The magic of the FA Cup is alive and well, and the fans of Macclesfield FC are living proof. In a result that has sent shockwaves through English football, the sixth-tier National League North side sensationally knocked out the reigning FA Cup holders, Crystal Palace, in the third round on Saturday. This monumental victory has instantly been hailed as one of the greatest upsets in the competition's long and storied history.
The Greatest Giant-Killings in FA Cup Lore
While Macclesfield's triumph is fresh in the memory, the FA Cup's history is littered with moments where the established order was turned on its head. From non-league heroes toppling top-flight titans to final-day dramas, these are the matches that define the competition's unique appeal. Here, we rank the ten most shocking results ever witnessed in the FA Cup.
10. Manchester City 0-1 Wigan Athletic (2013 Final)
Roberto Mancini's expensively-assembled Manchester City, fresh from a second-place Premier League finish, were overwhelming favourites against a Wigan side destined for relegation. Yet, at Wembley, a Ben Watson header secured a famous victory for the Latics. Wigan remain the only club to win the FA Cup and suffer relegation in the same season.
9. Hereford 2-1 Newcastle (1972 Third Round)
This replay is etched into FA Cup folklore. After a draw at St James' Park, Newcastle took a late lead at Edgar Street. Then, Ronnie Radford unleashed a spectacular 30-yard strike to equalise, a goal replayed for generations. Ricky George then won it in extra time, making Hereford the first non-league side to beat a First Division team since 1949.
8. Shrewsbury Town 2-1 Everton (2003 Third Round)
David Moyes's Everton, pushing for Champions League places and boasting a teenage Wayne Rooney, were humbled by a Shrewsbury side languishing 80 places below them in the old Third Division. A Nigel Jemson brace sealed a stunning victory for the Shrews, masterminded by former Everton captain Kevin Ratcliffe.
7. Sutton United 2-1 Coventry City (1989 Third Round)
Just two years after Coventry's famous FA Cup win, the First Division side were dumped out by part-timers Sutton United. In a seismic shock, Matthew Hanlan's goal secured a famous victory for the non-league outfit, proving that on any given day, the impossible can happen.
6. Burnley 0-1 Lincoln City (2017 Fifth Round)
Sean Dyche's robust Burnley were undone by National League leaders Lincoln City. Sean Raggett's late header, confirmed by goal-line technology, sent the Imps into the quarter-finals, making them the first non-league side to reach that stage in over a century.
5. Yeovil Town 2-1 Sunderland (1949 Fourth Round)
Facing a Sunderland side featuring British record signing Len Shackleton, non-league Yeovil produced a giant-killing for the ages. After Alec Stock's opener and a Sunderland equaliser, Eric Bryant scored in extra time to send the Glovers through in a legendary cup tie.
4. Oldham Athletic 3-2 Liverpool (2013 Fourth Round)
A Liverpool side containing Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Steven Gerrard were humbled by a financially-stricken League One Oldham. A Matt Smith double and a Reece Wabara strike built an unassailable lead, rendering late Liverpool goals a mere consolation.
3. Wrexham 2-1 Arsenal (1992 Third Round)
First Division champions Arsenal, 1-0 up through Alan Smith, were seemingly cruising against a Wrexham side bottom of the entire Football League. Then, Mickey Thomas's stunning free-kick and a Steve Watkins header completed a miraculous turnaround that still resonates today.
2. Bournemouth 2-0 Manchester United (1984 Third Round)
A young Harry Redknapp managed Bournemouth to a legendary victory over the cup holders, Manchester United. Goals from Milton Graham and Ian Thompson ousted a United side featuring England captain Bryan Robson, a result that stands as one of the competition's ultimate shocks.
The New King of Upsets: Macclesfield's Historic Day
And now, a new chapter has been written. On January 10, 2026, Macclesfield, a staggering 117 league places below Crystal Palace, defeated Oliver Glasner's Eagles 2-1. Goals from Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts sent the Moss Rose into delirium. Despite a Yeremy Pino free-kick setting up a tense finish, the sixth-tier side held on for a fully deserved victory.
This result doesn't just join the list; it arguably tops it. The sheer gulf in divisions, the status of Palace as defending champions, and the comprehensive nature of the performance cement Macclesfield's win as perhaps the single biggest FA Cup upset of all time. It is a glorious reminder that in the FA Cup, history is always waiting to be made.
