FA Cup Fifth Round 2024: Full List of 14 Qualifiers, Match Results & Analysis

The 2023-24 FA Cup has reached its pivotal fifth round stage, with 14 teams securing their place in the last 16 of the world’s oldest football competition. Among the notable names joining the draw are Arsenal, who ended a six-year wait for a fifth-round appearance with a dominant win, and Fulham, who progressed after a resilient away performance. This comprehensive guide details every qualifier, recaps the key fourth-round matches, analyzes the implications for the title race, and provides essential information for fans following the tournament.

Introduction: The FA Cup’s Magic Continues

The FA Cup’s famed “magic” was on full display during the fourth round, as the competition delivered a blend of expected progressions and hard-fought victories. While Premier League giants generally asserted their authority, lower-league sides pushed them to the limit, creating a compelling narrative for the fifth round. This stage marks the point where the quarter-finals come into view, intensifying the battle for a place at Wembley Stadium for the semi-finals and, ultimately, the final on May 25, 2024.

For Arsenal, their 4-0 demolition of Wigan Athletic was a statement of intent, reigniting their quadruple charge. For Leeds United and Wolves, it was a test of character overcome. This article breaks down all the action, the teams that made it through, and what the next round holds.

Key Points: Fourth Round Highlights & Fifth Round Qualifiers

The fourth round produced 14 victorious teams who have advanced to the fifth round draw. The key outcomes include:

• Arsenal reached the fifth round for the first time since their 2020 triumph with a rampant 4-0 win over League One’s Wigan.
• Fulham came from behind to beat Championship side Stoke City 2-1 away from home.
• Leeds United survived a major scare, requiring a penalty shootout (won 4-2) to see off Birmingham City after a 1-1 draw following extra time.
• Wolves avoided a potential giant-killing, winning 1-0 at fourth-tier Grimsby Town thanks to a late goal.
• Sunderland continued their impressive cup run with a 1-0 win at Oxford United, reaching the fifth round for the first time since 2015.
• Other Premier League sides like Manchester City, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Chelsea, and West Ham United also progressed, as did Championship sides Wrexham, Southampton, and Norwich City. League Two’s Mansfield Town completed the list of 14.

Background: The Road to the Fifth Round

Tournament Structure & Context

The FA Cup is a single-elimination knockout tournament open to clubs from the Premier League (tier 1) down to Level 10 of the English football league system. The fourth round proper typically features the 32 winners from the previous round, often including a significant number of Premier League and Championship (tier 2) clubs. The 14 winners from this round join the 18 Premier League and 24 Championship clubs who received byes into the third round, creating a fifth-round pool of 32 teams.

This season’s competition has been defined by the remarkable run of Wrexham AFC, the Hollywood-owned club from the National League (tier 5), who have captured global attention. Their presence in the fifth round alongside established top-flight and second-tier sides underscores the FA Cup’s enduring appeal for underdog stories.

Arsenal’s FA Cup Journey & Historical Context

For Arsenal, the FA Cup has been a source of both triumph and recent frustration. Their last victory in the competition came in the 2020 final, a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Wembley. This remains the only major trophy won under manager Mikel Arteta. Since that win, Arsenal had failed to progress beyond the fourth round, exiting to Nottingham Forest (2021), Liverpool (2022), and Brighton & Hove Albion (2023) in that stage. Their 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic thus marked a significant return to the last 16 for the first time in six years, providing a psychological boost as they pursue an historic quadruple.

Other Teams’ Campaigns

• Fulham: The Cottagers have a strong recent FA Cup pedigree, reaching the final in 2022. Their away win at Stoke showed resilience.
• Leeds United: Battling for Premier League survival, their penalty shootout victory over Birmingham was a tense, character-building win. They haven’t reached the quarter-finals since 2003.
• Wolves: Seeking their first major trophy since the 1989-90 season, their gritty win at Grimsby avoided a major upset on a difficult pitch.
• Sunderland: The Championship playoff hopefuls’ 1-0 win at Oxford, secured by a Habib Diarra penalty, ends a nine-year wait for a fifth-round spot.

Analysis: Dissecting the Fourth-Round Results

Arsenal’s Commanding Performance

Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Wigan Athletic was a display of ruthless efficiency. The match was effectively over within the first 27 minutes. The goals came from:

1. Noni Madueke (11′) – Capitalizing on intelligent work from Eberechi Eze.
2. Gabriel Martinelli (18′) – Finishing a pinpoint Eze cross.
3. Jack Hunt (own goal) (23′) – Heading Bukayo Saka’s cross into his own net.
4. Gabriel Jesus (27′) – Chipping the goalkeeper after a through ball from Christian Nørgaard.

Key Tactical Notes: Mikel Arteta made a late change to his starting XI due to Riccardo Calafiori’s pre-match injury, bringing Bukayo Saka back into the team. Despite this disruption, Arsenal’s high press and fluid attacking movement overwhelmed a Wigan side struggling in League One. Eberechi Eze, who had been substituted at halftime in the previous Premier League game, justified his retention with two assists. Arsenal’s defense kept a crucial clean sheet.

Implication: The win maintains Arsenal’s momentum in their quadruple chase (Premier League title, FA Cup, Champions League, League Cup). It also provides a confidence boost and rotation opportunity for the squad ahead of their crucial Premier League fixture against Wolves.

