In a result that has sent shockwaves through English football, defending FA Cup champions Crystal Palace suffered a humiliating exit from the competition, beaten 2-1 by sixth-tier side Macclesfield on Saturday, 10 January 2026. This monumental upset is now officially recorded as the biggest shock in the long and storied history of the FA Cup.
A Historic Chasm Overcome
The scale of this victory is almost incomprehensible. A staggering 117 places separate Premier League giants Crystal Palace from Macclesfield, who compete in the National League North, the sixth division of English football. This gap is the largest ever bridged by an underdog in the competition, setting a new benchmark for cup magic. For context, Palace were celebrating a major trophy win at Wembley just months ago, having defeated Manchester City.
The match, which kicked off at 4:28pm WAT, saw a Crystal Palace side in dismal form, now winless in nine games across all competitions. Manager Oliver Glasner, recently linked with the vacant job at Manchester United, made six changes to his lineup. However, his team still boasted significant quality, including England internationals Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton.
Macclesfield's Famous Victory Against the Odds
Macclesfield, a club with a story of remarkable resilience after being forced to reform in 2020 due to financial collapse, wrote a new, glorious chapter. Their triumph comes amidst a period of mourning for the club, following the tragic death of 21-year-old forward Euan McLeod in a car accident less than a month ago.
The home side took full advantage of Palace's well-documented defensive frailties, particularly from set-pieces. Just before half-time, captain Paul Dawson powered in a header from a free-kick to send the home fans into delirium. The second goal, on the hour mark, epitomized Palace's defensive chaos. After the Eagles failed to clear the ball on multiple occasions, Isaac Buckley-Ricketts poked the ball past goalkeeper Walter Benitez from close range. Glasner was seen turning his back in sheer disbelief at the goalmouth scramble.
Too Little, Too Late for the Defending Champions
Crystal Palace's quality finally showed in the 90th minute when Spanish international Yeremy Pino curled in a pinpoint free-kick. However, it served as nothing more than a consolation. The final whistle confirmed a result that will be remembered for generations, not just in Macclesfield but across the footballing world.
This defeat marks a spectacular fall from grace for Crystal Palace, from cup winners to victims of the competition's greatest ever giant-killing act in the space of a year. For Macclesfield, it is a moment of pure, unadulterated glory, a victory that transcends sport and provides a beacon of hope for every small club with a dream.
