```html Hull City Secure FA Cup Progress in Dramatic Fashion

Hull City Secure FA Cup Progress in Dramatic Fashion

Hull City continued their promising 2025-26 Championship campaign with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup third round on January 11, 2026, securing their place in the fourth round.

The match at the MKM Stadium ended goalless after 90 minutes and extra time in a tightly contested, low-scoring affair that lacked clear-cut chances for much of the game. Both sides struggled to break the deadlock, with Hull City dominating possession at times but failing to convert opportunities, while Blackburn defended resiliently.

The drama unfolded in the penalty shootout, where the Tigers held their nerve to win 4-3, sending the home crowd into raptures and keeping their cup run alive under manager Sergej Jakirović.

This result provides a timely morale boost for Hull following a narrow 1-0 home defeat to Stoke City on New Year's Day, which ended a strong unbeaten run. The Tigers remain firmly in the promotion mix, sitting in 7th place in the Championship table with 41 points from 25 matches (12 wins, 5 draws, 8 losses), boasting an attacking edge with 40 goals scored and strong contributions from forwards like Joe Gelhardt and Oli McBurnie.

The January transfer window has also brought fresh optimism. Hull have already made key additions, including young defender James Debayo on a free transfer from Leeds United on an 18-month deal (with an option for a further year), bolstering their defensive options. Experienced centre-back John Egan triggered a contract extension clause, committing him to the club until the summer of 2027 after solid performances.

The club has been actively pursuing further reinforcements, with strong interest in experienced goalkeeper Seny Dieng from Championship rivals Middlesbrough expected to conclude soon, adding depth and know-how between the posts. Reports suggest Hull are hopeful of a busy window to support their push for Premier League promotion, despite earlier financial restrictions being eased.

Owner Acun Ilıcalı has expressed ambitions for success in both domestic competitions, with the FA Cup now offering a potential route to bigger ties. The victory over Blackburn keeps those dreams alive, while league action resumes soon with an important trip to face Southampton.

Jakirović praised his side's resilience: "The players showed great character in the shootout. We're building something special here, and results like this prove we're on the right path."

With the squad strengthening and momentum building, Hull City fans will be hopeful that 2026 could deliver silverware and a return to the top flight.

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Home of Hull City AFC

Opened 2002

Capacity 25,400

History (from Wikipedia)

The idea of a new stadium for Kingston upon Hull, whose professional football club Hull City had played at Boothferry Park since 1946, was first mooted in 1997, but funds to finance such a project only became available when the city council sold a portion of its holdings in Kingston Communications.[3] The council provided most of the funds, more than £42 million, with the rest stemming from government single regeneration budget grants and from the Football Stadium Improvement Fund.[3]

The council appointed John Topliss to head the stadium construction project.[3] He and his team partnered with consulting firm Drivers Jonas to explore preliminary issues such as stadium location, seating capacity, and facilities offered. Stated Mr. Topliss: "We had a totally blank canvas and, working with consultants, made a thorough assessment of what was needed."[3]

The project team considered over a dozen sites, inside and outside of the city, before settling on The Circle in West Park.[3] Factors contributing to the decision include transport guidance, central government planning guidelines, existing athletic facilities, isolation from residential areas, and council ownership.[3]

The final recommendation of Drivers Jonas included additional facilities for both indoor and outdoor sports for the people of West Hull in addition to the main stadium, planned to seat from 25,000 to 30,000 spectators.[3] Professional services firm Arup Associates provided initial concept proposals for the stadium.[4] The Miller Partnership, an architectural and interior design firm, adopted these proposals during the stadium's design.[4] The construction work was undertaken by Birse Group.[12]

In spite of obstacles during the course of the project, including Hull City A.F.C.'s receivership in 2001 (just after the granting of planning permission),[3] the stadium complex was completed on time (in fourteen months)[4] and on budget (at approximately GB£44 million).[4] The stadium opened its doors on 18 December 2002. Hull City beat Sunderland A.F.C. 1–0 in a friendly match to mark the occasion.[13] Steve Melton scored the goal, the first at the KC Stadium.[5]

In 2020, the KCOM will host the Super League Grand Final for the first time.[14]

Things to do in Hull.