The draw for the 2025–26 FA Cup semi-finals has been completed, setting up two high-stakes encounters at Wembley Stadium following a dramatic quarter-final stage. Conducted on Sunday, 5 April, at Wembley, the draw confirmed the final four contenders and their respective paths to the final, scheduled for 16 May at the same venue.
English football heavyweights Manchester City and Chelsea have both avoided each other in the semi-finals, each being paired with different opponents. However, the draw has not been free from scrutiny, with sections of the English media and supporters raising informal concerns about its perceived balance, though no evidence has been presented to support any suggestion of irregularity.
The semi-final stage features an intriguing mix of established giants and unexpected challengers. Southampton, one of the tournament’s surprise packages, booked their place in the last four after eliminating Arsenal in the previous round. Their reward is a daunting clash against reigning domestic powerhouses Manchester City. Meanwhile, Chelsea will face Leeds United, who continue to enjoy a strong cup run of their own.
Southampton’s journey has already captured significant attention. Their victory over Arsenal marked one of the standout upsets of the competition, propelling them into the semi-finals for the first time in years. The club’s only FA Cup triumph came in 1976, and they now face the formidable task of overcoming a Manchester City side that has dominated English football in recent seasons with multiple domestic and European successes.
Leeds United’s presence in the semi-finals also carries historical weight. Their sole FA Cup victory dates back to 1972, and they last reached the final in 1987. Despite their rich history, recent decades have seen limited cup success, making this run particularly significant for supporters eager to witness a revival on one of English football’s biggest stages.
Chelsea, meanwhile, enter the tie as one of the competition’s most successful clubs, boasting eight FA Cup titles. Their experience at this stage of the tournament could prove decisive, although Leeds’ resilience and momentum should not be underestimated.
Semi-Final Fixtures
| Match | Fixture | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Final 1 | Manchester City vs Southampton | 25 April | Wembley Stadium |
| Semi-Final 2 | Chelsea vs Leeds United | 26 April | Wembley Stadium |
The scheduling of both matches at Wembley adds to the prestige and intensity of the occasion, with the iconic stadium once again serving as the backdrop for English football’s most historic cup competition.
Manchester City enter their semi-final as strong favourites, given their depth of squad, tactical sophistication, and sustained domestic dominance in recent years. However, knockout football has often produced surprises, and Southampton will be hoping to capitalise on any opportunity to extend their remarkable cup run.
Similarly, the Chelsea–Leeds encounter presents a compelling contrast between experience and ambition. Chelsea’s pedigree in cup competitions is well established, but Leeds’ determination and underdog spirit could make for a tightly contested affair.
With the final set for 16 May, anticipation is steadily building. The coming semi-finals promise drama, intensity, and the possibility of further surprises as four clubs compete for a place in one of football’s most prestigious domestic finals.