The Lowest Ranked Team to Win the FA Cup: Wigan Athletic’s 2013 Championship Heroics

When discussing the lowest ranked team to ever win the FA Cup, many overlook the unique achievement of Wigan Athletic. Winning the FA Cup in 2013 while in the Championship showcase their remarkable journey and the league's historical context.

Wigan Athletic and Their FA Cup Triumph

The reiteration of an incorrect answer by the 'Assistant' AI bot sparked a discussion about Wigan Athletic. In 2013, when Wigan Athletic was in the Championship, they achieved a significant victory by defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the final. Ben Watson scored the winning goal in stoppage time, marking a remarkable moment in football history. This triumph was particularly notable given that Wigan had predominantly spent its history in lower divisions of English football.

A Historical Overview of the FA Cup

The FA Cup, established in 1871, has a rich and storied history. From the time of its inception in 1888, professional teams began to enter the competition, and it continues to be a stronghold for the smaller, less prominent clubs. Before 1888, all entrants were amateur teams, and the top sides were typically from the north and midlands.

Post-1888, the only team outside of the Football League to win the FA Cup was Tottenham Hotspur in 1901. Spurs were a Southern League team at the time. The Southern League was a fairly strong competition, with some sides already being professional. By 1905, Tottenham Hotspur had secured Football League status.

The Evolution of the Football League and the FA Cup

As the Football League evolved, it introduced the concept of divisions, with four divisions by 1959. The 3rd Division (North and South) merged with the top halves and formed the 3rd Division, while the bottom halves formed the 4th Division. No team below the 2nd Division has ever reached the final, let alone won the FA Cup.

The 3rd Division saw intermittent success in reaching the semi-finals, with the last instance being Chesterfield in 1997. The last 2nd Division side to reach the FA Cup Final was Cardiff City in 2008, and the last to win the cup was West Ham United in 1980.

A Curious Example: Wigan Athletic

Wigan Athletic’s victory in 2013 stands out as a unique and significant event in FA Cup history. Earning a place in the Championship due to their Premier League status, they managed to lift the FA Cup in a season they were relegated. This dual achievement is a testament to Wigan’s resilience and fighting spirit.

Overall, Wigan’s 2013 victory underscores the FA Cup's nature as a level playing field where smaller clubs can still shine despite competition from the stronger teams. As the Football League continues to evolve, the legacy of Wigan Athletic remains a memorable and inspiring story in the storied history of the FA Cup.