The FA Cup final has long been a stage for football’s most dramatic and unforgettable moments. While English football’s powerhouses often dominate, the competition has also produced stunning underdog victories that defied all expectations. Here are some of the biggest FA Cup final upsets in history, where giants fell to determined underdogs.
1. Sunderland 1-0 Leeds United (1973)
Few FA Cup finals embody the magic of the competition like Sunderland’s triumph over Leeds United in 1973. Leeds were one of England’s strongest teams at the time, boasting stars like Billy Bremner and Johnny Giles. Meanwhile, Sunderland were a Second Division side and massive underdogs.
However, a brilliant goal from Ian Porterfield and a legendary goalkeeping performance from Jim Montgomery helped Sunderland pull off one of the greatest shocks in FA Cup history. Manager Bob Stokoe’s jubilant run onto the pitch remains an iconic image in English football.
2. Southampton 1-0 Manchester United (1976)
In 1976, Southampton stunned Manchester United with an FA Cup final upset for the ages. United, a dominant force with a squad full of attacking talent, were expected to cruise to victory.
However, Bobby Stokes’ late goal sealed a historic win for the Saints, securing their first-ever major trophy. Southampton had been a Second Division side, making this victory even more remarkable.
3. Wimbledon 1-0 Liverpool (1988)
Dubbed the “Crazy Gang vs. Culture Club”, this final was expected to be a routine win for Liverpool, who had just won the league title and boasted stars like John Barnes, Peter Beardsley, and Ian Rush.
However, Wimbledon’s aggressive, no-nonsense approach unsettled the Reds, and Lawrie Sanchez’s header put the underdogs ahead. Liverpool were given a lifeline with a penalty, but Dave Beasant became the first goalkeeper to save a penalty in an FA Cup final, securing an unbelievable victory for Wimbledon.
4. Wigan Athletic 1-0 Manchester City (2013)
Manchester City had assembled one of the most expensive squads in football history and were widely expected to steamroll relegation-threatened Wigan Athletic in the 2013 FA Cup final.
However, Wigan, managed by Roberto Martínez, executed a perfect underdog game plan. Despite City’s dominance, Ben Watson’s dramatic 91st-minute header sealed an unthinkable victory for Wigan.
Their triumph was bittersweet, though, as they were relegated from the Premier League just days later. Nonetheless, this remains one of the greatest FA Cup shocks ever.
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5. Portsmouth 1-0 Cardiff City (2008)
Although this was not a classic David vs. Goliath clash, Cardiff City, a Championship side, reaching the final itself was a shock. They faced Harry Redknapp’s Portsmouth, who were also outsiders but had a strong Premier League squad.
A scrappy goal from Nwankwo Kanu was enough for Portsmouth to lift the trophy, securing their first FA Cup win since 1939. This final showed that lower-league teams could still challenge the elite in England’s biggest cup competition.
6. West Ham 3-2 Arsenal (1980)
Arsenal had just reached their third consecutive FA Cup final and were heavy favorites against Second Division West Ham United. However, Trevor Brooking’s rare header proved to be the winning goal, as the Hammers produced a brilliant defensive display to hold off Arsenal’s attacks.
This remains the last time a team from outside the top division has won the FA Cup, making it one of the greatest underdog stories in the competition’s history.
The Magic of the FA Cup Lives On
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The FA Cup final has delivered some of the greatest upsets in football history, proving that on the day, anything is possible. These matches serve as reminders of why the tournament remains one of the most beloved cup competitions in the world.
With each passing year, new underdogs dream of their own historic triumph—and who knows when the next FA Cup final shock will happen?
