The FA Cup Final, commonly referred to in England as just The Cup Final is the last match in the Football Association Challenge Cup, the oldest football tournament in the world. It is the culmination of a knockout competition among clubs belonging to The Football Association in England, although Scottish teams competed in the early years and Welsh teams regularly compete, with Cardiff winning the 1927 Cup.
Early FA Cup Finals were held at various venues, mainly in London. In the period from 1923 until 2000, the final was held at Wembley Stadium, English football's national stadium. From 2001-2005, the final was moved to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, during the rebuilding of Wembley Stadium. The Millennium Stadium was used again in 2006 due to construction delays in opening the new Wembley Stadium.
Until 1993, if the final could not be decided in a single match, the match would be replayed. After only six replays since 1923, The Football Association then decided that all future finals would be decided 'on the day', putting an end to FA Cup Final replays. This meant that a draw at the end of normal time would be followed by thirty minutes of extra time (two fifteen minute halves); if scores were still level there would be a penalty shootout to determine the winner of the competition. Only two FA Cup Finals have been decided by a penalty shootout; those of 2005 and 2006. Note that the Football League War Cup is not considered part of the official FA Cup competition.
Teams highlighted in bold won both The Football League (up to 1992) or the Premier League (known as the "FA Premier League" from 1992 through 2006) and the FA Cup in that season; this is known as The Double in English football, althoug Manchester United added the UEFA Champions League title to this in 1999. Teams from outside the top level of English football are in italics.

FA Cup Finals

1872-1888: Before the Football League

1889-1900: End of the 19th Century

1901-1915: Pre-War

1940-1972: Up to Centenary Final

1973-2000: End of the 20th Century

2001-2006: The Cardiff Years

See also