The 2025/26 FA Cup Final arrives at Wembley Stadium on May 16, 2026, featuring a blockbuster clash between Chelsea and Manchester City. Eight-time winners Chelsea return to the final for the first time since 2021/22, facing seven-time champions City in what promises to be a captivating showdown. With Chelsea’s turbulent season and potential European qualification hanging in the balance, this fixture carries enormous stakes for both clubs at England’s iconic venue.
Match Preview
Chelsea parted company with Liam Rosenior shortly before their FA Cup semi-final against Leeds, and the decision initially appeared vindicated when Calum McFarlane oversaw a 1-0 victory at Wembley to send the Blues into the FA Cup final. Chelsea are now set for their 17th FA Cup final appearance, seeking a ninth triumph in the competition. Recent history weighs heavily on the Blues, who lost three consecutive FA Cup finals between 2020 and 2022 and have been beaten in four of their last five finals.
Manchester City warmed up for the final with a 3-0 Premier League win over Crystal Palace, keeping pressure on Arsenal in the title race. Their FA Cup semi-final was far less straightforward, as Pep Guardiola’s side came from behind to beat Southampton 2-1 at Wembley, with Jérémy Doku equalising before Nico González struck the winner. City enter their fourth consecutive FA Cup final — the first club ever to achieve that feat — and their 15th overall, seeking an eighth FA Cup title.
City have held the upper hand in recent meetings, including a 1-1 draw in Manchester and a 3-0 win at Chelsea in the 2025/26 Premier League season. Their last title-deciding meeting with Chelsea came in the 2021 Champions League final, which Chelsea won 1-0. João Pedro has been one of Chelsea’s main attacking threats this season, while Doku’s semi-final impact underlined the danger he can bring from the bench or the start.
Kickoff Time
The FA Cup Final kicks off at 3:00 PM BST on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Wembley Stadium in London. Fans worldwide can catch the action at the following local times:
- Eastern Time (USA/Canada): 10:00 AM EDT
- Central European Time: 4:00 PM CEST
- India Standard Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Australian Eastern Time: 12:00 AM AEST (May 17)
- South Africa: 4:00 PM SAST
How to watch online & on TV
The FA Cup Final will be broadcast globally across multiple platforms and television networks. UK viewers can watch on BBC One and TNT 1, with BBC offering free coverage while TNT requires a subscription. European audiences can access the match through DAZN (Italy, Austria), Viaplay (Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark), and beIN Sports (France). American fans can tune in via ESPN Deportes, while Latin American viewers have Disney+ coverage. Subscription costs vary by region and platform, with some services requiring monthly fees ranging from £10-30 or equivalent local currency.
Global Viewing Options
| 🇬🇧 England | TNT 1, BBC One, BBC |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | DAZN |
| 🇫🇷 France | SuperSport Football Plus, SS Maximo 2, GOtv Football, beIN 1 |
| 🏴 Scotland | TNT 1, BBC One, BBC |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | BBC One, Viaplay TV |
| 🇸🇪 Sweden | Viaplay |
| 🇩🇰 Denmark | Viaplay |
| 🇦🇹 Austria | DAZN Aus |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | BBC One |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | BBC One, BBC, TNT 1 |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | TVP, TVP Sport, sport.tvp.pl |
| 🏴 Wales | TNT 1, BBC One, BBC |
| 🇭🇷 Croatia | Arena 1 HR |
| 🇷🇸 Serbia | Arena 1 |
| 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina | Arena 1 |
| 🇲🇰 North Macedonia | Arena 1 |
| 🇦🇩 Andorra | beIN 1 |
| 🇦🇷 Argentina | ESPN Arg, Disney+ P Arg |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | Disney+, ESPN |
| 🇺🇸 United States | ESPN Dep |
| 🇨🇱 Chile | Disney+ P Chi |
| 🇵🇾 Paraguay | Disney+ P Arg |
| 🇵🇪 Peru | Disney+ P Chi |
| 🇺🇾 Uruguay | Disney+ P Arg |
| 🇨🇴 Colombia | Disney+ P Sur |
| 🇪🇨 Ecuador | Disney+ P Sur |
