The magic of the FA Cup was on full display at St. Andrew’s Knighthead Park as Birmingham City and Leeds United clashed in a dramatic fourth-round encounter that had everything: late goals, penalty shootout tension, and a narrative rich with ambition, resilience, and history. On Sunday, February 15, 2026, the Championship hopefuls from Birmingham welcomed Premier League’s Leeds United in a tie that lived up to the storied tradition of the world’s oldest soccer competition.
Both clubs entered the tie with plenty of momentum. Birmingham City, part-owned by NFL legend Tom Brady, boasted an eight-match undefeated streak across all competitions and were sitting just a point off the Championship promotion places. Their fans, ever hopeful, also took a moment to applaud owner Tom Wagner as he continues his recovery from a stroke—a touching scene that underscored the family spirit at the club.
Leeds United, now owned by 49ers Enterprises since 2023, arrived with their own narrative of resilience. Just days earlier, they’d battled back from two goals down to draw 2-2 at Chelsea, with Lukas Nmecha and Noah Okafor finding the net. Daniel Farke’s side, aiming to solidify their Premier League status, saw the FA Cup as a welcome opportunity to build confidence and perhaps chase some silverware.
Kickoff was set for noon local time, with fans on both sides tuning in via ESPN2, fuboTV, TNT Sports 3, and discovery+—a testament to the match’s widespread appeal. The official lineups reflected a blend of regular starters and fresh faces, as both managers made six changes from their previous league outings. For Birmingham, Ryan Allsop started in goal behind a backline of Kai Wagner, Jonathan Panzo, Christoph Klarer, and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Their midfield featured Jhon Solis, Tommy Doyle, and Jay Stansfield, while Demarai Gray, August Priske, and Carlos Vicente led the attack. Leeds countered with Lucas Perri between the posts, a defensive trio of James Justin, Jaka Bijol, and Sebastian Bornauw, and a midfield anchored by Wilfried Gnonto, Ao Tanaka, Sean Longstaff, and Gabriel Gudmundsson. Up front, Lukas Nmecha, Noah Okafor, and Facundo Buonanotte spearheaded the Whites’ offense.
The opening exchanges saw Birmingham seize the initiative, bossing possession and creating the early chances. Jay Stansfield nearly broke the deadlock with a rasping half-volley that Leeds keeper Lucas Perri did well to tip onto the post—a save that set the tone for a tense, back-and-forth contest. Leeds’ best response in the first half was a 25-yard drive from Longstaff, comfortably handled by Allsop.
After a goalless first half, Daniel Farke wasted no time making adjustments, introducing skipper Ethan Ampadu for Buonanotte. The change injected fresh energy, and within minutes Leeds found their breakthrough. In the 49th minute, Noah Okafor slipped a clever pass to Nmecha, who rifled home his seventh goal of the season at the near post. There were murmurs about a potential offside, but with no VAR in play until the next round, the goal stood, and Leeds led 1-0.
Birmingham, undeterred, responded with a flurry of chances. Stansfield, Priske, and Vicente all threatened to level the score, while substitute Ibrahim Osman rattled the post in stoppage time, sending the home crowd into collective gasps. It seemed their cup dream was fading—until the 89th minute, when Patrick Roberts produced a moment of magic. Picking up the ball on the edge of the box, Roberts unleashed a left-footed rocket that deflected off Leeds defender James Justin and nestled inside the far post. St. Andrew’s erupted as Birmingham clawed back to 1-1, forcing extra time.
Extra time was a nervy affair, with both sides probing for a winner. Birmingham’s Kanya Fujimoto saw his effort blocked by Jaka Bijol after Osman’s shot had come back off the woodwork, while Leeds substitute Calvert-Lewin had his own attempt denied. Neither team could find a decisive goal, setting the stage for a penalty shootout that would decide who advanced to the fifth round.
The tension inside the stadium was palpable as the shootout began. Leeds’ Lucas Perri emerged as the hero, saving Tommy Doyle’s penalty to swing the momentum in favor of the visitors. Birmingham’s Patrick Roberts, the late equalizer, then blazed his effort over the bar, compounding the Blues’ woes. Leeds, clinical from the spot, converted their first three penalties. Up stepped Sean Longstaff, who coolly slotted home Leeds’ fourth spot-kick from four, sealing a 4-2 shootout victory and sending the traveling supporters into a frenzy.
"Sean Longstaff scored the winning penalty for Leeds," reported BBC Sport, capturing the moment that propelled Daniel Farke’s side into the last 16 for the third time in four years. The result was a tough pill to swallow for Chris Davies’ Birmingham, who had pushed their Premier League opponents all the way and suffered just their third home defeat of the season. Still, the Blues’ spirited display and their fans’ unwavering support offered plenty of reasons for optimism as they turn their attention back to the Championship and the pursuit of promotion after a 15-year top-flight exile.
For Leeds, the victory was more than just a ticket to the next round. It signaled a growing belief within the squad that they can make a real impact in this year’s FA Cup, even as Premier League survival remains the primary goal. As Athlon Sports noted, "Leeds can have a real go in the FA Cup this season as they bid to improve their awful recent record in the competition." Farke’s tactical tweaks, including the introduction of Ampadu, Calvert-Lewin, and Brenden Aaronson, paid dividends, demonstrating the depth and adaptability of his squad.
The match also highlighted the unique cross-Atlantic connections between the clubs. Birmingham’s American ownership, led by Tom Brady, and Leeds’ 49ers Enterprises backing added an extra layer of intrigue to an already compelling tie. With both clubs eyeing ambitious futures, the FA Cup served as a stage for their aspirations and a reminder of the unpredictable drama that makes knockout football so beloved.
As the dust settles, Leeds United marches on to the fifth round, their cup dream alive and kicking. Birmingham City, meanwhile, can take pride in their performance and channel their energy into the league, where promotion beckons. For fans on both sides, this was a cup classic to remember—proof that in the FA Cup, anything truly is possible.