The FA Cup Third Round took centre stage this weekend, bringing with it the competition’s trademark magic, where shocks and upsets are always a possibility.
With 42 EFL clubs involved at this stage, attention turned to standout performances and defining moments.
While the drama and excitement were guaranteed, fans were left wondering who would be the next giant killers.
16 EFL teams successfully progressed through to the Fourth Round, including a handful of remarkable achievements that will be remembered for years to come.
The FA Cup delivered one of its greatest ever shocks as sixth-tier Macclesfield FC stunned Premier League and defending champions Crystal Palace at the Leasing.com Stadium.
Separated by an extraordinary 172 league places going into the tie, the National League North side defied all expectations in what will be remembered as the largest upset in FA Cup history.
With a sold-out crowd of 5,348 behind them and nothing to lose, the Silkmen took the lead when Paul Dawson fired home in the 43rd minute, sending the home fans into raptures.
Palace struggled to settle and were punished again after the interval as Isaac Buckley-Rickets doubled Macclesfield’s advantage on 60 minutes with a clinical finish.
Yeremy Pino pulled one back for the visitors in the 90th minute, but Macclesfield held firm to secure a famous victory.
The final whistle prompted scenes of jubilation as fans rushed onto the pitch, with captain Dawson lifted into the air in celebration. This historic triumph is even more remarkable considering the club’s recent journey.
Macclesfield Town, the town’s original club, ceased trading in 2020 after 146 years of history.
Local businessman Robert Smethurst purchased the club’s assets, reformed it as a phoenix club, and, with former player Robbie Savage initially on the board, guided it from the ninth-tier North West Counties Premier Division to the sixth tier in just four seasons.
Now managed by John Rooney, younger brother of former England captain Wayne Rooney, the side plays with confidence and purpose, no matter the opposition.
Their determination was particularly evident in this match, with players inspired by tragedy. Forward Ethan McLeod died in a car accident on 16th December while returning from a National League North fixture at Bedford Town.
His team-mates paid tribute by delivering this unforgettable result, which will be remembered for years to come.
There have only been nine non-league wins against top-flight opponents in the past 100 years of the FA Cup, making Macclesfield FC’s triumph a result of historic significance.
Wrexham staged a sensational FA Cup performance, holding Premier League side Nottingham Forest to a 3–3 draw at the Racecourse Ground before prevailing 4–3 in a penalty shootout.
The Championship outfit, just a point shy of the play-off places, showed remarkable composure and grit against top-flight opposition in a thrilling encounter.
The Red Dragons took the initiative through Liberato Cacace in the 37th minute, quickly doubled their advantage with a strike from Ollie Rathbone on 40 minutes, only for Forest to fight back.
Igor Jesus pulled one back in the 64th minute, and Callum Hudson-Odoi struck twice in the 76th and 89th minutes to force penalties after a goalless extra time.
In the shootout, Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo emerged as the hero, keeping out attempts from Jesus and Omari Hutchinson. Josh Windass, Doyle, George Thomason, and Jay Rodriguez converted their spot-kicks to spark jubilant celebrations.
The side watched by co-owner and Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds had secured their first victory over Premier League opposition since 1999.
The dramatic triumph sends Wrexham, who remain just outside the Championship play-off places, into the Fourth Round.
League One side Mansfield Town pulled off a sensational FA Cup upset, defeating Championship opponents Sheffield United 4–3 in a thrilling seven-goal encounter.
Louis Reed, a former Sheffield United midfielder, opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a stunning strike from well outside the area, finding the top corner and leaving goalkeeper Davies grasping at thin air.
Mansfield’s lead lasted just seven minutes, however, as Gus Hamer equalised for Sheffield United in the 20th minute with a sublime strike from outside the box.
Not to be outdone, Reed volleyed Town back in front just before half-time, in the 44th minute, after another corner fell invitingly to him; his effort took a deflection off Blades captain Oliver Arblaster and found the net.
Five minutes after the interval, Mansfield extended their advantage in a devastating counter-attack. Lucas Akins scored in the 50th minute after Rhys Oates raced down the right-hand side and pulled the ball back for a clinical finish into the far corner.
Oates then added a fourth in the 57th minute, beating an on-rushing Davies at his near post to put the visitors in commanding control.
Sheffield United hit back with two quickfire goals. Patrick Bamford scored in the 61st minute, capitalising on some static defending to prod home from a corner.
Just four minutes later, a dangerous cross from Andre Brooks was inadvertently flicked into his own net by Mansfield winger Nathan Moriah-Welsh via the crossbar.
The closing stages were tense, with Harrison Burrows’ shot from the edge of the box saved and a late effort from Tyrese Campbell brilliantly blocked by Stags skipper Ryan Sweeney, preserving Mansfield’s lead.
The visitors held on to claim a remarkable 4–3 victory, marking their fourth consecutive win in all competitions and delivering one of the round’s most dramatic FA Cup results.
