Southampton Beats Fulham 1-0 to Reach FA Cup Quarterfinals

Southampton pulled off a stunning FA Cup upset on Sunday, defeating Premier League side Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage to become the first non-Premier League team to reach the quarterfinals this season. The Championship club secured their place with a stoppage-time penalty converted by substitute Ross Stewart, following a foul on Finn Azaz by Fulham defender Joachim Andersen in the 90th minute.

The match, played on March 8, 2026, in London, appeared headed for extra time until the decisive moment. Southampton, under manager Tonda Eckert, defended resolutely throughout, frustrating Fulham's attacks despite the home side's periods of dominance. Fulham goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte made several key saves, including a brilliant stop to deny Azaz after a deflection and an earlier block on Tom Fellows, who had broken clear on goal. Southampton created the better chances overall, with Brazilian winger Leo Scienza missing two clear opportunities in the first half: one when he raced through and fired wide, and another when he volleyed over from a cross.

Fulham's frustrations mounted early. In the 19th minute, striker Rodrigo Muniz thought he had opened the scoring after Southampton...