Chelsea meet Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in the 2025/26 FA Cup Final in a blockbuster clash.
Chelsea and Man City meet at Wembley Stadium in the 2025/26 FA Cup Final on Saturday 16 May 2026, in a heavyweight showdown.
City arrive as history-makers, becoming the first side ever to reach four consecutive FA Cup finals, though their recent record at this stage has been mixed after defeats to Manchester United in 2024 and Crystal Palace in 2025. Under Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, they have still lifted the trophy twice in recent years, winning in 2019 and 2023.
For Chelsea, this represents a major opportunity to end a trophy drought in the competition stretching back to 2018, when they defeated Manchester United at Wembley. After a turbulent season involving managerial changes, the FA Cup has become their final chance to secure silverware. Between them, the two clubs have won the FA Cup 15 times, but this will be their first-ever meeting in the final.
City also head into the game chasing a domestic Wembley double after already securing the League Cup this season, adding further intrigue to a clash that pits consistency against redemption on English football’s biggest domestic stage.
The final will take place at the iconic Wembley Stadium, with a 3pm kick-off and full coverage across BBC platforms, including BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
FA Cup Final Odds
| Market | Chelsea | Draw | Manchester City |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90 Minutes | 4/1 | 31/10 | 8/11 |
| Lift Trophy | 12/5 | - | 2/5 |
Who is favourite to win the FA Cup Final?
As things stand, Manchester City are expected to go into the final as slight favourites due to their recent dominance in domestic cup competitions and their consistency under Pep Guardiola.
They are 8/11 (AKbets) to win in 90 minutes and 2/5 (Betfred) to lift the trophy.
Their ability to control major matches at Wembley, combined with a strong recent FA Cup record, typically sees them shorten in the betting markets.
Chelsea, however, cannot be written off. Cup finals often tighten margins, and their route to Wembley alongside their historical success in knockout competitions means they are likely to attract significant support in the betting.
Chelsea are 4/1 (AKbets) to win in 90 minutes and 12/5 (AKbets) to lift the trophy.
With no previous FA Cup final meeting between the sides, bookmakers are expected to price this as a closely matched contest, even if City hold the edge.
What time is the FA Cup Final?
The FA Cup Final kicks off at 3:00pm on Saturday 16 May 2026. Pre-match coverage begins earlier in the day across broadcast platforms.
Where is the FA Cup Final?
The final will be played at Wembley Stadium, the traditional home of English football’s showpiece domestic final.
