Upsets Abound in FA Cup: Shenhua and Taishan Eliminated, Newcomers Make History _ Yunnan Yukun _ Port _ Dalian

Major changes to the FA Cup semifinal landscape

On September 4, 2026, the FA Cup produced major upsets: Shanghai Shenhua and Shandong Taishan were both eliminated, while Chinese Super League second-year teams Dalian Yingbo and Yunnan Yukun advanced to the semifinals, guaranteeing that at least one team will create history. The result broke the previous pattern of traditional powerhouses dominating the competition and highlighted the unpredictability of the FA Cup and the rise of smaller clubs.

Reasons behind Shenhua and Taishan's defeats

Shanghai Shenhua lost 0-1 away to Dalian Yingbo, with 37-year-old Wu Xi fighting until he suffered cramps but still unable to change the outcome. However, the older domestic player became a weakness in a fast-paced match, with declining fitness after the 70th minute contributing to the defensive collapse. Shandong Taishan suffered a 0-3 home defeat against Shanghai Port, failing to register a shot on target as their defense was torn apart by Port's 3-4-3 formation. Zeca's injury departure caused Taishan to lose a focal point in attack, while their midfield buildup was suppressed by the opponent, leaving them unable to recover.

The rise and resilience of new teams

Led by captain Stanciu, Dalian Yingbo eliminated Shenhua with a penalty and reached the semifinals for the first time in club history. The 53,178 fans at Suoyu Bay Stadium witnessed the historic moment, with the atmosphere providing motivation for the team. Yunnan Yukun defeated Chongqing Tonglianglong 1-0 in the Southwest derby, with Yonică's goal demonstrating the team's resilience. The rise of these two teams proves that the FA Cup is not only a stage for traditional giants but also an opportunity for smaller clubs to prove themselves.

The race for AFC Champions League qualification intensifies

This year's FA Cup champion will directly earn a place in the AFC Champions League Elite, greatly increasing the importance of the tournament. Shenhua and Taishan's exits mean they have lost the chance to take a shortcut through the cup and must compete for AFC Champions League qualification through the Chinese Super League. Dalian Yingbo and Yunnan Yukun, meanwhile, have seen a path toward continental qualification, making the semifinals even more competitive.

Semifinal outlook

The semifinal matchups have been confirmed: Beijing Guoan will face Shanghai Port, while Yunnan Yukun will meet Dalian Yingbo. The Guoan and Port clash will be intense, with the two teams playing two tough matches within one week, making fitness and tactical rotation key factors. Port are in strong form after a 3-0 win over Taishan, while defending champions Guoan have a clear home advantage. The Yukun versus Yingbo matchup is a battle between newcomers, and it remains to be seen who can create history.

The significance and value of the FA Cup

The frequent FA Cup upsets have not only increased the entertainment value of the competition but also demonstrated the diversity of Chinese football. The rise of smaller teams has broken the dominance of traditional giants, making the cup more suspenseful and attractive. The result also reminds every team that there are no weak opponents in cup competitions, and underestimating an opponent can come at a cost. The FA Cup is not only a fight for honor but also a test of a team's overall strength.