Ask any fan watching a nail-biting cup tie: is there extra time in the FA Cup? With recent weekend fixtures stretching late and broadcasters scrambling to fit ‘fa cup tv games’ into packed schedules, more people in the UK are searching for a clear answer. Whether you’re checking ‘fa cup on tv today’ or planning which matches to watch ‘fa cup on tv this weekend’, this article breaks down the rules, recent changes, and practical tips so you won’t miss a minute.
Why this matters now
Several late-round FA Cup matches recently spilled into extra time, and with TV schedules tighter than ever, viewers wanted to know: will a game go beyond 90 minutes? Broadcasters (and fans) need clarity on whether replays, extra time, or penalties apply—especially when catching a match live on ‘fa cup on tv today’ listings. That mix of sporting drama and broadcast logistics is what’s driving the trend.
Basic FA Cup match format: what the rules say
Historically the FA Cup has had replays and extra time depending on the round. The governing rules are set by The FA and are updated periodically. For the most authoritative take, see the competition regulations on the official site: The FA – FA Cup (official source).
Standard procedure during ties
Here’s the short version: most FA Cup ties are scheduled for 90 minutes. If the match is level at full time, the competition’s rules dictate whether there will be extra time, a replay, or a straight penalty shootout—depending on the round and the season’s specific regulations.
Recent practical rule changes
Over the past few seasons, The FA has adjusted replay and extra time rules—often to ease fixture congestion. For example, earlier rounds used to rely heavily on replays; more recently, replays have been reduced or removed for certain rounds, increasing the chances of extra time. For context and history, the FA Cup page on Wikipedia provides a useful timeline (useful background, not the rulebook).
When is extra time used in the FA Cup?
It depends. Here’s a practical breakdown.
| Stage | Typical outcome if level after 90 minutes |
|---|---|
| Qualifying rounds | Often replays or straight to penalties depending on season rules |
| Proper rounds (Early rounds) | Some seasons: replay; other seasons: extra time and penalties—check current season rules |
| Third Round onward (where top clubs enter) | Usually extra time then penalties (recent practice), fewer replays |
| Semifinal & Final | Extra time then penalties—no replay for final in modern format |
Remember: The exact application can change season to season. If you’re checking ‘fa cup on tv this weekend’, it’s worth a quick look at the official competition rules or broadcaster notes for that specific tie.
Why broadcasters and viewers care (fa cup tv games)
Extra time can wreak havoc on TV schedules. Channels that list ‘fa cup tv games’ have to pad evening line-ups, and streaming services must decide whether to commit to longer broadcast windows. If you’re scanning ‘fa cup on tv today’ pages, expect notes like “coverage may extend beyond 10pm if the tie goes to extra time.” The BBC and major broadcasters will usually flag this—see coverage listings at BBC Sport.
Real-world examples and notable ties
Think back to recent cup nights where Premier League sides battled lower-league opponents—several went to extra time, and the TV commentary teams had to pivot. Those matches generate the spikes in searches like ‘is there extra time in the fa cup’ and ‘fa cup on tv this weekend’. Fans often ask: will my afternoon match stretch into evening? The answer is: sometimes, especially in knockout stages.
Case study: late-round drama
A recent fourth-round tie went to extra time and penalties; viewers who planned around a 3pm finish were caught out. Broadcasters issued on-screen updates and radio coverage kept fans informed. Lesson: always check the live score feed if you’re relying on TV schedules.
How replays affect extra time
Replays used to be the norm for drawn ties, but fixture congestion (and a push to prioritise decisive results) has cut replays in some seasons. Where replays remain, the tie result after 90 minutes may lead to a replay rather than extra time—so again, it varies.
Practical guide: what to do if you’re watching
Want to avoid missing extra time? Here’s a quick checklist.
- Check the broadcaster’s match page for notes—search ‘fa cup on tv today’ and click the relevant listing.
- Follow live score apps or the club’s official feed—these update instantly when the game goes past 90 minutes.
- If you’re planning around ‘fa cup on tv this weekend’, allocate an extra hour just in case (better safe than sorry).
Comparing formats: replay vs. extra time vs. penalties
This table helps you see the differences at a glance.
| Resolution | When used | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replay | Used in some rounds historically | Extra income for smaller clubs; fair second chance | Fixture congestion, travel for fans |
| Extra time | Common in later rounds | Decisive on the night | Can be tiring for players, disrupts TV schedules |
| Penalties | After extra time or straight after 90 in some formats | Quick resolution | High drama, arguably lottery-like |
Where to watch: TV and streaming tips
If you’re scanning ‘fa cup tv games’, local listings and streaming platforms will show what’s live. Major UK broadcasters (BBC, ITV, and subscription services) rotate rights, so:
- Search ‘fa cup on tv today’ on broadcaster sites for the most accurate schedule.
- For ‘fa cup on tv this weekend’, check the nightly preview shows and official club channels for confirmation.
- Keep an eye on social feeds—broadcasters post real-time changes when a tie goes to extra time.
Practical takeaways
- Yes—extra time can and does apply in the FA Cup, especially in later rounds where replays are limited.
- If you care about ‘fa cup tv games’ scheduling, always allow extra viewing time and follow live feeds.
- Check the current season’s FA competition rules on The FA’s site before assuming replay or extra time will apply.
Next steps for fans
If you’re planning your weekend around a tie: verify the fixture on your chosen broadcaster, bookmark live score sites, and (if attending) prepare for potentially 30–120 extra minutes of drama. Little prep goes a long way.
Final thoughts
So, is there extra time in the FA Cup? Often, yes—but it depends on the round and the season’s specific rules. As TV schedules tighten and the competition evolves, fans should expect decisive tie-breakers more often than replays. That unpredictability is part of the FA Cup’s charm—just make sure you’re not watching the highlights because you missed the extra time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Often yes—especially in later rounds—but whether extra time applies depends on the specific round and the season’s regulations, which can change. Check the current competition rules.
If a match remains level after extra time, it usually goes to penalties. Some rounds or seasons may use penalties straight after 90 minutes—verify for the current season.
Yes. Broadcasters list ‘fa cup tv games’ with caveats that coverage may extend; it’s wise to check ‘fa cup on tv today’ listings and follow live updates.
Replays have been reduced or removed in some seasons to ease fixture congestion. Whether replays apply depends on the round and current FA competition rules.