Reed’s performance was particularly poignant, having begun his career at Sheffield United and making his debut as a 16-year-old, the club’s youngest ever league appearance-maker.
Returning to the club where he started, he helped orchestrate one of the Third Round’s most memorable upsets.
Bristol City produced a commanding FA Cup display to defeat fellow Championship side Watford 5–1 at Ashton Gate Stadium, securing a place in the Fourth Round in emphatic fashion.
Emil Riis opened the scoring in just the second minute, guiding a powerful header home from Neto Borges’ looping cross, before turning provider to set up Anis Mehmeti for the hosts’ second.
In the second half, Rob Atkinson nodded home a third, and Riis added two more goals on 68 and 76 minutes to complete his first Bristol City hat-trick and put the tie beyond doubt.
The Robins’ defense finally conceded when Irankunda surged down the left flank to set up Jack Grieves for a consolation strike, but it did little to take the gloss off City’s dominant performance.
The victory showcased Bristol City’s attacking flair and clinical finishing, with Riis’s starring role ensuring the Third Round ended on a memorable high for the Ashton Gate faithful.
Norwich City cruised to a 5–1 FA Cup win over League Two side Walsall at Carrow Road, with Jovon Makama netting a hat-trick to underline his fine form.
Matej Jurasek gave the hosts the lead with a powerful left-footed strike from just inside the box, marking his first goal for the Canaries.
Makama doubled the advantage inside 25 minutes, turning in the rebound after Walsall centre-back Aden Flint blocked Jack Stacey’s initial effort.
The forward then completed his treble early in the second half with two precise finishes, putting the tie beyond doubt. Courtney Clarke scored a stunning 25-yard strike for Walsall.
Meanwhile, Tony Springett capped the scoring in stoppage time, converting a pass from Liam Gibbs.
Makama was a constant menace throughout his hour on the pitch, bringing his season tally to 12 goals and coming close on several other occasions.
Since Philippe Clement took over as manager in November, the striker has scored nine times in 11 appearances, demonstrating his growing influence in the side.
This was the second hat-trick of Makama’s career, following his treble for Lincoln in a 5–0 League One win against Bristol Rovers in March 2025.
Norwich’s comprehensive performance ended Walsall’s FA Cup journey for this season, while the Saddlers remain focused on converting their current third-place League Two position into promotion.
Burton Albion made a statement in the FA Cup Third Round with a dominant 5–0 victory over Boreham Wood at the Mangata Developments Stadium, Meadow Park, ending a three-game losing streak in emphatic fashion.
The hosts started brightly, creating a number of chances in the first 30 minutes, with Regan Booty twice testing Brewers goalkeeper Kamil Dudek.
But it was Burton who broke the deadlock against the run of play, as Kyran Lofthouse finished a well-worked move in the 35th minute, after Kain Adom swept an inviting ball into the box.
Adom was unlucky not to double the advantage himself, as his header from Jack Armer’s cross was bundled into his own net by Charlie O’Connell in the 41st minute, giving Burton a 2–0 lead before half-time.
Boreham Wood pressed after the interval but were limited to few clear chances.
Burton then put the tie beyond doubt with three second-half goals: Fábio Tavares converted a fumble from Boreham goalkeeper Ted Curd in the 67th minute to make it 3–0.
Dylan Williams added a fourth in the 82nd minute with a composed finish from a long ball by Terence Vancooten, and JJ McKiernan capped the victory with a stoppage-time strike in the 90+2nd minute.
Adom’s debut performance was a highlight, immediately making an impact in attack and demonstrating why Burton moved quickly to secure his services.
The result showcased Burton’s attacking cohesion and efficiency, as they comfortably overcame a high-flying National League side to progress into the Fourth Round.
Southampton survived a second-half fightback from League One side Doncaster Rovers to progress into the FA Cup Fourth Round, claiming their first win in seven games at the Eco-Power Stadium.
The Championship side raced into a 3–0 lead by half-time.
Cameron Bragg opened the scoring in the 8th minute, driving at a retreating Rovers defence before tucking away the rebound after Kuryu Matsuki’s deflected effort was saved by goalkeeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala.
Cameron Archer doubled the lead in the 24th minute, slipping the ball through Robbie Gotts before a looping deflection off Jamie Sterry left Lo-Tutala helpless.
Kuryu Matsuki added a third in the 41st minute to give Southampton a comfortable cushion heading into the break.
Championship dominance eased after the interval, and Doncaster capitalised.
Matty Pearson headed home in the 48th minute, and Jordan Gibson struck in the 59th minute to reduce the deficit to 3–2, sparking a tense finish.
Manager Tonda Eckert reinforced his squad with Nathan Wood and Leo Scienza, while debutant goalkeeper Daniel Peretz produced crucial reaction saves from Billy Sharp in stoppage time to preserve the win.
Doncaster pressed relentlessly, with Darren Robinson nearly snatching a dramatic equaliser, but Peretz’s composure ensured the Saints held on.
The result not only secures Southampton’s progression in the FA Cup but also provides relief after both sides endured six-match winless streaks, highlighting a fiercely contested tie that delivered plenty of late drama.
