In one of the most astonishing results in the long and storied history of the FA Cup, non-league Macclesfield FC have sensationally knocked out the defending champions, Crystal Palace, creating a seismic shock that has rewritten the record books.
A Historic Day at Moss Rose
The National League North side, sitting a staggering 117 places below their Premier League opponents in the English football pyramid, secured a famous 2-1 victory at Moss Rose on Saturday, 10 January 2026. This monumental gap eclipses the previous record for an FA Cup upset, which stood at 108 places.
Goals from Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts sent the Cheshire club into dreamland, with Yeremy Pino's late consolation doing little to dampen the historic celebrations. The final whistle triggered a pitch invasion by ecstatic Macclesfield fans, who revelled in a victory over the side that had beaten Manchester City at Wembley just eight months prior.
Emotion, Effort, and a Dedicatory Win
The victory was laden with raw emotion and poignant dedication. Macclesfield's captain and opening goalscorer, Paul Dawson, revealed the stark reality of life in the sixth tier, having helped clear snow from the pitch before a league match just days earlier. His powerful header two minutes before half-time set the tone for the miracle.
Manager John Rooney and his players dedicated the stunning triumph to their 21-year-old forward, Ethan McLeod, who was tragically killed in a car accident returning from a game the previous month. "I can't believe it. I'm lost for words," Rooney told BBC Sport, gesturing to the joyous scenes. "I didn't think it was possible but there is that little bit of hope that anything can happen on the day."
Palace's Stunned Reaction and Historical Context
For the defeated holders, the afternoon was one of profound disappointment. Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who had made six changes but still fielded England internationals Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton, offered no excuses. "We lost and we deserved to lose. I have no explanation," he admitted. "Today we lacked everything."
The result marks the first time since 1909 that the FA Cup holders have fallen to non-league opposition—a fate ironically last suffered by Wolves against a Southern League Crystal Palace. Macclesfield's own story adds to the fairy tale; the club was reformed as Macclesfield FC in 2020 after the winding-up of Macclesfield Town, beginning again in the North West Counties League.
This seismic shock now takes its place alongside other legendary FA Cup giant-killings, such as Hereford's defeat of Newcastle in 1972 and Blyth Spartans' win over Stoke City in 1978. For Macclesfield, a club reborn from adversity, this victory is more than just a football match—it is a testament to resilience, community, and the enduring magic of the world's oldest cup competition.
