FA Cup Third Round: Shocks, Triumphs, and the Unexpected

Wrexham initiated a remarkable weekend by defeating Premier League opposition for the first time in 26 years. Following that, the small club Macclesfield made headlines globally by eliminating the reigning champions, Crystal Palace, marking one of the biggest shocks in FA Cup history. Meanwhile, traditional powerhouses Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United offered a sobering reminder that some elements of football remain unchanged.

During this captivating weekend, there were no VAR interruptions to dampen the excitement or tension that comes with watching pivotal moments unfold in the game, whether it be a team’s triumph or setback.

Although this was a one-time event, the FA Cup third round served as a vibrant display of football’s unpredictability. While it may not be a complete egalitarian arena—evidenced by Manchester City’s 10-0 victory over League One’s Exeter City—English football is increasingly characterized by unexpected outcomes. This weekend’s FA Cup drama epitomized that trend.

In 2025, Newcastle United ended a 70-year drought for a domestic trophy by clinching the Carabao Cup. As they prepare to face Manchester City in a semifinal match, they aim to defend their title. Not to be overlooked, Palace secured their first major silverware in their 164-year history by triumphing over City in the FA Cup final last May.

Thus, Crystal Palace’s elimination at the hands of Macclesfield—a team ranked 117 places lower in the football hierarchy—underscores the depth of English football and the constant threat that underdogs pose to the giants. No top-flight team had previously lost to a sixth-tier side, and the prospect of the holders facing such an embarrassment seemed unfathomable.

Macclesfield, led by manager John Rooney, brother of former Manchester United and England captain Wayne, is composed of part-time players who balance their football careers with everyday jobs. For instance, defender Sam Heathcote returned to his role as a PE teacher the Monday following the match, while captain and goalscorer Paul Dawson, sporting a heroic head bandage, works at a company that produces scented candles.

The English Football Association appeared to anticipate a different outcome for Palace. Ahead of the third round, they introduced a unique “winners’ ball” featuring a gold trim that would only be utilized in games involving the holders, which certainly did not last beyond the initial 90 minutes. Given football’s myriad superstitions, this innovation may now be regarded as a jinx.

Macclesfield has etched its name in FA Cup history and can take pride in having outlasted clubs like Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Everton—who collectively hold 26 FA Cup titles—in the current tournament. Both United and Spurs hoped the FA Cup could provide a path to redemption this season but met premature exits in round three, with United succumbing to a 2-1 defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion and Spurs falling to Aston Villa by the same score.

For Manchester United, their exit against Brighton marks the first time since the 1981-82 season that they have failed to progress beyond the initial stage of both domestic cup competitions. Consequently, they will participate in only 40 first-team matches this season, the fewest since the 1914-15 campaign. Meanwhile, Spurs, who are still contending in the UEFA Champions League but unlikely to win, face pressure ahead of their Premier League match against West Ham, where anything less than a victory could jeopardize manager Thomas Frank’s position.

While the FA Cup has brought hope and joy to Macclesfield, it has taken them away from United and Spurs, deepening the darkness already surrounding both clubs.

For those seeking joy, excitement, and a thrilling experience, one need only look to Wrexham. Since being acquired by Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds five years ago, Wrexham has experienced an extraordinary rise. They became the first team in English football history to achieve three consecutive promotions and are now tantalizingly close to the Championship playoff positions, keeping their dream of Premier League football alive.

Despite their impressive ascent, Wrexham had never faced a Premier League side until Nottingham Forest visited Stok Cae Ras on Friday. This match served as a crucial benchmark to evaluate the club’s progress and determine the work still needed to compete at the highest level.

In a thrilling encounter that set the tone for the weekend, Wrexham displayed their potential by securing a 3-3 draw, ultimately triumphing 4-3 in a penalty shootout to advance to the fourth round, where they could face heavyweight teams like Arsenal, Manchester City, or Chelsea, or even the underdogs Macclesfield.

However, there will be no encounters with United, Spurs, or Crystal Palace—and certainly no ‘winners’ ball— in the next round.