How to Watch FA Cup 2023 in South Africa for Free

Football fans in South Africa rejoice! The FA Cup, one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world, is back for another thrilling season. This year, you can watch FA Cup 2023 in South Africa for free on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. These streaming platforms will be providing complimentary coverage of select FA Cup matches, so you can catch all the action without breaking the bank. All you need is a VPN to access these platforms from South Africa. So get ready to experience the grandeur and excitement of the FA Cup 2023, where anything is possible. From underdog stories to unforgettable moments, the FA Cup has it all. And this year, you can be a part of it all for free.

Where to FA Cup 2023 in South Africa for Free?

To catch all the action of the FA Cup 2023 in South Africa for free, you have two fantastic options for streaming: BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Here’s how to make the most of it:

BBC iPlayer: This platform will be streaming up to 18 live FA Cup matches per season, including the final. You can enjoy these matches on various devices, such as smart TVs, streaming devices, game consoles, mobile devices, and computers. To get started, simply create a free account on BBC iPlayer and you’re all set to watch the matches live or on demand.

ITVX: ITVX is your gateway to more than 20 live FA Cup matches per season, culminating with the final. It offers flexibility across a range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming devices, game consoles, mobile devices, and computers. Similar to BBC iPlayer, signing up for a free account on ITVX will grant you access to watch the matches live or at your convenience.

Why do you need a VPN to Watch FA Cup 2023 in South Africa for Free

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to watch the FA Cup 2023 in South Africa for free is essential due to geographical restrictions imposed by streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Here’s why you need a VPN:

Geographical Restrictions: BBC iPlayer and ITVX, the platforms offering free coverage of the FA Cup, are primarily designed for viewers in the United Kingdom. As a result, they limit access to their content based on geographical location.

How a VPN Helps: A VPN functions by routing your internet connection through a server located in another country, such as the UK. This process effectively masks your actual location and assigns you an IP address from the chosen server’s location. For South African viewers, connecting to a UK-based server using a VPN provides the appearance of being in the UK. As a result, you can bypass these geographical restrictions and gain access to the FA Cup matches on BBC iPlayer and ITVX.

In summary, a VPN serves as a valuable tool that allows you to enjoy the FA Cup 2023 in South Africa for free by virtually placing you in the UK, where the content is freely accessible. This way, you can savor every moment of the football action without missing out on a single goal or save.

When is the 2023–24 FA Cup?

The 2023-24 FA Cup, the world’s oldest football knockout competition, runs from August 4, 2023, to the final on May 25, 2024. Open to clubs below Level 9 in the English football league system, the tournament’s qualifying rounds start in August. The main event, from the first round proper to the final at Wembley Stadium, follows a single-elimination format. Winning the FA Cup is a prestigious achievement in the football world.

2023–24 FA Cup schedule

DATE	MATCH
November 5, 2022	First Round
November 26, 2022	Second Round
January 7, 2023	Third Round
January 28, 2023	Fourth Round
March 1, 2023	Fifth Round
March 18, 2023	Quarterfinals
April 22, 2023	Semifinals
June 3, 2023	Final

How does the FA Cup work?

The FA Cup operates on a unique and inclusive format. It is an English knockout football competition open to all clubs below Level 9 of the English football league system. Here’s how it works:

1. Qualifying Rounds: The FA Cup starts with qualifying rounds in early August, with over 600 clubs competing for a spot in the first round proper, which is scheduled for November 4, 2023.
2. Single-Elimination: The tournament follows a single-elimination format. If a team loses a match, they are eliminated from the competition.
3. Main Tournament: The main tournament begins with the first round proper and concludes with the final, held at Wembley Stadium on the last Saturday in May.
4. Random Draws: Each round of the FA Cup is drawn randomly, and there are no seeds. This means that any club can be drawn to play any other club, regardless of their size or league position.
5. Tie Resolution: If a match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, extra time is played. If the score is still level, a penalty shootout follows. The semi-finals and final are replayed if they end in a draw after extra time.
6. UEFA Europa League Qualification: Winning the FA Cup not only brings prestige but also qualifies the champion for the UEFA Europa League group stage.

The FA Cup is renowned for its inclusivity, history, and potential for upsets. It allows smaller clubs to face larger, top-flight opponents, making it a dream come true for underdogs. The tournament’s long history has produced some of the most memorable moments in football history, making it a must-watch for football fans worldwide.

How many teams are in the 2023–24 FA Cup?

The 2023-24 FA Cup will involve 729 teams, including those from below Level 9 in the English football league system. It’s celebrated for its inclusivity and provides a stage for smaller clubs to face top teams. The tournament kicks off with early August qualifying rounds and concludes in the final on May 25, 2024. Winning the FA Cup grants entry to the UEFA Europa League group stage. This historic and highly-anticipated event is known for its memorable moments in football.

Here’s a brief breakdown of the teams in various FA Cup rounds:

• Extra preliminary round: 472 teams
• Preliminary round: 368 teams
• First qualifying round: 240 teams
• Second qualifying round: 160 teams
• Third qualifying round: 80 teams
• Fourth qualifying round: 40 teams
• First round proper: 80 teams
• Second round proper: 40 teams
• Third round proper: 64 teams
• Fourth round proper: 32 teams
• Fifth round proper: 16 teams
• Quarter-finals: 8 teams
• Semi-finals: 4 teams
• Final: 2 teams

When do Premier League teams enter the FA Cup?

Premier League teams make their FA Cup debut in the third round proper, typically held on the first weekend of January. This marks a significant moment in the English football calendar, with the potential for thrilling upsets as lower-league clubs test their mettle against the elite. The FA Cup’s historic significance and capacity for surprises make it a highly anticipated event for football fans worldwide.

History of the FA Cup

The FA Cup, founded in 1871, is the world’s oldest national football competition. Open to clubs below Level 9 of the English football league system, it was created to promote and unite English football. The first final took place in 1872, with Wanderers defeating Royal Engineers. Over the years, the FA Cup has become a prestigious international event, hosting teams from Scotland and Wales. The iconic Wembley Stadium hosted the final from 1923, with memorable moments like the “White Horse Final” in 1923. It played a significant role in shaping English football and launching the careers of football legends. The FA Cup is celebrated for its inclusivity and the potential for underdog triumphs.

FAQs

Wrapping It Up!

Football fans in South Africa can relish the return of the FA Cup in 2023, with free streaming available on BBC iPlayer and ITVX, accessible through a VPN. The upcoming 2023-24 FA Cup season promises excitement with 729 teams, including Premier League giants entering in the third round. The FA Cup’s storied history, dating back to 1871, has been a stage for iconic moments and launched legendary careers. It’s a celebration of inclusivity, offering underdog triumphs and unforgettable experiences. South African fans, get ready to be part of this football spectacle!