The fifth round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup is set to take place this weekend, with ten Women’s Super League (WSL) teams still in contention for a place in the quarter-final stage. After an exhilarating fourth round that saw 78 goals across 16 fixtures, the competition is heating up as we edge closer to the grand final at Wembley Stadium.
Reigning champions Manchester United are determined to defend their title, while Arsenal, the most successful club in the tournament’s history with 14 titles, are looking to reclaim their dominance. Lower-tier teams Wolverhampton Wanderers and Rugby Borough are also in the mix, hoping to cause an upset and continue their fairytale journey in the competition.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Women’s FA Cup fifth round, including fixtures, teams, dates, and where to watch the matches live.
Who Won the Women’s FA Cup Last Year?
Last season, Manchester United lifted the Women’s FA Cup trophy for the first time in their history, thrashing Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 at Wembley Stadium. The victory was a monumental moment for United, as it marked their first piece of silverware since the club’s inception in 2018.
Historically, Arsenal have dominated the Women’s FA Cup, winning the competition 14 times. However, their last triumph came in the 2015/16 season, when they defeated Chelsea 1-0 in the final.
Since then, Chelsea and Manchester City have been the dominant forces in the competition. Chelsea have lifted the trophy four times in the last eight seasons, while Manchester City have won it three times.
As we enter the fifth round of the FA Cup, the battle for glory is more intense than ever, with top teams looking to edge closer to the Wembley final on May 18.
Women’s FA Cup Fifth Round Fixtures & Schedule
The fifth round of the Women’s FA Cup will take place across Saturday, February 8, and Sunday, February 9. The action kicks off with Aston Villa vs Brighton at midday on Saturday, followed by Wolves vs Manchester United later that evening.
On Sunday, six exciting fixtures will be played, with lower-league teams hoping to pull off giant-killing performances. Rugby Borough, a Women’s National League side, will face Liverpool, while WSL teams Manchester City and Leicester City go head-to-head.
Women’s FA Cup Fifth Round Fixtures
| Fixture | Date/Time (GMT) |
|---|---|
| Aston Villa vs Brighton | February 8 – 12:00 |
| Wolves vs Man Utd | February 8 – 17:15 |
| Rugby Borough vs Liverpool | February 9 – 12:30 |
| Crystal Palace vs Newcastle | February 9 – 13:00 |
| Portsmouth vs Sunderland | February 9 – 14:00 |
| Man City vs Leicester City | February 9 – 14:00 |
| Arsenal vs London City Lionesses | February 9 – 14:00 |
| Chelsea vs Everton | February 9 – 15:00 |
With several WSL teams facing each other, as well as lower-league teams aiming for historic upsets, the fifth round promises thrilling action and drama.
Key Matches to Watch in the Fifth Round
Wolves vs Manchester United
Date: February 8, 17:15 GMT
Venue: AFC Telford United
Defending champions Manchester United will be eager to continue their title defense as they face third-tier Wolves. While United are favorites, Wolves will be dreaming of a famous FA Cup upset.
Rugby Borough vs Liverpool
Date: February 9, 12:30 GMT
Venue: TBC
One of the biggest fairytale stories of the tournament, Rugby Borough will face WSL side Liverpool in a David vs. Goliath clash. Rugby Borough will be aiming to make history by reaching the quarter-finals.
Arsenal vs London City Lionesses
Date: February 9, 14:00 GMT
Venue: Meadow Park
A London derby awaits as Arsenal host London City Lionesses. With Arsenal looking to reclaim their spot as FA Cup champions, this match could prove crucial in their title bid.
Chelsea vs Everton
Date: February 9, 15:00 GMT
Venue: Kingsmeadow
Chelsea are among the tournament favorites, and they will look to dominate Everton in this highly anticipated fixture. Can Everton cause a shock result against the WSL giants?
Women’s FA Cup Schedule: Key Dates
| Round | Date |
|---|---|
| Fifth Round | February 8-9 |
| Quarter-Finals | March 9 |
| Semi-Finals | April 13 |
| Final (Wembley Stadium) | May 18 |
The road to Wembley Stadium is getting shorter, and as we enter the fifth round, every match could define the fate of the teams remaining in the competition.
Where to Watch the Women’s FA Cup Fifth Round
The FA has confirmed that all eight matches will be streamed live on the FA Player and the competition’s new YouTube channel.
Additionally, BBC will broadcast Rugby Borough vs Liverpool on BBC iPlayer, BBC Red Button, and the BBC Sport website.
How to Watch Women’s FA Cup Matches
| Fixture | Where to Watch |
|---|---|
| Aston Villa vs Brighton | YouTube & FA Player |
| Wolves vs Man Utd | YouTube & FA Player |
| Rugby Borough vs Liverpool | BBC iPlayer, BBC Red Button, BBC Sport website |
| Crystal Palace vs Newcastle | YouTube & FA Player |
| Portsmouth vs Sunderland | YouTube & FA Player |
| Man City vs Leicester City | YouTube & FA Player |
| Arsenal vs London City Lionesses | YouTube & FA Player |
| Chelsea vs Everton | YouTube & FA Player |
This ensures fans across the world can tune in and enjoy the action-packed fixtures live.
Final Thoughts: A Thrilling Women’s FA Cup Weekend Awaits
The Women’s FA Cup fifth round is shaping up to be an exciting and dramatic weekend of football. With defending champions Manchester United, historical giants Arsenal, and current powerhouses Chelsea and Manchester City all still in the race, the road to Wembley Stadium remains fiercely competitive.
At the same time, lower-league teams like Rugby Borough and Wolves will be dreaming of creating FA Cup history. Can an underdog pull off a shock result and book their place in the quarter-finals?
With all matches available to stream live, football fans have plenty to look forward to this weekend. Be sure to tune in and witness the magic of the Women’s FA Cup fifth round!
