The Emirates FA Cup is back for the 2025/26 season, and fans can follow every round, upset, and classic rivalry with ease. Whether you enjoy straight-match picks or exploring advanced markets, the Stake Sportsbook offers an exciting space for football fans to place bets using crypto or local currency—plus easy access through the Stake app login and Stake app download APK options.
Below is your fresh, in-depth guide to the FA Cup and how to bet on it confidently.
What Makes the Emirates FA Cup So Iconic?
The FA Cup stands as the oldest football tournament on the planet, and its open-format structure means that clubs from every tier—right from grassroots sides to Premier League giants—can chase football glory.
Each season, hundreds of teams battle for a place at Wembley Stadium. The eventual winners also secure a coveted spot in the following year’s UEFA Europa League.
This unpredictable mix of underdogs and elite clubs is exactly why the FA Cup attracts so much attention—especially among those who enjoy Stake live sports betting and Stake betting India options.
A Glance at FA Cup History
The Football Association unified the rules of football in 1863, allowing competitive tournaments to develop across England. The very first FA Cup took place in 1871, featuring 15 clubs and just 13 matches.
As interest grew, qualifying rounds were added, replays became common, and by the early 1900s, the tournament had already become a national tradition. Wembley Stadium first hosted the FA Cup Final in 1923, beginning a legacy that continues today.
Some of the most successful clubs include:
Arsenal – 14 titles
Manchester United – 13 titles
Chelsea – 8 titles
Liverpool – 8 titles
Tottenham Hotspur – 8 titles
Manchester City – 7 titles
Aston Villa – 7 titles
These teams are also among the most-watched betting favorites across Stake crypto casino and Stake live casino games enthusiasts.
2025/26 Emirates FA Cup – Full Schedule
The FA Cup operates in a knockout format. Every match must produce a winner, and extra time or penalties will settle ties from the first round onward.
Tournament Rounds
First Round: November 1, 2025
League One & League Two clubs joinSecond Round: December 6, 2025
Third Round: January 10, 2026
Championship & Premier League clubs beginFourth Round: February 14, 2026
Fifth Round: March 7, 2026
Final Stages
Quarterfinal: April 4, 2026
Semifinal: April 25, 2026
Final: May 16, 2026
2024/25 Season Recap
The previous season saw 745 clubs entering the competition, but it was Crystal Palace who shocked the football world by lifting the trophy for the first time in their history.
Manchester United—the defending champions—were knocked out by Fulham in Round 5, while Josh Magennis (Exeter City) topped the scoring chart with 6 goals.
This level of unpredictability is exactly why bettors love using options like Stake IPL betting, Stake casino slots, and football specials as they explore different wagering angles.
Predictions for Rounds 1–5 (2025/26 Season)
Lower-league sides often struggle against stronger competition, though surprises do happen:
Grimsby Town have shown giant-killing potential this year.
Coventry City, under Frank Lampard, look capable of upsetting bigger teams.
Middlesbrough remain one of the Championship’s most dangerous knockout sides.
By the 5th round, most of the remaining clubs will likely be Premier League teams, including:
Liverpool
Manchester City
Arsenal
Aston Villa
Newcastle
Crystal Palace (Defending champions and strong contenders again)
These insights can help bettors evaluate matchups on Stake live sports betting or when using a Stake promo code for enhanced bonuses.
How to Bet on the FA Cup at Stake
Whether you’re new or experienced, betting is simple:
Sign in through Stake app login or create a new account.
Deposit via crypto or local payment gateways.
Find FA Cup fixtures in the upcoming matches tab.
Choose a market and enter your stake.
Confirm your bet and enjoy watching via the free live stream.
Popular Betting Markets:
Match Winner (1X2)
Draw No Bet
Asian Handicap
Both Teams to Score
Player Props
Correct Score
Same-Game Parlays
Outright Tournament Winner
Watch FA Cup Matches Live
Stake offers free live streaming for FA Cup fixtures. You only need a logged-in account.
You can enjoy the match live while exploring in-play markets and competitive odds during real-time action.
Betting Odds, Payouts & Bonuses
Before placing wagers, make sure you’re comfortable with:
Converting odds (decimal, fractional, American)
Calculating potential payouts
Using crypto safely via Stake’s Vault system
Stake supports BTC, ETH, USDT, TRX, DOGE, SOL, EOS, LTC, and more—making it convenient for crypto bettors worldwide.
New players in India can enjoy the Stake welcome bonus India, and returning players can grab reloads, cashbacks, and promotions through the VIP Club.
Smart Football Betting Tips
Do Your Research
Study each team’s:
Goal averages
Recent performance
Home/away records
Head-to-head statistics
The FA Cup sees an average of 3+ goals per game, which influences many markets.
Use Live Betting
Odds shift quickly during matches. If pre-match offers don’t appeal, live markets may offer better value.
Track Team News
Suspensions, injuries, fatigue, and rotations heavily influence knockout tournaments.
Stake VIP Club & Responsible Betting
Frequent bettors can unlock:
Rakeback
Reload bonuses
Personalized VIP support
Stake also encourages players to follow safe betting practices and manage limits responsibly.