The hallowed turf of Wembley Stadium beckons! The FA Cup semi-final draw has been unleashed, setting the stage for two colossal clashes that will determine which teams have the honour of competing in the 2025/26 final. Four gladiators remain, each with a dream of etching their name into the annals of football history, but only two can advance from the crucible of the national stadium.
The quarter-final stage delivered drama, shocks, and unadulterated passion in equal measure. Championship promotion hopefuls, Southampton, ignited the competition with a seismic upset, sending Premier League leaders Arsenal crashing out of the tournament. It was a victory forged in grit, determination, and a refusal to bow down to the giants.
Meanwhile, Manchester City, in their relentless pursuit of silverware, absolutely dismantled rivals Liverpool at home, showcasing a terrifying blend of tactical genius and individual brilliance. Chelsea, under their revitalised leadership, hammered third-tier Port Vale at Stamford Bridge, a testament to their renewed attacking verve. And in a pulsating encounter that went down to the wire, Leeds United held their nerve to win on penalties against West Ham, proving their mettle when the stakes were highest.
The journey to Wembley has been fraught with challenges, breathtaking goals, and moments of pure theatre. Now, the stage is set for the penultimate act. 101GreatGoals.com brings you the full 2025/26 FA Cup semi-final draw, including who each top-flight side team will face and the thrilling schedule that awaits.
FA Cup Semi-Final Draw: Fixtures 2025/26
| Chelsea vs Leeds |
| Manchester City vs Southampton |
When Are The FA Cup Semi-Finals 2026?
Mark your calendars, football fanatics! These epic FA Cup ties will electrify Wembley on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26 2026. Prepare for a weekend of unmissable action!
Game Highlights: Quarter-Finals Rewind!
Before we dive into the upcoming clashes, let’s relive the electrifying moments that led us here:
- Southampton 2 – 1 Arsenal: The Stunner at St. Mary’s!
The atmosphere was electric, but few predicted the fireworks that would unfold. Ross Stewart, the Saints’ talisman, sent the home crowd into delirium, burying a clinical header past Arsenal’s keeper in the 34th minute. Arsenal, reeling, pushed hard, but Southampton’s defence, marshalled brilliantly by veteran centre-back Jan Bednarek, held firm. A late surge saw Arsenal grab an equaliser through Martin Ødegaard, only for substitute Che Adams to snatch a dramatic 89th-minute winner, firing home from a tight angle to complete one of the FA Cup’s biggest upsets in recent memory. The roar from the St. Mary’s faithful could be heard for miles!
- Manchester City 4 – 0 Liverpool: A Blue Tidal Wave!
This was a masterclass from Pep Guardiola’s rampant Cityzens. From the first whistle, Liverpool were overwhelmed by a relentless sky-blue attack. Erling Haaland opened the scoring with a characteristic thunderbolt, followed by a sublime Kevin De Bruyne free-kick that curled into the top corner. Midfield maestro Rodri added a third with a powerful drive, before young sensation Nico O’Reilly, fresh off his EFL Cup heroics, capped off the rout with a sensational solo effort, leaving defenders in his wake before slotting home. It was a statement of intent, a brutal demonstration of why City are the team to beat.
- Chelsea 7 – 0 Port Vale: Stamford Bridge Spectacle!
Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea were in an unforgiving mood. Against their League One opponents, the Blues delivered a relentless attacking display, spearheaded by a resurgent front line. Early goals from Raheem Sterling and a brace from Armando Broja set the tone. The second half saw no let-up, with Enzo Fernández orchestrating from midfield, providing assists for further goals from Conor Gallagher, Mykhailo Mudryk, and two late strikes from substitute David Datro Fofana. It was an exhibition of ruthless efficiency and a clear sign of Chelsea’s newfound confidence.
- West Ham 1 – 1 Leeds United (Leeds win 4-3 on penalties): Hammers Heartbreak!
This was a classic cup tie, full of drama and tension. Jarrod Bowen put West Ham ahead in the first half with a clinical finish, igniting the London Stadium. Leeds, however, refused to yield, pushing relentlessly for an equaliser. Their persistence paid off in the 78th minute when Patrick Bamford headed home from a corner, sending the travelling Leeds fans into a frenzy. Extra time couldn’t separate the sides, leading to a nail-biting penalty shootout. Both goalkeepers made crucial saves, but it was Leeds’ Illan Meslier who emerged the hero, denying West Ham’s fifth penalty taker to send the Yorkshire club through in dramatic fashion!