| 🇻🇪 Venezuela | Disney+ P Sur |
| 🇧🇴 Bolivia | Disney+ P Chi |
| 🇭🇳 Honduras | ESPN2 |
| 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | ESPN2 |
| 🇬🇹 Guatemala | ESPN2 |
| 🇸🇻 El Salvador | ESPN2 |
| 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | beIN 1 |
| 🇮🇷 Iran | beIN 1 |
| 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates | beIN 1 |
| 🇲🇾 Malaysia | Astro Football, sooka, Astro Go, Astro Grandstand |
| 🇧🇭 Bahrain | beIN 1 |
| 🇶🇦 Qatar | beIN 1 |
| 🇾🇪 Yemen | beIN 1 |
| 🇯🇴 Jordan | beIN 1 |
| 🇰🇼 Kuwait | beIN 1 |
| 🇴🇲 Oman | beIN 1 |
| 🇱🇧 Lebanon | beIN 1 |
| 🇮🇶 Iraq | beIN 1 |
| 🇮🇳 India | SonyLIV |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | SuperSport Football Plus, SS Maximo 2, GOtv Football |
| 🇳🇬 Nigeria | GOtv Football, DStv Now, SS Maximo 2, Canal+ 3 |
| 🇲🇦 Morocco | beIN 1 |
| 🇹🇳 Tunisia | beIN 1 |
| 🇩🇿 Algeria | beIN 1 |
| 🇪🇬 Egypt | beIN 1 |
| 🇱🇾 Libya | beIN 1 |
| 🇦🇴 Angola | SuperSport Football Plus, SS Maximo 2, DStv Now, GOtv Football |
| 🇬🇭 Ghana | DStv Now, Canal+ 3, GOtv Football, SuperSport Football Plus, SS Maximo 2 |
| 🇸🇲 San Marino | DAZN |
| 🇸🇩 Sudan | beIN 1, GOtv Football, DStv Now, SS Maximo 2, SuperSport Football Plus |
| 🇸🇾 Syria | beIN 1 |
| 🇵🇸 Palestine | beIN 1 |
| 🇵🇰 Pakistan | SonyLIV |
| 🇸🇳 Senegal | SS Maximo 2, SuperSport Football Plus, GOtv Football, Canal+ 3, DStv Now |
| 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe | DStv Now, GOtv Football, SS Maximo 2, SuperSport Football Plus |
| 🇰🇪 Kenya | DStv Now, SuperSport Football Plus, GOtv Football, SS Maximo 2 |
| 🇨🇲 Cameroon | Canal+ 3, SS Maximo 2, SuperSport Football Plus, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇪🇹 Ethiopia | SuperSport Football Plus, GOtv Football, SS Maximo 2, DStv Now |
| 🇷🇼 Rwanda | SS Maximo 2, Canal+ 3, GOtv Football, SuperSport Football Plus |
| 🇧🇹 Bhutan | SonyLIV |
| 🇨🇮 Ivory Coast | DStv Now, GOtv Football, SuperSport Football Plus, Canal+ 3, SS Maximo 2 |
| 🇲🇱 Mali | SuperSport Football Plus, GOtv Football, DStv Now, Canal+ 3, SS Maximo 2 |
| 🇿🇲 Zambia | SS Maximo 2, GOtv Football, SuperSport Football Plus |
| 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka | SonyLIV |
| 🇲🇷 Mauritania | GOtv Football, Canal+ 3, SuperSport Football Plus, beIN 1, DStv Now, SS Maximo 2 |
| 🇳🇦 Namibia | DStv Now, SuperSport Football Plus, SS Maximo 2, GOtv Football |
| 🇧🇼 Botswana | DStv Now, SS Maximo 2, GOtv Football, SuperSport Football Plus |
| 🇹🇬 Togo | DStv Now, Canal+ 3, SS Maximo 2, SuperSport Football Plus, GOtv Football |
| 🇵🇦 Panama | ESPN2 |
| 🇲🇼 Malawi | SS Maximo 2, SuperSport Football Plus, DStv Now, GOtv Football |
| 🇳🇮 Nicaragua | ESPN2 |
| 🇧🇯 Benin | GOtv Football, SS Maximo 2, Canal+ 3, SuperSport Football Plus |
| 🇬🇲 Gambia | GOtv Football, SS Maximo 2, DStv Now, Canal+ 3, SuperSport Football Plus |
| 🇱🇸 Lesotho | SuperSport Football Plus, SS Maximo 2, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇺🇬 Uganda | SS Maximo 2, GOtv Football, DStv Now, SuperSport Football Plus |
| 🇬🇦 Gabon | SuperSport Football Plus, GOtv Football, Canal+ 3, SS Maximo 2, DStv Now |
| 🇧🇮 Burundi | SuperSport Football Plus, Canal+ 3, GOtv Football, DStv Now, SS Maximo 2 |
| 🇧🇩 Bangladesh | SonyLIV |
| 🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of the Congo | DStv Now, SS Maximo 2, GOtv Football, Canal+ 3, SuperSport Football Plus |
| 🇧🇫 Burkina Faso | SS Maximo 2, GOtv Football, SuperSport Football Plus, DStv Now, Canal+ 3 |
| 🇬🇳 Guinea | SS Maximo 2, Canal+ 3, SuperSport Football Plus, DStv Now, GOtv Football |
| 🇨🇻 Cape Verde | DStv Now, SS Maximo 2, GOtv Football, Canal+ 3, SuperSport Football Plus |
| 🇨🇬 Republic of the Congo | GOtv Football, SS Maximo 2, Canal+ 3, SuperSport Football Plus, DStv Now |
| 🇳🇪 Niger | DStv Now, SS Maximo 2, GOtv Football, SuperSport Football Plus, Canal+ 3 |
| 🇲🇬 Madagascar | SuperSport Football Plus, SS Maximo 2, DStv Now, GOtv Football |
| 🇨🇫 Central African Republic | SS Maximo 2, GOtv Football, Canal+ 3, SuperSport Football Plus |
| 🇸🇱 Sierra Leone | GOtv Football, Canal+ 3, DStv Now, SuperSport Football Plus, SS Maximo 2 |
