FA Cup TV Schedule: The FA Cup, one of the oldest and most prestigious football tournaments in the world, is always a focal point of excitement for football fans. With its rich history, unexpected upsets, and thrilling moments, the competition has remained a staple of the English football calendar. If you’re wondering when and where to catch the matches, this article provides an extensive guide on the FA Cup TV schedule. Whether you’re tuning in from the UK, the US, or any other part of the world, you’ll find all the information you need to ensure you don’t miss a moment of this exciting tournament.
Overview of the FA Cup
The FA Cup (Football Association Challenge Cup) was founded in 1871 and is open to clubs from all tiers of English football, from the Premier League to the lower leagues. The tournament is known for its surprises, with smaller clubs often knocking out top-flight teams in dramatic upsets. The competition culminates in a final held at Wembley Stadium in London, one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world.
The FA Cup offers a chance for teams from lower divisions to shine, making it a thrilling event for football fans. It’s also a platform for top clubs to fight for silverware in one of the oldest football tournaments in the world. Matches typically begin in the first round and progress through to the final, and the tournament is widely regarded as a test of both skill and resilience.
TV Rights for FA Cup 2024
The FA Cup TV schedule is crucial for football fans who want to know where to watch the action. In the UK, the broadcasting rights for the FA Cup are shared by BBC Sport and ITV Sport. Both of these networks offer extensive coverage of the tournament, including the early rounds, quarterfinals, and the all-important final.
BBC Sport typically broadcasts high-profile games from the third round onwards, including replays, and has exclusive rights for the final. The BBC also offers live streaming of the matches through their BBC iPlayer platform.
ITV Sport broadcasts games across the FA Cup, including matches from the first round, and provides a mix of live games, highlights, and post-match analysis.
How to Watch the FA Cup: TV Schedule in the UK
BBC Sport and ITV Sport
In the United Kingdom, the FA Cup is easily accessible to football fans through BBC Sport and ITV Sport, who take turns airing live matches and highlights. The schedule is typically divided into the following stages:
First Round Proper – November: This is where teams from the lower divisions of English football get their first taste of the competition.
Second Round Proper – December: As teams continue to battle it out, the second round presents further exciting matches.
Third Round Proper – January: One of the most exciting stages, the third round sees the entry of Premier League clubs and some thrilling matchups.
Fourth and Fifth Rounds – February and March: The stakes get higher as teams begin to edge closer to the final.
Quarterfinals and Semifinals – March and April: The tension rises as only a handful of teams remain, vying for a spot in the final.
Final – May: The pinnacle of the FA Cup season is the final, held at Wembley Stadium, and the game that every football fan eagerly anticipates.
Both BBC Sport and ITV Sport provide full coverage of these stages, with various highlights and build-up shows. The FA Cup final, in particular, attracts huge viewership, and the BBC has exclusive coverage of the final.
How to Stream the FA Cup in the UK
BBC iPlayer: BBC offers free live streaming of all the games they broadcast, including the FA Cup final. As long as you have a TV license, you can watch the games live or catch up later on-demand.
ITV Hub: ITV also provides free streaming of the FA Cup games they air. You can watch live or catch up on the match highlights using ITV Hub. Both ITV and BBC’s streaming services are available on a variety of devices, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and more.
International Coverage of the FA Cup
For fans outside the UK, there are still plenty of options to watch the FA Cup. Major broadcasters have secured rights to broadcast the tournament globally, including in the United States, Australia, and other key regions.
FA Cup TV Schedule in the United States
In the United States, the FA Cup is broadcast by ESPN and ESPN+. The ESPN networks have exclusive broadcasting rights, including for live matches and highlight shows. Fans can tune in to ESPN for the best of the competition, from the early rounds all the way to the final.
ESPN provides television broadcasts of key matches, especially those featuring top Premier League clubs and significant upsets.
ESPN+ offers streaming of additional FA Cup fixtures, giving fans access to a more extensive range of matches.
FA Cup TV Schedule in Australia
In Australia, Optus Sport has the broadcasting rights to the FA Cup. This means that fans Down Under can watch every match from the first round to the final. Optus Sport offers live streaming of all games, along with detailed match previews, post-match analysis, and expert commentary.
Optus Sport is available via subscription, and it’s a go-to platform for all major international football events, including the FA Cup.
FAQs
When does the FA Cup start in 2024?
The FA Cup typically starts with the first round proper, which takes place in November. The exact start date varies from season to season, but for 2024, the first round is expected to kick off in early November. Following this, the tournament continues with subsequent rounds, including the third round (which sees Premier League teams enter), up to the final in May.
Where can I watch the FA Cup in the UK?
In the UK, the FA Cup TV schedule is mainly covered by BBC Sport and ITV Sport. These broadcasters will show key matches live, including the final. BBC Sport typically broadcasts the third round onwards, while ITV provides coverage for earlier rounds. Both broadcasters also offer extensive pre-match analysis, highlights, and post-match commentary.
Live streaming is available through the BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub apps for those who prefer watching on their devices. As long as you have a valid TV license, you can access the streams for free.
How can I watch the FA Cup abroad?
Internationally, the FA Cup is available through different broadcasting channels depending on your location. For example:
USA: The ESPN and ESPN+ networks have the rights to air the FA Cup in the US. Fans can access live coverage of matches through these channels.
Australia: Fans in Australia can watch the FA Cup through Optus Sport, which has exclusive rights to the tournament.
Europe: Broadcasters like DAZN have the rights to show the FA Cup in many European countries, including Germany, Italy, and Spain.
You can check local sports streaming services in your area for specific channels and subscription details.
What time are FA Cup matches typically shown?
The exact timing of FA Cup matches varies depending on the round and location, but the general broadcast times are as follows:
Weekday Matches: These are usually scheduled in the evening, around 7:45 PM (UK time).
Weekend Matches: Matches on the weekend typically kick off in the afternoon or early evening. Popular match times are 12:30 PM, 3:00 PM, and 5:30 PM (UK time).
As the rounds progress, particularly in the latter stages, matches may be scheduled for more convenient times, such as the evening for higher-profile games.
Is the FA Cup final broadcast live?
Yes, the FA Cup final is always broadcast live and is typically available on both BBC Sport and ITV Sport. The final match, usually held in May, is one of the biggest sporting events in the UK and attracts viewers worldwide.
The BBC has exclusive rights to provide in-depth coverage, while ITV will also broadcast the final on TV. You can stream the final live via BBC iPlayer or ITV Hub if you are in the UK.
In Summary
The FA Cup is one of the most exciting football tournaments in the world, and following the FA Cup TV schedule ensures that you don’t miss a single moment of the action. Whether you’re watching from the UK, the US, or Australia, there are plenty of options for fans to enjoy every match, from the early rounds to the final showdown at Wembley. Be sure to check the broadcasters and streaming services available in your country, so you can stay updated and cheer on your favorite team during this historic competition.
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