The 2024/25 FA Cup features a historic change, as replay games have been scrapped from the first round onwards.
The FA's call to change the competition format has been met with criticism from English lower-league teams, who traditionally receive a major sporting and financial boost from games replayed against top-flight sides.
Still, that means those unfancied clubs will have extra incentive to spring a surprise when the third round begins this week, with Premier League sides all joining the competition at this stage.
Manchester United began the 2024/25 campaign as defending FA Cup champions, after they secured a shock 2-1 final win over arch rivals Manchester City in the 2024 final.
MORE: FA Cup third-round schedule in full | Why scrapping replays has caused controversy | Is VAR being used?
When is the FA Cup final 2024/25?
The dates for the 2024/25 FA Cup have already been set, with the final confirmed as on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
The kickoff time for the match is yet to be announced, but if it follows the 2023/24 showpiece it will likely be at 3 p.m. local time in the U.K.
FA Cup schedule and round dates 2024/25
| Round | Date (weekend of) |
| Extra Preliminary Round | August 3, 2024 |
| Preliminary Round | August 17, 2024 |
| First Round Qualifying | August 31, 2024 |
| Second Round Qualifying | September 14, 2024 |
| Third Round Qualifying | September 28, 2024 |
| Fourth Round Qualifying | October 12, 2024 |
| First Round Proper | November 2, 2024 |
| Second Round | November 30, 2024 |
| Third Round | January 11, 2025 |
| Fourth Round | February 8, 2025 |
| Fifth Round (Round of 16) | March 1, 2025 |
| Quarterfinal | March 29, 2025 |
| Semifinal | April 26, 2025 |
| Final | May 17, 2025 |