, while captain and goal scorer Paul Dawson—the day’s hero, sporting a head bandage—works for a scented candle company.
The English Football Association clearly didn’t foresee Palace’s surprise exit. Prior to the third round, the FA unveiled a “winners” ball embellished with gold trim, designated for games featuring the previous season’s champions, Palace. This novelty lasted only 90 minutes, and due to the many superstitions surrounding the sport, it may never be used again.
Macclesfield’s historic win has secured their place in FA Cup lore, and they can also take pride in having advanced past United, Spurs, and Everton—three clubs that collectively boast 26 FA Cup victories. Despite seeking redemption through the FA Cup, both United and Spurs were eliminated in Round 3, suffering losses at home to Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa respectively, both by 2-1 margins.
For United, their elimination by Brighton marks the first time since the 1981-82 season that they have exited both domestic cup competitions at the initial stage. Consequently, they are set to play just 40 first-team matches this season—the fewest since 1914-15. As for Spurs, while they remain in the UEFA Champions League, they face the pressing challenge of needing a win in their upcoming Premier League match against West Ham to alleviate pressure on manager Thomas Frank, who may not last through that derby.
Thus, while the FA Cup has brought joy and excitement to Macclesfield, it has simultaneously dashed the hopes of United and Spurs, amplifying the prevailing gloom surrounding both clubs.
2:26
Is Macclesfield’s victory over Crystal Palace the biggest upset in FA Cup history?
ESPN’s Steve Nicol and Julien Laurens discuss Macclesfield FC’s stunning 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in the third round of the FA Cup.
For those seeking joy, excitement, and a thrilling experience, look no further than Wrexham. The club, owned by Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, has skyrocketed in fame since their purchase five years ago, when they were competing in the fifth-tier National League. They made history as the first team to achieve three successive promotions and now find themselves a mere point outside the Championship playoff spots, keeping alive the dream of competing in the Premier League next season.
Having never faced a Premier League team until Nottingham Forest‘s visit to Stok Cae Ras on Friday, this was a crucial test to assess how far Wrexham has come and what work remains.
In a match that set the tone for the dramatic weekend, Wrexham put in a performance that showcased their ability to compete with top-tier teams. Their thrilling 3-3 draw culminated in a heroic penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo leading the way in a 4-3 victory that secured Wrexham’s advancement to Round 4, potentially facing high-profile teams such as Arsenal, City, Chelsea, or even the underdogs Macclesfield.
However, the next round will not feature United or Spurs, nor Crystal Palace, and certainly no winners ball.