Looking for FA Cup matches on TV in the UK? This page is your complete guide to watching the FA Cup live, including TV channels, kick-off times and official broadcasters.
The FA Cup is one of the most iconic football competitions in the world, featuring clubs from across the English football pyramid. From early rounds to the final at Wembley, the tournament delivers historic moments, giant-killings and high-profile clashes every season.
This guide explains how and where to watch FA Cup matches on TV in the United Kingdom, with up-to-date broadcaster information and links to upcoming fixtures.
You can also check today’s live football on TV to see if there are FA Cup matches scheduled.
Looking ahead to the next round? Visit tomorrow’s football on TV for upcoming FA Cup matches and kick-off times.
How FA Cup Broadcasting Works in the UK
FA Cup TV rights in the UK are shared between official broadcasters, depending on the round and match selection.
Main FA Cup broadcasters
- BBC Sport – selected live matches, highlights and free-to-air coverage
- ITV Sport – live FA Cup matches across key rounds
- ITVX – online streaming for ITV televised games
Coverage varies by round, with later stages (quarter-finals onwards) receiving wider TV exposure.
FA Cup TV Rights in the UK
FA Cup TV rights in the UK are shared between BBC and ITV, allowing fans to watch selected matches live on free-to-air television.
This shared broadcasting model ensures that key FA Cup fixtures, including major ties and the final, are widely accessible to football fans across the UK.
TV selections are made on a round-by-round basis, with broadcasters choosing fixtures based on scheduling, team popularity and competition stage.
Can You Stream FA Cup Matches Online?
Yes, FA Cup matches shown on TV in the UK can also be streamed online through official broadcaster platforms.
- BBC iPlayer – live streams of BBC televised FA Cup matches
- ITVX – live streaming for ITV broadcast fixtures
Streaming availability depends on the selected TV coverage for each round.
Watch FA Cup Matches Live on TV
FA Cup matches are broadcast legally in the UK through official television and streaming platforms. Kick-off times are shown in UK local time, and listings are updated regularly to reflect broadcaster changes.
See all upcoming FA Cup matches on TV
FA Cup matches on TV
FA Cup Rounds Explained
The FA Cup consists of multiple knockout rounds, including:
- Third Round Proper (Premier League & Championship teams enter)
- Fourth Round
- Fifth Round
- Quarter-Finals
- Semi-Finals (played at Wembley)
- FA Cup Final (Wembley Stadium)
Each round may have different broadcast arrangements, especially during midweek fixtures.
FA Cup vs League Football on TV
Unlike league competitions, FA Cup matches are played as knockout fixtures, meaning every game can be decisive.
This format often leads to varied kick-off times and TV schedules, especially when matches are replayed or moved for broadcast reasons.
As a result, FA Cup TV listings may change more frequently than league fixtures.
Alongside league football such as the Premier League, the FA Cup remains one of the most watched competitions on UK television.
Why the FA Cup Is Special
Unlike league competitions, the FA Cup allows lower-division clubs to face top Premier League teams, creating some of the most memorable moments in English football history.
Because of this unique format, TV schedules are often adjusted at short notice, making reliable TV listings essential for fans.
This page helps you stay informed about FA Cup TV coverage in the UK, without needing to search multiple broadcaster websites.
Not sure where to watch FA Cup matches? See our guide to the best football streaming services in the UK.
FAQs – FA Cup on TV in the UK
What FA Cup matches are on TV today?
FA Cup matches shown on TV today depend on the round and broadcaster selections. You can see today’s televised matches on our FA Cup fixtures page.
Which TV channels show the FA Cup in the UK?
FA Cup matches are broadcast on BBC and ITV, with live streaming available via BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
Is the FA Cup final on free-to-air TV?
Yes. The FA Cup Final is traditionally broadcast live on free-to-air television in the UK.
Last updated automatically: January 2026