The FA Cup, the oldest national football competition in the world, is a symbol of tradition, unpredictability, and underdog triumphs. The 2023-24 FA Cup schedule is eagerly anticipated by football fans, and it promises to deliver thrilling matches and unforgettable moments. Let’s delve into the schedule, explore key dates, and understand the essence of this prestigious competition.
FA Cup Schedule
The FA Cup schedule is a list of the dates and times of matches in the FA Cup, the oldest national football competition in the world. The competition is open to all clubs in the English Football League system, from the Premier League down to Level 9.
First round
| Date / Kick-off time (BST) | Fixture |
|---|---|
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Curzon Ashton vs Barnet |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Alfreton Town vs Worthing |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Chesterfield vs Portsmouth |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Bolton Wanderers vs Solihull Moors |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Exeter City vs Wigan Athletic |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Leyton Orient vs Carlisle United |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Kidderminster Harriers vs Fleetwood Town |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Hereford vs Gillingham |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Slough Town vs Grimsby Town |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Charlton Athletic vs Cray Valley (PM) |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Oxford United vs Maidenhead United |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Newport County vs Oldham Athletic |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Swindon Town vs Aldershot Town |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Crewe Alexandra vs Derby County |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Mansfield Town vs Wrexham AFC |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Marine vs Harrogate Town |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Barnsley vs Horsham |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Port Vale vs Burton Albion |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Peterborough United vs Salford City |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Eastleigh vs Boreham Wood |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Bradford City vs Wycombe Wanderers |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Sheppey United vs Walsall |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Shrewsbury Town vs Colchester United |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Bristol Rovers vs Whitby Town |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Lincoln City vs Morecambe |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Sutton United vs AFC Fylde |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Reading vs Milton Keynes Dons |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Doncaster Rovers vs Accrington Stanley |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Chester vs York City |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Scarborough Athletic vs Forest Green Rovers |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Notts County vs Crawley Town |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Stockport County vs Worksop Town |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Yeovil Town vs Gateshead |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Stevenage vs Tranmere Rovers |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Chesham United vs Maidstone United |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Bromley vs Blackpool |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | AFC Wimbledon vs Cheltenham Town |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Cambridge United vs Bracknell Town |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Northampton Town vs Barrow |
| 04/11/23 / 15:00 | Ramsgate vs Woking |
FA Cup 2023/24 Round Dates
| Round | Date |
|---|---|
| Extra preliminary round | Saturday 5 August 2023 |
| Preliminary round | Saturday 19 August 2023 |
| First round qualifying | Saturday 2 September 2023 |
| Second round qualifying | Saturday 16 September 2023 |
| Third round qualifying | Saturday 30 September 2023 |
| Fourth round qualifying | Saturday 14 October 2023 |
| First round | Saturday 4 November 2023 |
| Second round | Saturday 2 December 2023 |
| Third round | Saturday 6 January 2024 |
| Fourth round | Saturday 27 January 2024 |
| Fifth round | Wednesday 28 February 2024 |
| Quarter-finals | Saturday 16 March 2024 |
| Semi-finals | Saturday 20 April 2024 |
| Final | Saturday 25 May 2024 |
FA Cup Schedule 2023-24: Key Dates
The FA Cup schedule for the 2023-24 season promises an array of thrilling matches, with several key dates and rounds that stand out. Here’s what you need to know:
| Round | Date |
|---|---|
| Extra Preliminary Round | August 4-6, 2023 |
| Preliminary Round | August 12-14, 2023 |
| First Round Qualifying | August 19-21, 2023 |
| Second Round Qualifying | August 26-28, 2023 |
| Third Round Qualifying | September 2-4, 2023 |
| Fourth Round Qualifying | September 16-18, 2023 |
| First Round Proper | January 6-8, 2024 |
| Second Round Proper | January 27-29, 2024 |
| Third Round Proper | January 30-February 1, 2024 |
| Fourth Round Proper | February 18-20, 2024 |
| Fifth Round Proper | March 4-6, 2024 |
| Quarter-finals | March 18-20, 2024 |
| Semi-finals | April 20-22, 2024 |
| Final | May 25, 2024 |
These dates encompass the entire journey of the 2023-24 FA Cup, from the earliest preliminary rounds to the grand final at Wembley Stadium. Each round has its own unique charm, with the third round proper marking the entrance of Premier League teams, and the fifth round proper signaling the quarter-finals.
The semi-finals hold a special place in FA Cup history, as they take place at the iconic Wembley Stadium, adding an extra layer of grandeur to the proceedings. And finally, the pinnacle of the competition, the FA Cup final, is always scheduled for a Saturday, traditionally concluding the English football season.
Random Draws and Geography: FA Cup’s Unpredictable Nature
One of the most captivating aspects of the FA Cup is its sheer unpredictability. Teams from various levels of the football pyramid are drawn against each other in each round. Unlike many other tournaments, there are no seeds, meaning any team can face any other. However, there’s one crucial rule: teams from the same division cannot lock horns until the third round proper.
These pairings create a tapestry of matchups that define the FA Cup’s magic. Minnows take on giants, and dreams of giant-killing acts take flight. What’s more, matches predominantly occur at the home ground of one of the competing teams. This not only ensures a diverse range of venues but also adds the layer of home advantage, a pivotal factor in the competition’s dynamics.
The beauty of the FA Cup lies in its ability to extend beyond 90 minutes. In the event of a draw, a replay is scheduled at the opposing team’s home ground. If that replay also ends in a stalemate, extra time and penalties come into play, adding an element of drama and tension to the proceedings.
Conclusion
The FA Cup stands as a timeless symbol of tradition, unpredictability, and underdog triumphs in the world of football. As we eagerly await the 2023-24 FA Cup schedule, we are reminded of its historical significance as the oldest national football competition globally. This prestigious tournament welcomes teams from all levels, offering them a chance to create their own fairy tales and prove that dreams can come true.
