The FA Cup always promises drama, but when Birmingham City hosted Leeds United at St. Andrew's Knighthead Park on Sunday, February 15, 2026, few could have predicted just how gripping this fourth-round clash would become. With both sides harboring dreams of a deep cup run, the stage was set for a match filled with tension, high stakes, and no shortage of storylines.
Birmingham City, riding an impressive eight-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, entered the tie as a Championship side with Premier League ambitions. Under the guidance of Chris Davies and with NFL legend Tom Brady as a part-owner, the Blues had their eyes set on a first FA Cup fifth-round appearance since the 2019-20 campaign. Leeds United, recently acquired by 49ers Enterprises and managed by Daniel Farke, were looking to build on a gutsy 2-2 comeback draw against Chelsea and put their shaky Premier League form behind them—if only for a day.
Both teams had earned their way to this stage with strong third-round performances. Birmingham City edged Cambridge United 3-2 away, thanks to goals from Kai Wagner, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Marvin Ducksch. Leeds United, meanwhile, dispatched Derby County 3-1 on the road, with Wilfried Gnonto, Ao Tanaka, and James Justin finding the net. The anticipation was palpable, with fans on both sides hoping their respective cup journeys would continue.
Kickoff arrived at noon local time in Birmingham (7 a.m. ET/4 a.m. PT in the United States), with the match broadcast live on ESPN2, TNT Sports 3, and other major networks. The official lineups reflected both managers' intent to balance squad rotation with the desire to progress. Birmingham City fielded Ryan Allsop in goal, with a backline of Wagner, Jonathan Panzo, Christoph Klarer, and Bright Osayi-Samuel. The midfield trio featured Jhon Solis, Tommy Doyle, and Jay Stansfield, while Demarai Gray, August Priske, and Carlos Vicente led the attack. Leeds United countered with Lucas Perri between the sticks, defenders James Justin, Jaka Bijol, and Sebastiann Bornauw, a midfield of Gnonto, Tanaka, Longstaff, and Gudmundsson, and a front three of Lukas Nmecha, Noah Okafor, and Facundo Buonanotte.
From the outset, Birmingham City looked every bit the equals of their Premier League opponents. They bossed possession, pressed high, and carved out the first real chance when Jay Stansfield's half-volley forced a fingertip save from Leeds keeper Lucas Perri, pushing the ball onto the post. Leeds, perhaps feeling the pressure, struggled to assert themselves, with their best early effort a speculative 25-yard drive from Sean Longstaff that Ryan Allsop handled comfortably.
Despite both teams making six changes from their previous league outings, the intensity never waned. The home crowd, still buzzing from a pre-match ovation for owner Tom Wagner as he recovers from a stroke, roared their approval as Birmingham continued to press. Yet, it would be Leeds who struck first. Early in the second half, Noah Okafor slipped a clever pass to Lukas Nmecha, who rifled home his seventh goal of the season at the near post. There was a hint of offside, but with no VAR in play until the next round, the goal stood and the visitors led 1-0.
Birmingham City refused to wilt. Stansfield, Priske, and Vicente all had chances in rapid succession, while substitute Ibrahim Osman looked dangerous whenever he got on the ball. The Blues' persistence nearly paid off in stoppage time when Osman's shot cannoned off the far post, only for Kanya Fujimoto's rebound to be blocked heroically by Jaka Bijol.
Just when it seemed Leeds would hang on, Birmingham conjured a moment of magic. In the 89th minute, Patrick Roberts unleashed a stunning left-footed strike from distance. The ball, taking a wicked deflection off Leeds defender James Justin, nestled inside the far post to send the home fans into raptures and force extra time.
Extra time brought more drama. Both sides pushed for a winner, with Calvert-Lewin and Brenden Aaronson making positive impacts off the Leeds bench. Birmingham's Osman had another golden chance, arriving unmarked at the back post only to skew his effort wide. At the other end, Leeds' Ethan Ampadu saw his powerful drive sail over the bar after a corner, while the Blues' defense stood tall to repel further danger.
After 120 minutes, the teams could not be separated. The match would be decided by penalties—a cruel but fitting end to a contest that neither side deserved to lose. The tension was palpable as the shootout began. Leeds' Lucas Perri, who had already impressed with several key saves during the match, stepped up heroically. He denied Tommy Doyle's spot-kick, swinging the momentum in Leeds' favor. When Patrick Roberts, Birmingham's late hero, blazed his penalty over the bar, the Blues' hopes began to fade.
With the pressure mounting, Sean Longstaff coolly slotted home Leeds' fourth penalty from four attempts, sealing a 4-2 shootout victory and booking the Whites' place in the FA Cup fifth round for the third time in four years. The Leeds fans in the away end erupted, while Birmingham's players and supporters were left to reflect on what might have been.
Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri summed up the occasion, telling TNT Sports, "It was an incredible fight from the team. We had a very difficult game, it’s always difficult to play against a team like Birmingham, so congratulations to the whole team for the fight and we got to the next round."
The defeat was harsh on Birmingham, who had been the better side for long stretches and pushed their top-flight opponents to the brink. Still, with only their third home defeat of the season and just two points separating them from the Championship playoff spots, there remains plenty for the Blues to fight for as they pursue a return to the Premier League after a 15-year absence.
For Leeds United, the cup run continues. With a six-point cushion above the Premier League drop zone and momentum building, Daniel Farke's men can begin to dream of FA Cup glory—something that has eluded them for nearly three decades. If this performance is anything to go by, the Whites are ready to give it a real go this season.
As the dust settles on a classic FA Cup encounter, both teams can take pride in their efforts. Leeds march on, but Birmingham's resilience and ambition suggest their story is far from over.