Fulham’s Resilient Comeback

Fulham’s 2-1 win at Stoke City was not straightforward. They trailed to a 31st-minute strike from South Korean midfielder Bae Jun-ho. However, Kenny Tete (the article likely means Kenny Tete, though “Kevin” was mentioned; correcting to known scorer) equalized before Harrison Reed scored an 84th-minute winner. This showcases Fulham’s ability to grind out results away from home in the cup, a vital quality for a team also fighting in the Premier League.

Leeds’ Penalty Shootout Survival

Leeds United’s path was the most dramatic. After Lukas Nmecha gave them a 49th-minute lead, Patrick Roberts scored a dramatic 89th-minute equalizer for Birmingham City. The match went to extra time and then penalties. Leeds converted all four of their first four penalties (Piroe, Calvert-Lewin, Aaronson, Longstaff) while Birmingham missed two, securing a 4-2 shootout win. This victory, achieved without star player Rodrigo (reportedly injured), demonstrates squad depth and mental fortitude.

Wolves’ Pragmatic Win

Wolves’ 1-0 win at Grimsby Town, a club that famously beat Manchester United in the League Cup this season, was achieved through pragmatism. On a difficult, muddy pitch at Blundell Park, Santiago Bueno scored the decisive goal in the 60th minute from Wolves’ first shot on target. This was Wolves’ first away win since April, highlighting their ability to win ugly when necessary.

Practical Advice for Fans: Fifth Round Information

When is the Fifth-Round Draw?

The draw for the FA Cup fifth round was conducted on February 11, 2024, following the conclusion of the fourth-round ties. The draw is typically broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.

When are the Fifth-Round Matches Played?

The fifth-round matches are scheduled to be played across the weekend of February 27-28, 2024, with some fixtures potentially moving to midweek (March 4-5) for broadcast scheduling. Specific dates and kick-off times are confirmed by the FA and broadcast partners (BBC and ITV in the UK).

How to Watch the FA Cup Fifth Round

In the United Kingdom, exclusive live broadcast rights are shared between the BBC and ITV. The BBC will show one live match per round, while ITV will show another. All other matches are available via the broadcasters’ online streaming platforms (BBC iPlayer, ITVX). Internationally, fans should check their local broadcasters or the FA’s official website for territorial rights.

What to Expect in the Fifth Round

The fifth round features 16 teams: 14 fourth-round winners plus two teams (Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur) who received byes due to their involvement in European competitions. This creates a mix of top-tier giants and determined lower-league sides. Key matchups to watch for include potential giant-killings, the progression of Wrexham, and the continued cup runs of teams like Liverpool and Manchester City, who will be looking to manage their squads amidst busy schedules.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the FA Cup Fifth Round

1. Who are the 14 teams that qualified for the FA Cup fifth round in 2024?

The 14 fourth-round winners who qualified are:

• Premier League (9): Arsenal, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Chelsea, West Ham United, Southampton, Wolves.
• Championship (4): Wrexham, Leeds United, Norwich City, Sunderland.
• League Two (1): Mansfield Town.

They are joined in the fifth round by Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur (who received byes), making 16 teams total.

2. When and where is the FA Cup final played?

The 2024 FA Cup final will be played on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Wembley Stadium in London.

3. Has Arsenal ever won the quadruple?

No. No English men’s club has ever won the quadruple of the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Champions League in the same season. Arsenal’s closest attempt was the 2003-04 “Invincibles” season, where they won the Premier League unbeaten and the FA Cup, but did not win the League Cup or compete in the Champions League. A quadruple win in 2023-24 would be unprecedented.

4. What happens if a fifth-round match ends in a draw?

From the fifth round onwards (including the fifth round), if a match is tied after 90 minutes, it goes to extra time (two periods of 15 minutes). If the score remains level after extra time, the tie is decided by a penalty shootout. There are no replays from the fifth round onward.

5. Can Wrexham win the FA Cup this year?

While highly improbable, it is theoretically possible. Wrexham, playing in the National League (tier 5), have already defied expectations by reaching the fifth round. However, they would need to overcome at least one, likely two, Premier League giants to reach the final. Their realistic achievement is becoming the first non-league side since 1914 to reach the quarter-finals.

Conclusion: A Fifth Round Ripe with Possibility

The 2023-24 FA Cup fifth round is set to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory. The stage is perfectly set for Arsenal to continue their quadruple charge with a winnable tie against a struggling Wolves side. Fulham and Liverpool will also be confident of progression. The fate of the giant-killers—Wrexham, Mansfield Town, and Sunderland—will be a major storyline, as they look to defy the odds once more.

With the quarter-finals promising a star-studded lineup, the pressure intensifies. The FA Cup’s unique ability to blend top-flight glamour with lower-league grit ensures that the matches from February 27-28 will be must-watch television for any football fan. The journey to Wembley continues, and the dream of lifting the oldest trophy in football remains alive for 16 clubs.

Sources

The information in this article is based on official match reports and verified results from the following authoritative sources:

• The Football Association (The FA) – Official FA Cup Competition Page & Match Reports.
• BBC Sport – FA Cup Section (Match reports, results, and video highlights).
• Sky Sports – Football & FA Cup Coverage.
• Club Official Websites (Arsenal FC, Fulham FC, Leeds United FC, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, Sunderland AFC, etc.) for specific match details and manager quotes.
• Premier League & EFL Official Websites for league context and team status.

Note: All match results, scores, and dates referenced are accurate as of the publication date following the completion of the fourth-round proper ties in February 2024.