The FA Cup, one of the most prestigious and historic football tournaments in the world, captivates millions of fans annually. From early rounds featuring smaller clubs dreaming of giant-killings to the high-stakes drama of the final, the FA Cup never fails to deliver excitement. With its rich history, every round of the competition draws attention, but not every game is broadcast on television. So, which FA Cup games are on TV, and how can fans watch the matches live.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to which FA Cup games are on TV, including detailed information on the broadcasting schedule, how to watch the games, and answers to common questions regarding FA Cup broadcasts. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or new to the sport, this article will help you stay up-to-date with the latest TV coverage.
What is the FA Cup?
Before diving into the specifics of TV coverage, it’s essential to understand the FA Cup’s significance in English football. The FA Cup (Football Association Challenge Cup) is the oldest domestic football competition in the world, established in 1871. The competition involves clubs from all levels of English football, from the elite Premier League teams to the lower leagues and non-league sides.
The FA Cup is a knockout tournament, with teams drawn into matches based on random selections. The competition includes several rounds, starting with the preliminary rounds and ending with the final, typically held at Wembley Stadium. Throughout its history, the FA Cup has been the stage for many dramatic moments, including upsets where lower-tier teams have defeated top-flight sides, making it one of the most exciting and unpredictable football tournaments in the world.
Who Broadcasts the FA Cup Games?
The FA Cup is broadcast across various platforms, and the rights to air the matches are shared between different broadcasters in the UK and internationally. The primary UK broadcasters are BBC Sport and ITV Sport, while in some cases, matches are also available on Sky Sports and BT Sport. These broadcasters ensure that the vast majority of the FA Cup matches are available for fans to watch live, either on television or via streaming services.
In the past, BBC and ITV alternated broadcasting rights, but with the expansion of digital media and streaming, FA Cup games are now available on a range of platforms. In addition to traditional television broadcasts, fans can watch games on streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and Sky Go, giving them access to matches on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
FA Cup Broadcast Schedule for the 2024/2025 Season
The FA Cup 2024/2025 season features exciting matches from all levels of football. For those wondering which games are televised, the match schedule is carefully organized to ensure high-profile clashes are broadcast. However, many matches from earlier rounds, particularly those featuring lower-tier teams, may not receive TV coverage.
Below is a guide to the FA Cup broadcasting schedule for the 2024/2025 season:
First Round Proper: The First Round Proper typically takes place in early November, and it’s the first time that teams from League One and League Two enter the competition. These matches often feature lower league teams against each other or against higher league opposition. As this round contains a mixture of lower-league and mid-tier teams, many games will be televised. Key first-round matches will be selected for live TV coverage by both BBC Sport and ITV Sport. As always, the most high-profile and exciting fixtures will be shown live, and you can check the broadcasters’ schedules on their respective websites.
Second Round Proper: The Second Round Proper follows in December, and by this stage, the competition becomes even more intense. This is when the magic of the FA Cup truly starts to come alive, with lower-league clubs looking to take on higher-league teams. For this round, broadcasters will typically cover key matches, such as games featuring Premier League teams against Championship or League One sides. In some cases, giant-killing performances by lower-league teams could result in additional fixtures being televised.
Third Round Proper (The Big One): The Third Round Proper, traditionally held in early January, is the round that sees the entry of Premier League and Championship teams into the tournament. This is one of the most eagerly awaited rounds of the competition, with many fans tuning in to watch top-flight teams face off against lower-league clubs, or even each other.
Due to the significance of the round, the Third Round Proper typically sees the widest coverage on TV, with matches across multiple platforms. You can expect high-profile fixtures to be broadcast live, with several matches scheduled at various kick-off times throughout the weekend. This round is usually packed with drama, excitement, and plenty of upsets, making it a must-watch for football fans.
Fourth Round Proper: After the excitement of the Third Round, the Fourth Round Proper in January or early February follows, narrowing the field of contenders. As in previous rounds, the most prominent games will be televised live on BBC Sport and ITV Sport. During this stage, big clubs are looking to advance, and underdog teams are still aiming for glory. Matches between Premier League sides are often considered for TV coverage, but some intriguing lower-tier teams could also be given the spotlight.
Fifth Round Proper: The Fifth Round Proper, usually scheduled in February, sees the competition continue to heat up as teams edge closer to the final stages. By this time, only a few teams remain in the competition, and the level of competition increases. Expect BBC Sport and ITV Sport to showcase exciting fixtures, particularly when high-profile teams clash. In some cases, games will be televised in the midweek slots, making it easy for fans to watch their team in action.
