Plans to change the format of the Women's FA Cup, which would have seen four sides seeded and pathways to Wembley mapped out from the last 32 onwards, will not be introduced next season. The proposals, first reported by the Guardian, external this month, would prevent the top four sides from the previous season's Women's Super League (WSL) meeting until the semi-finals and end the use of draws from the fourth round onwards. The Football Association (FA) had claimed it would create "high chances of consistent high-quality matches throughout the later rounds" and "strengthen commercial potential". But several official supporters' clubs warned the steps would ruin the "magic" of the competition and see the biggest clubs "only get richer". The FA says it has listened to feedback and will hold off changing the cup's structure while it gathers more views.

Source: BBC February 19, 2026 21:43 UTC