Lowest ranked teams in the FA Cup

Ellis Statham Updated: 26 Oct 26 15:49

Find out the lowest ranked teams in the FA Cup ahead of the first round taking place in November.

A competition renowned for giant killings and knockout drama, a number of non-league sides will be hopeful of a momentous FA Cup run after coming through qualifying.

We take a look at the lowest ranked teams who have qualified for the first round proper.

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AFC Rushden & Diamonds

Eighth-tier: Northern Premier League Division One Midlands

AFC Rushden & Diamonds, who were formed by supporters in July 2011 after Rushden & Diamonds -- a former Football League club -- were expelled from the Football Conference and liquidated, booked their place in the FA Cup first round for the first time since reforming when defeating Morecambe on Saturday.

The Diamonds -- who sit ninth in the Northern Premier League Division One Midlands -- emerged victorious in narrow 2-0 fashion against Morecambe at Hayden Road last time out, with goals coming from James Clifton and Matthew Warburton.

They have played at every stage of the 2026/27 FA Cup, and they'll be locking horns with League One outfit Burton Albion in the first round in November.

Stafford Rangers

Eighth-tier: Northern Premier League Division One West

After coming through the extra preliminary and preliminary rounds, Stafford Rangers defeated ninth-tier Northampton ON Chenecks in the first round of qualifying, sixth-tier Hereford in the second, and seventh tier Halesowen Town in the third.

They clinched a draw against National League outfit Gateshead to force the tie into a decider at Marston Road, where they emerged victorious in remarkable 5-0 fashion to book their place in the first round proper.

They reached the fourth round of the competition in the 1974/95 term, and manager Graham Deakin will be dreaming of a similar run.