| 🇲🇿 Mozambique | GOtv Football, SuperSport Football Plus, DStv Now, SS Maximo 2 |
| 🇬🇼 Guinea-Bissau | DStv Now, SS Maximo 2, Canal+ 3, GOtv Football, SuperSport Football Plus |
| 🇹🇿 Tanzania | DStv Now, GOtv Football, SS Maximo 2, SuperSport Football Plus |
| 🇬🇶 Equatorial Guinea | GOtv Football, Canal+ 3, DStv Now, SS Maximo 2, SuperSport Football Plus |
| 🇸🇿 Eswatini | DStv Now, GOtv Football, SS Maximo 2, SuperSport Football Plus |
| 🇰🇲 Comoros | SuperSport Football Plus, GOtv Football, SS Maximo 2 |
| 🇲🇻 Maldives | SonyLIV |
| 🇱🇷 Liberia | SuperSport Football Plus, GOtv Football, SS Maximo 2, DStv Now |
| 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic | ESPN2 |
| 🇲🇺 Mauritius | DStv Now, SuperSport Football Plus, SS Maximo 2, GOtv Football |
| 🇳🇵 Nepal | SonyLIV |
| 🇧🇿 Belize | ESPN2 |
| 🇹🇩 Chad | SuperSport Football Plus, SS Maximo 2, Canal+ 3, beIN 1, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇵🇷 Puerto Rico | ESPN Dep |
| 🇸🇹 São Tomé and Príncipe | SS Maximo 2, SuperSport Football Plus, GOtv Football |
| 🇸🇨 Seychelles | DStv Now, SuperSport Football Plus, GOtv Football, SS Maximo 2 |
| 🇬🇺 Guam | ESPN Dep |
| 🇧🇳 Brunei | Astro Grandstand, Astro Go |
| 🇩🇯 Djibouti | DStv Now, GOtv Football, beIN 1, Canal+ 3, SuperSport Football Plus, SS Maximo 2 |
| 🇻🇮 US Virgin Islands | ESPN Dep |
| 🇪🇷 Eritrea | SuperSport Football Plus, DStv Now, SS Maximo 2, GOtv Football |
| 🇸🇴 Somalia | SuperSport Football Plus, SS Maximo 2, beIN 1, GOtv Football |
| 🇺🇦 Ukraine | Setanta |
How to watch anywhere with VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows you to bypass geographical restrictions and access streaming services from anywhere in the world. If you’re traveling abroad or living in a region without official broadcast coverage, a VPN can connect you to servers in countries where the match is available. Here’s how to set it up:
- Subscribe to a reputable VPN service that offers servers in the UK, US, or other countries with broadcast rights
- Download and install the VPN app on your device (compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Smart TVs)
- Connect to a server in your chosen country (for example, a UK server to access BBC One)
- Log in to your streaming platform and start watching the match as if you were in that location
Most premium VPN services offer military-grade encryption and fast connection speeds suitable for HD streaming. This method works seamlessly across multiple devices, ensuring you never miss crucial football action regardless of your physical location.
How to watch at Sportsbooks
Many online sportsbooks and betting sites offer live streaming services for major football matches, including the FA Cup Final. This option is particularly convenient if you already have an account or plan to place a bet on the match. The streaming quality is typically excellent, and you can watch directly through your browser or mobile app. Here’s the process:
- Register an account with a licensed sportsbook that offers live streaming (check if they have rights in your region)
- Make a qualifying deposit (usually a small amount, often as little as £5-10 or equivalent)
- Navigate to the live streaming section and look for the ‘Play’ or ‘Watch Live’ icon next to the Chelsea vs Man City fixture
- Ensure your account is funded or has placed a bet within the last 24 hours (requirements vary by operator)
This method provides instant access to live football without requiring separate streaming subscriptions. Many platforms also offer in-play betting features, live statistics, and multiple camera angles to enhance your viewing experience.
This FA Cup Final showdown between Chelsea and Manchester City promises to deliver drama, quality football, and potentially decisive moments in both clubs’ seasons. With Chelsea desperate for silverware and European qualification, and City seeking to avoid a third consecutive final defeat, the stakes couldn’t be higher at Wembley. Don’t miss a moment of this historic encounter, and return to TipsGG for comprehensive post-match analysis, player ratings, and expert reaction as we break down every key moment from this prestigious fixture.