The final qualifying round of this season’s FA Cup takes place this weekend, but which teams have the greatest chance of causing an upset?
This weekend will see 32 ties take place across the country, with all winning teams progressing through to the first round proper, which takes place next month.
National League clubs enter the competition for the first time this weekend, whilst some other sides have had to play several matches already to reach this stage – with the final round having a proud history of causing some major upsets.
However, which underdogs are most likely to cause an FA Cup upset this weekend?
Bury:
Following their 2019 expulsion from the EFL, Bury have had a rollercoaster ride in the lower leagues of non-League football – but could they reach the FA Cup first round for the first time in eight years?
Bury kick off the fourth qualifying round on Saturday lunchtime as they host high-flying National League side Harrogate Town, live on the BBC.
Harrogate find themselves second in the National League but will be without key midfielder Bailey Hobson through injury, whilst the pressure of the TV cameras could play into the home side’s hands.
Bury currently find themselves 11th in the Northern Premier League (tier seven), but have lost just one of their last seven matches in all competitions and with the home advantage, this is certainly a tie to look out for.
Chesham United:
It has been a challenging campaign for National League South side Chesham United thus far, but can they take advantage of their opponents on-field uncertainty to get themselves through to round one?
This weekend will see the club face National League side Forest Green Rovers, who have had a well-documented few weeks in terms of their owner and recent managerial departure, with the club themselves being winless in their last five games and sit 16th.
Chesham haven’t qualified for the FA Cup first round since November 2024, losing heavily against Lincoln City, though this time round have scored 11 times across their two matches in the competition.
RIP Roger Payne (1948-2026)
It is with unimaginable sadness that we announce that majority shareholder of Chesham United, Roger Payne, unexpectedly passed away today. We are all still in shock and will make further updates as and when appropriate.
Our thoughts are with Roger’s wife and his family at this moment in time.
— Chesham United FC (@cheshamutdfc) October 15, 2026
Tragically, Chesham announced the shock passing of majority shareholder Roger Payne on Thursday, just 48 hours before the game. As sad as this news is, it may give the players even more motivation to go out and cause a major upset – doing Payne, his family and the entire football club proud.
Here at Football Lowdown, we send all our love to his family, friends and everyone associated with Chesham United at this difficult time.
Stafford Rangers:
One of the lowest-ranked sides in the competition is Stafford Rangers, playing their football in the eighth-tier, but could they provide a huge upset away from home this weekend?
Standing in the way of their place in round one of the FA Cup is National League strugglers Gateshead, who currently find themselves bottom of the table – having won just one of their 13 league games this season.
Stafford lost their previous league game but have won eight of their ten matches so far this season, scoring an average of more than two goals a game so far and have already won four times in this competition this campaign.
The squad also had an FA Cup giant-killer within their ranks, after signing Tamworth midfielder and long-throw master Tom Tonks during the summer – with Tonks playing an integral role in the Lambs’ FA Cup run during the 2024/25 season.
SE Dons:
From YouTube to the first round proper? SE Dons have the opportunity to make history in the FA Cup this weekend and complete what has been an inspirational run thus far.
SE DØNS ON @SkySportsNews
The Europa League Dream is Alive. 90 Minutes away from the FA Cup First Round Proper. For all those who love us we do this for you! 🙏🏾
They didn’t believe in us …….. SKY DID 🫡 https://t.co/hv7qVpMGoi
— MIGHTY SE DØNS (@sedonsfc) October 14, 2026
After winning promotion last season, SE Dons have already progressed through five rounds of the competition, proving a thumping 5-1 victory over Weymouth in their last outing in the FA Cup.
Standing in their way of making history this weekend is seventh-tier side Sholing FC, who currently find themselves 17th in the Southern League Premier South division, with just three wins to their name in the league this season.
SE Dons have the opportunity to become the first ever YouTube-founded football side to reach the first round of the men’s FA Cup proper, but can they do it?
Readers, which sides do you think have the best chance of causing an FA Cup upset this weekend?
