Matches were scheduled to be played at the stadium of the team named first on the date specified for each round, which was always a Saturday. Some matches, however, might be rescheduled for other days if there were clashes with games for other competitions or the weather was inclement. If scores were level after 90 minutes had been played, a replay would take place at the stadium of the second-named team later the same week. If the replayed match was drawn further replays would be held until a winner was determined. If scores were level after 90 minutes had been played in a replay, a 30-minute period of extra time would be played.
Calendar
Round
Date
Extra preliminary round
Saturday 3 September 1932
Preliminary round
Saturday 17 September 1932
First round qualifying
Saturday 1 October 1932
Second round qualifying
Saturday 15 October 1932
Third round qualifying
Saturday 29 October 1932
Fourth round qualifying
Saturday 12 November 1932
First round proper
Saturday 26 November 1932
Second round proper
Saturday 10 December 1932
Third round proper
Saturday 14 January 1933
Fourth round proper
Saturday 28 January 1933
Fifth round proper
Saturday 18 February 1933
Sixth round proper
Saturday 4 March 1933
Semi-finals
Saturday 18 March 1933
Final
Saturday 29 April 1933
First round proper
At this stage 43 clubs from the Football League Third Division North and South joined the 24 non-league clubs having come through the qualifying rounds, plus Third Division South club Brighton & Hove Albion (who failed to apply for exemption and played in the preliminary rounds - they would ultimately reach the Fifth Round!). Barnsley, and Watford were given a bye to the Third Round. To make the number of matches up, non-league Marine and Dulwich Hamlet were given byes to this round. 34 matches were scheduled to be played on Saturday, 26 November 1932. Eight were drawn and went to replays in the following midweek fixture, of which one went to a second replay.
The matches were played on Saturday, 10 December 1932. Six matches were drawn, with replays taking place in the following midweek fixture. Of these, one game went to a second replay.
The 44 First and Second Division clubs entered the competition at this stage, along with Barnsley, Watford and amateur club Corinthian. The matches were scheduled for Saturday, 14 January 1933, with the exception of the Millwall–Reading game, which was played four days after. Seven matches were drawn and went to replays in the following midweek fixture.
The four Sixth Round ties were scheduled to be played on Saturday, 4 March 1933. There was one replay, between Sunderland and Derby County, played in the following midweek fixture.
The 1933 FA Cup Final was contested by Manchester City and Everton at Wembley on 29 April 1933. Everton won the game for the second time in their history, the previous time coming in 1906.