FA Cup
12:00 p.mMarch 8, 2026
Round of 16
Craven Cottage
Referee: Jarred Gillett, Australia
Fulham
Southampton
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.00
Expected Goals (xG)
0.00
Passing by
535 (89%)
Accurate passes
208 (75%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
23
G
Benjamin Lecomte
7.2
30
d
Ryan Sessegnon
6.7
d
Jorge Cuenca
62′
5
d
Joachim Andersen
7.2
21
d
Timothy Castagne
6.9
10
m
Tom Cairney (C)
7.3
6
m
Harrison Reed
7.2
m
Samuel Chukwueze
90+8′ rough
32
m
Emile Smith Rowe
7.0
14
m
Oscar Bob
6.9
9
F
Rodrigo Muniz
7.0
Substitutes
F
Alex Iwobi
65′ Replaced by T. Cairneym
Joshua King
89′ Replaced by E. Smith RoweF
Raul Jimenez
90+2′ Replaced by H. Reed
1
G
Bernd Leno
2
d
Kenny Tete
3
d
Calvin Bassey
33
d
Antonee Robinson
20
m
Saša Lukić
16
m
Sander Berge
41
G
Daniel Peretz
8.5
3
d
Ryan Manning
7.2
15
d
Nathan Wood
6.6
6
d
Taylor Harwood-Bellis (C)
7.9
14
d
James Bree
7.2
20
m
Caspar Jander
6.2
m
Flynn Downes
73′
13
m
Science Leo
7.3
m
Finn That is
90+2′ Game delay
18
m
Tom Fellows
6.6
9
F
cyle larin
6.5
No ranking data available for this league
Southampton secured a dramatic 1-0 FA Cup win against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Ross Stewart’s stoppage time penalty was the decisive moment.
The FA Cup often offers great drama and unexpected results. Both Fulham and Southampton approached this fifth round tie with the aim of making a deep run in the prestigious competition. Fulham, playing at home, looked to assert their Premier League status against their Championship visitors.
The first half saw Fulham dominate possession. They controlled the midfield and moved the ball with intent. Despite enjoying 68% of the ball, Fulham struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organised Southampton defence.
Shots came from Rodrigo Muniz and Harrison Reed, but neither really troubled Southampton goalkeeper Daniel Peretz. The Saints stayed compact, soaking up pressure and looking for counter-attacking opportunities.
The score remained 0-0 at the break. Fulham needed to find more penetration and creativity in the final third. Southampton, meanwhile, looked to maintain their defensive solidity and perhaps become more adventurous.
The second half continued with Fulham pushing forward. The home side introduced Alex Iwobi for Tom Cairney in the 65th minute to spark their attack. However, Southampton began to make strategic substitutions of their own.
Ross Stewart, who would become the match winner, entered the game in the 71st minute, replacing C. Larin. Next to him, C. Jander made way for C. Bragg. As the match progressed, the tension rose and the fouls became more frequent, resulting in several yellow cards.
The decisive moment came deep in added time. In the 90+1 minute, Southampton were awarded a crucial penalty. Ross Stewart stepped up with confidence and calmly slotted the ball in from the spot. This late goal stunned the home crowd and gave the visitors a dramatic lead.
The closing minutes saw a flurry of cards, including bookings for Fulham’s S. Chukwueze and Southampton’s F. Azaz and K. Matsuki, as Fulham desperately looked for an equaliser. However, the Saints stood their ground.
Fulham recorded a remarkable total of 24 shots, with 6 on target, compared to Southampton’s 5 total and 3 on target. Fulham also had 68% possession and won 15 corners. Southampton goalkeeper Daniel Peretz was the man of the match, making 6 crucial saves to keep his side in the competition.
This FA Cup upset sends Southampton into the next round of the competition. Fulham will be left to reflect on a dominant performance that lacked the clinical edge. Saints’ resilience and late penalty heroics will be celebrated by their supporters.
