MACCLESFIELD, 15 February 2026 – The footballing world continues to reel from what has been officially recorded as the greatest upset in the history of the FA Cup. Macclesfield FC, a sixth-tier side from the National League North, stunned the sporting community by eliminating the defending champions, Crystal Palace, in a result that defied a 117-place gap in the English football pyramid.
The “Silkmen,” who were only recently reformed after the original club’s liquidation, secured a 2-1 victory at the Leasing.com Stadium. The win marks the first time a non-league team has eliminated the FA Cup holders since Crystal Palace themselves achieved a similar feat against Wolves in the early 20th century.
The Historic Matchup
The third-round clash saw the Premier League giants and current trophy holders travel to Cheshire, where they were met with a hostile atmosphere and a resilient Macclesfield squad. Despite the gulf in resources and professional standing, the home side took the lead and held firm against a late Palace onslaught. Isaac Buckley-Ricketts scored the decisive goal that cemented the club’s place in sporting folklore.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Match Date | 10 January 2026 |
| Final Score | Macclesfield 2-1 Crystal Palace |
| Competition Phase | FA Cup Third Round |
| League Gap | 117 Places (National League North vs Premier League) |
| Key Scorer | Isaac Buckley-Ricketts |
| Venue | Leasing.com Stadium (Moss Rose) |
Latest Updates: The Road to the Fourth Round
As of today, 15 February 2026, Macclesfield is preparing for their fourth-round fixture against Brentford. The club has become a global media sensation, with the FA Cup trophy even visiting the town two days ago to commemorate their historic achievement. However, the upcoming match faces potential disruption due to Met Office weather warnings for snow and ice across England.
The story of the club’s ownership has also resurfaced in recent days. Owner Robert Smethurst famously purchased the club on what has been described as a “drunken whim” via Rightmove after the previous iteration of the club was wound up. That impulsive investment has now resulted in the biggest “giant-killing” the competition has ever seen.
Public Sentiment and Reaction
The reaction from South London has been one of disbelief and frustration. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner was reportedly “fuming” after the exit, stating that tactics were secondary to the desire shown by the non-league side. Palace supporters have noted that the defeat is a low point in a season where the club has struggled with home form, managing only two wins in their last 15 outings.
Conversely, Macclesfield fans have enjoyed a “surreal few weeks.” The club’s financial gain from the match was somewhat limited by FA regulations regarding gate-receipt sharing, but the commercial and reputational boost has been immeasurable. Players like Luke Matheson, who previously scored against Manchester United as a teenager, are once again relishing the national limelight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this the biggest upset in FA Cup history?
Yes. Based on the 117-place league ranking difference between National League North side Macclesfield and Premier League holders Crystal Palace, it is statistically the largest gap ever overcome by an underdog in the competition’s history.
Who scored the winning goal for Macclesfield?
Isaac Buckley-Ricketts scored the decisive goal in the 2-1 victory, ensuring the Silkmen progressed to the fourth round.
Who does Macclesfield play next in the FA Cup?
Following their win over Crystal Palace, Macclesfield was drawn against Brentford in the fourth round. The match is scheduled for this weekend, though weather conditions are currently being monitored.
How did the current owner acquire Macclesfield FC?
The club was purchased by Robert Smethurst in 2020 after he found the defunct club listed on the real estate website Rightmove. He has since rebuilt the club from the ground up, leading to this historic FA Cup run.