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Macclesfield's FA Cup Upset: A 117-Year First

Published January 10, 2026, 20:13

Macclesfield achieved a historic victory in the FA Cup, defeating titleholders Crystal Palace 2-1. The team from the 6th tier of English football wrote its name in the history books, as this was the first time in 117 years that a team from an amateur category managed to eliminate the cup holder. The last such event occurred in 1909, when Palace, then at a non-league level, eliminated Wolves, the then-cup holder. Macclesfield's victory, coached by John Rooney, brother of Wayne Rooney, is considered one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history. This victory represents a rare and memorable moment for English football, highlighting the charm of the FA Cup, where teams from different levels can cross swords and create historic upsets. The achievement of Macclesfield has garnered widespread recognition and discussion in the sporting world, reminding us that anything is possible in football and that history can repeat itself in unpredictable ways.