Quarter-Finals and Semi-Finals: As the tournament heads into the Quarter-Finals and Semi-Finals, the tension rises, and the excitement grows. These stages are where the real drama unfolds, with the remaining teams battling it out for a place in the final at Wembley. Both broadcasters often focus on the top games, with the Semi-Finals being a major draw for audiences across the UK. The BBC Sport and ITV Sport coverage intensifies during these stages, with live broadcasts of all the crucial games.
The FA Cup Final
The FA Cup Final is the pinnacle of the tournament and one of the most-watched sporting events in the UK. Held at Wembley Stadium, the final is an iconic fixture, often featuring two of the top teams in England. The final will be broadcast live on BBC Sport, and the event is available to watch on BBC One and across various digital platforms. Millions of fans tune in to watch the final, creating a festive atmosphere and celebrating the culmination of months of competition. From the pre-match build-up to the post-match celebrations, the final is a major sporting spectacle that captures the hearts of football fans around the world.
How to Watch FA Cup Games on TV
With so many ways to watch FA Cup games, it’s important to know the different methods available for tuning in. Here’s how you can catch all the action:
BBC Sport: BBC Sport is one of the primary broadcasters of the FA Cup. They cover a range of matches, including the Third Round Proper, Quarter-Finals, and Final. You can watch these games live on BBC One, or stream them using BBC iPlayer on various devices.
ITV Sport: ITV Sport is another key broadcaster for the FA Cup. They cover a wide range of matches across various rounds, including the Fourth Round, Fifth Round, and the Semi-Finals. ITV’s broadcasts are available on ITV1, and you can also stream games live through the ITV Hub.
Sky Sports and BT Sport: Although Sky Sports and BT Sport do not have the exclusive rights to all FA Cup matches, they do air selected games, particularly later rounds or when Premier League clubs are involved. If you have a subscription, you can watch FA Cup games through Sky Go or BT Sport App.
Online Streaming Services: For fans who prefer streaming, many of the broadcasters offer online platforms where you can watch games live. Services like BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub are free to access for UK residents, providing easy access to all FA Cup broadcasts. Both platforms also offer match highlights, so you won’t miss a moment of the action.
FAQs
Which FA Cup games are on TV this weekend?
The FA Cup schedule can change weekly depending on matchups, but key games are often broadcast live across various TV channels, such as BBC Sport and ITV Sports in the UK. To check which games are on TV this weekend, visit the official FA Cup website or sports streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub for up-to-date listings.
How can I watch FA Cup games on TV?
FA Cup games are typically shown on BBC One, ITV, and various sports networks like ESPN or Eurosport, depending on your location. In the UK, BBC and ITV share broadcasting rights. Internationally, the FA Cup is often shown on channels like ESPN (USA), Fox Sports (Australia), and more. You can also stream matches online via services like BBC iPlayer or ITV Hub for free, or check your cable provider for specific broadcast channels.
Are all FA Cup matches shown on TV?
Not all FA Cup matches are televised. Typically, the higher-profile matches involving Premier League teams are shown live, especially those in the later rounds. However, matches involving lower-league clubs may not be broadcast, unless they are considered particularly exciting or offer a potential upset. The rights to broadcast these games are limited, so the selection is often focused on the most high-profile fixtures.
Can I watch live FA Cup games on YouTube?
While you can’t typically watch live FA Cup games on YouTube, some highlights and match clips may be available. Official broadcasters like BBC, ITV, and ESPN may upload highlight reels, interviews, and match summaries on their YouTube channels. For live broadcasts, check the TV network’s website or streaming services.
Which FA Cup games will be streamed live?
The streaming of FA Cup games varies depending on the country and broadcaster. In the UK, BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub allow users to stream the games live for free. Internationally, platforms like ESPN+ and FuboTV might offer live streams of select FA Cup games. Make sure to check the streaming service’s coverage for specific match details.
In Summary
The FA Cup remains one of the most thrilling football tournaments in the world, and staying updated on which games are broadcast on TV is crucial for fans eager to catch all the action. Whether you’re watching live matches or catching up with highlights, there are plenty of ways to stay tuned. From free-to-air channels like BBC and ITV in the UK to streaming services internationally, there’s no shortage of options to ensure you don’t miss a single moment.
Always check official sources like the FA Cup website, BBC Sport, ITV Sport, or your local sports network to get the latest schedules and broadcast details. That way, you can fully enjoy the excitement of the FA Cup, wherever you are.
To read more, Click Here .