Birmingham City advanced to the FA Cup Fourth Round after surviving a late fightback from Cambridge United at the Abbey Stadium.
Championship Birmingham, 40 places above their opponents, dominated early. Wagner opened the scoring on 31 minutes after a clever follow-up from Ducksch and Furuhashi.
Then, Kyogo added a second on 42 minutes just before half-time after stealing the ball from Zeno Ibsen Rossi.
Ducksch’s clinical finish in the 78th minute made it 3–0, appearing to put the tie beyond doubt.
However, Cambridge pressed after the break. Kaikai’s two late strikes (80 and 89), capitalising on defensive lapses, brought the hosts within one goal and injected real tension into the closing stages.
Debutant goalkeeper Daniel Peretz and calm game management ensured Birmingham held on, booking their place in the Fourth Round and securing a vital cup win.
Grimsby Town edged past sixth-tier Weston-super-Mare in a thrilling FA Cup Third Round tie, thanks to an 86th-minute winner from substitute Kieran Green at Blundell Park.
The non-league Mariners took the lead shortly before half-time when Charles Vernam unleashed a sensational long-range strike (41’). Luke Coulson equalised for Weston with a deflected free-kick from outside the box (46’), marking their first ever appearance in the Third Round of the competition.
Grimsby regained the advantage early in the second half as Jaze Kabia flicked in from close range following a corner in the 70th minute.
Yet Weston refused to fold, and Louis Britton capitalised on a Coulson free-kick, nodding in from six yards to level the tie once again.
With extra time looming, Green rose highest from a corner to head home in the 86th minute, securing the victory for the League Two side and ending Weston’s historic cup run.
Despite Weston’s late pressure, Grimsby held firm, booking a dramatic Fourth Round spot and delivering a memorable night at Blundell Park.
West Bromwich Albion, without a permanent manager, ended a run of 10 successive away defeats by coming from behind to beat Swansea City on penalties in a thrilling FA Cup Third Round tie at the Liberty Stadium.
After a goalless first half, the game burst into life early in the second period. Eom Ji-Sung curled Swansea ahead in the 48th minute, only for Josh Maja to scramble West Brom level five minutes later (53’).
Swansea pressed for a second, with Malick Yalcouye hitting the post, before Jed Wallace struck in extra time (108’) to put the Baggies back in front. Zeidane Inoussa quickly replied for Swansea in the 112th minute, sending the tie to penalties.
Both sides converted their first 10 spot-kicks, with Swansea scorers including Ben Cabango, Jay Fulton, Ethan Galbraith, Cameron Burgess, and Inoussa.
Meanwhile, West Brom responded through Aune Heggebo, Isaac Price, Callum Styles, Karlan Grant, and Wallace. Sudden death produced the decisive misses.
Bobby Wales’ attempt was saved by Josh Griffiths, Chris Mepham sent his over the bar, and Yalcouye also missed.
Ollie Bostock then calmly drilled home the winning penalty into the top-left corner, sending West Brom into the Fourth Round.
The dramatic victory marked a timely morale boost for West Brom, highlighting their resilience under pressure and ending Swansea’s spirited cup challenge in a tense, unforgettable contest.
Hull City reached the Fourth Round for the first time in six years after holding Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers to a 0–0 draw and triumphing 4–3 in a penalty shootout.
Leicester City eased past League Two side Cheltenham Town to progress, with Patson Daka scoring his first FA Cup goal and Stephy Mavididi adding a second in a 2–0 victory.
Ipswich Town secured a 2–1 win over League One side Blackpool, thanks to an exquisite first-half strike from Jaden Philogene and a second from Jacob Greaves.
Ashley Fletcher converted a late injury-time penalty for Blackpool, but it proved little consolation for the visitors.
Stoke City edged past Championship rivals Coventry City at the Bet365 Stadium, with Lamine Cisse scoring a late wonder goal in the 88th minute to seal a 1–0 victory in a tense, entertaining encounter.
Oxford United narrowly avoided an upset against League Two side MK Dons, progressing on penalties after a 1–1 draw. Aaron Collins gave the home side the lead (34’), and Will Lankshear equalised for Oxford early in the second half.
In the shootout, Jonathan Leko and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans missed for MK Dons, sending the U’s through to the Fourth Round under new boss Matt Bloomfield’s watchful eye.
Port Vale booked their place in the Fourth Round thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Jordan Shipley. The midfielder’s goal at the end of the first half gave Jon Brady a win in his first game in charge, taking Vale past this stage for the first time since 2013–14.
Wigan Athletic claimed a 1–0 victory over Championship promotion-chasers Preston North End, with teenager Harrison Bettoni scoring the decisive goal for the League One side, securing a memorable win in the third round.
Salford City vs Swindon Town remains the only tie still to be completed after it was postponed on Saturday due to a frozen pitch caused by Storm Goretti. The game has now been rescheduled for Tuesday, 20th January.