Analysis: Who Will Lift The 2025/26 FA Cup?
The field has been narrowed, but the intensity has only amplified. Arsenal’s shock exit has undoubtedly shifted the landscape, leaving Manchester City as the overwhelming odds-on favourites. Their relentless march to the semi-finals marks an incredible eighth successive season, a testament to Pep Guardiola’s enduring dynasty.
City’s journey has been nothing short of dominant, from thrashing Exeter City 10-1 and Salford City 2-0, to coming from behind to win 3-1 at Newcastle. Their recent triumph in the EFL Cup final against Arsenal, where Nico O’Reilly famously scored two headers in five second-half minutes, only reinforces their pedigree. A domestic double is firmly in their sights, and with their squad depth, tactical flexibility, and sheer quality, it’s hard to look past them. Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess, De Bruyne’s vision, and Rodri’s control make them a juggernaut.
Chelsea, standing as the most successful team left in the competition with eight triumphs, are the second-favourites and pose a significant threat. Under the astute guidance of new manager Liam Rosenior, the Blues have been transformed into a free-scoring machine. Their early away ties were breathtaking – a 5-1 demolition of Charlton Athletic and a 4-0 hammering of Hull City, both showcasing Rosenior’s attacking philosophy. Their resilience was also evident in a hard-fought 4-2 extra-time win against Championship side Wrexham, before their clinical 7-0 victory over Port Vale. With key players finding form and a renewed hunger, Chelsea possess the firepower and tactical nous to go all the way. Enzo Fernández’s midfield mastery and the rejuvenated attack are proving formidable.
Leeds United, positioned as third-favourites, embody the spirit of the underdog. Their penalty shootout victory over West Ham demonstrated an unshakeable belief and an incredible fighting spirit. Their path has been anything but easy, but manager Daniel Farke has instilled a resilience that makes them incredibly difficult to beat. While they may lack the individual star power of City or Chelsea, their collective work ethic, passionate fanbase, and ability to perform under pressure make them a dangerous proposition. They thrive on disrupting rhythms and hitting teams on the break, a strategy that could serve them well at Wembley.
And then there are Southampton, the true dark horses and the competition’s ultimate giant-killers. To defeat the Premier League leaders, Arsenal, at home, following an impressive win against fellow top-flight side Fulham in the fifth round, is no fluke. The Saints have proven they have the belief, the tactical discipline, and the moments of magic required to upset the established order. Manager Russell Martin has cultivated a dynamic, high-energy side that isn’t afraid to take on anyone. Their journey has captivated the nation, and while they are undoubtedly the outsiders, underestimate them at your peril. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
FA Cup 2025/26 Live Online Stream: BBC, TNT Sports
Don’t miss a single second of the drama! In the UK, fans can catch all the thrilling action of the FA Cup on BBC Sport and TNT Sports.
Supporters can stream the FA Cup action live via the BBC Sport website and the BBC iPlayer app, both readily available across a vast variety of devices for seamless viewing on the go. For matches on TNT Sports, fans can stream through the HBO Max app. A TNT Sports subscription costs £30.99 a month, which includes Eurosport and a wealth of entertainment content, accessible on smart TVs, gaming consoles, and many other devices.
When Is The FA Cup Final 2026?
The ultimate showpiece event, the FA Cup final, will take place at the iconic Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 16 2026. One team will lift the trophy, forever cementing their place in history!
Prediction: The Cup Heads To…
This FA Cup has been a rollercoaster of emotions, and the semi-finals promise to deliver even more indelible memories. While the romantics among us would love to see Southampton complete their fairy tale, the sheer dominance and relentless quality of Manchester City make them incredibly difficult to bet against. Their squad depth allows them to navigate multiple competitions, and their experience in big-game scenarios is unmatched. Chelsea will push them close, perhaps even take them to extra time if they meet in the final, but City’s insatiable hunger for trophies, especially after their EFL Cup success, means they are operating on another level.
My prediction: Manchester City will lift the FA Cup in 2026. They are a machine built for silverware, and this year, their engine is purring louder than ever. Expect them to overcome Southampton with professional ease and then face a formidable Chelsea in a gripping final. But ultimately, Pep’s men will find a way to add another gleaming trophy to their overflowing cabinet.