FA Cup Sunday Delivers Major Fifth-Round Shocks

FA Cup Sunday Delivers Major Fifth-Round Shocks

While the "Big Six" managed to navigate their ties yesterday, Sunday, belonged to the underdogs. The FA Cup Fifth Round concluded with a series of seismic upsets that saw two Premier League sides dumped out by lower-league opposition, proving once again that the "Magic of the Cup" is alive and well in 2026.

From a historic win at Vale Park to a last-minute penalty at Craven Cottage, here is the full review of today’s FA Cup action.

FA Cup Sunday Delivers Major Fifth-Round Shocks

Today’s FA Cup Results

MatchScoreKey Moment
Port Vale vs. Sunderland1–0Ben Waine (28')
Fulham vs. Southampton0–1Ross Stewart (90+1' PEN)
Leeds United vs. NorwichPostponedRescheduled due to waterlogged pitch

Match Reviews: The Sunday Shocks

Port Vale 1–0 Sunderland: The Ultimate Giant-Killing

The biggest story of the day comes from League One. Port Vale, currently sitting at the bottom of the third tier, pulled off a "seismic" upset by eliminating Premier League side Sunderland.

  • The Hero: Ben Waine etched his name into Port Vale folklore in the 28th minute, looping a brilliant header over Melker Ellborg following a dangerous cross from Ethon Archer.

  • The Drama: Sunderland dominated possession but lacked a clinical edge. They hit the post twice—once through Eliezer Mayenda and once via an offside effort from Angulo.

  • Historical Feat: This is the first time Port Vale has reached the FA Cup Quarter-Finals since the 1953/54 season.

Fulham 0–1 Southampton: Stewart’s Stoppage-Time Revenge

In a repeat of the 1976 FA Cup Final, Championship side Southampton wore their commemorative yellow kit to perfection, knocking out Fulham at Craven Cottage.

  • The Selection Gamble: Fulham boss Marco Silva made nine changes to his starting XI, a move that ultimately backfired as the Cottagers struggled for rhythm.

  • The Decider: Just as the match seemed destined for extra time, Southampton's Finn Azaz was fouled in the box by Joachim Andersen. Ross Stewart—who suffered a career-threatening injury at this same ground years ago—stepped up in the 91st minute to coolly dispatch the penalty.

  • The Milestone: This is the first time the Saints have reached the last eight as a non-top-flight club since they actually won the trophy 50 years ago.

Weekend Recap: The Quarter-Finalists So Far

The "heavyweights" did their jobs on Saturday, though none had it easy. Arsenal survived a scare at Mansfield (2–1), Manchester City dismantled Newcastle (3–1), and Chelsea needed extra time and a VAR intervention to overcome 10-man Wrexham (4–2). Liverpool also secured their spot with a professional 3–1 win over Wolves.

Confirmed Quarter-Finalists:

  • Arsenal (Premier League)

  • Manchester City (Premier League)

  • Liverpool (Premier League)

  • Chelsea (Premier League)

  • Southampton (Championship)

  • Port Vale (League One)

What to Know: The Quarter-Final Draw

With two spots still to be decided due to postponements and Monday fixtures, the draw for the Quarter-Finals is the next big event on the calendar.

When: Monday, March 9, 2026.

Where to Watch: Live on BBC One and the FA's official social media channels.

The Storyline: All eyes will be on Port Vale to see if they can land a "dream" home tie against one of the Premier League's elite.
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