1872day.year
The Wanderers F.C. win the first FA Cup, the oldest football competition in the world, beating Royal Engineers A.F.C. 1–0 at The Oval in Kennington, London.
On March 16, 1872, the Wanderers F.C. defeated the Royal Engineers 1–0 at The Oval to claim the inaugural FA Cup.
The Football Association’s first knockout tournament concluded before a crowd of spectators in Kennington, marking a landmark in organized sport. Morton Betts scored the decisive goal, earning the Wanderers the distinction of first FA Cup champions. The competition’s successful debut illustrated football’s potential to captivate audiences and foster club rivalries. At the time, rules still allowed physical charging, and the crossbar had recently replaced tape. The event set traditions for future finals, including match scheduling and trophy presentation. Clubs across England embraced the knockout format, leading to the rapid spread of competitive football. Today, the FA Cup remains one of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport worldwide.
1872
Wanderers F.C.
FA Cup
football
Royal Engineers A.F.C.
The Oval
Kennington