Chelsea host Port Vale at Stamford Bridge on April 4, 2026, in an FA Cup quarterfinal clash that promises David vs Goliath drama. The eight-time FA Cup champions face a third-tier side chasing their first semi-final berth since 1953/54. Port Vale arrive with momentum after stunning Premier League Sunderland 1-0 in the fifth round, their first top-flight scalp in over 30 years. Chelsea have advanced from nine of their last 10 quarter-final ties and will be heavy favorites, but cup magic has delivered surprises before.
Match Preview
This fixture marks the first meeting between Chelsea and Port Vale in 97 years. Their last encounter came in 1929 when Port Vale secured a 1-0 victory in Division Two. Port Vale hold the unique distinction of playing more EFL seasons (113) than any club without reaching the top flight. Their quarter-final appearance is only the second in history, making this a historic occasion for the Valiants. Chelsea have lost just one home FA Cup quarter-final since 2003, falling to Arsenal that year. They’ve progressed from 27 of 40 quarter-final ties overall. Port Vale’s giant-killing credentials were earned through striker Waine’s 28th-minute goal against Sunderland, with goalkeeper Gauci and captain John anchoring a disciplined defensive display. Chelsea face only their fourth third-tier opponent at this stage of the competition. The odds heavily favor the Blues at -1786, with Port Vale listed at +2700. Form and class suggest a comfortable Chelsea victory, but the FA Cup has built its reputation on defying predictions. Port Vale will need another perfect performance to extend their fairytale run.
Kickoff Time
The match kicks off at 5:15 PM BST (17:15 local time) at Stamford Bridge, London.
- United States (EST): 12:15 AM
- United States (PST): 9:15 AM
- Central Europe (CEST): 6:15 PM
- India (IST): 9:45 PM
- Australia (AEST): 2:15 AM (April 5)
- South Africa (SAST): 6:15 PM
How to watch online & on TV
The FA Cup quarterfinal will be broadcast across multiple platforms globally. UK viewers can watch on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and TNT Sports 1 (subscription required for TNT). European fans have access through Viaplay (Scandinavia), Sport TV (Portugal), and beIN Sports (France). Streaming services like discovery+ and SonyLIV provide digital access in select regions. Subscription costs vary by platform—BBC services are free in the UK, while TNT Sports and Viaplay require paid subscriptions. Check your local broadcaster for specific pricing.
| 🇬🇧 England | BBC, BBC One, discovery+, TNT 1 |
| 🇬🇧 Scotland | BBC, BBC One, discovery+, TNT 1 |
| 🇬🇧 Wales | BBC, BBC One, discovery+, TNT 1 |
| 🇬🇧 Northern Ireland | BBC, BBC One, discovery+, TNT 1 |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | BBC, BBC One, discovery+, TNT 1 |
| 🇫🇷 France | beIN MAX 5, SS Premier League, SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, GOtv Football |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | Sport TV2 |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | BBC One |
| 🇸🇪 Sweden | Viaplay |
| 🇫🇮 Finland | V Sport 2 Suomi |
| 🇳🇴 Norway | TV2, Viaplay |
| 🇩🇰 Denmark | Viaplay |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | BBC One |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | TVP, sport.tvp.pl |
| 🇭🇷 Croatia | Arena 1 HR |
| 🇧🇬 Bulgaria | Diema 2 |
| 🇦🇩 Andorra | beIN MAX 5 |
| 🇺🇦 Ukraine | Setanta |
| 🇦🇷 Argentina | Disney+ P Arg |
| 🇨🇱 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 |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | SN360 |
| 🇮🇳 India | SonyLIV |
| 🇵🇰 Pakistan | SonyLIV |
| 🇧🇹 Bhutan | SonyLIV |
| 🇧🇩 Bangladesh | SonyLIV |
| 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka | SonyLIV |
| 🇲🇻 Maldives | SonyLIV |
| 🇳🇵 Nepal | SonyLIV |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, GOtv Football, DStv Now, Sporty TV |
| 🇳🇬 Nigeria | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, GOtv Football, DStv Now, Sporty TV |
| 🇦🇴 Angola | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇬🇭 Ghana | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now, Sporty TV |
| 🇸🇩 Sudan | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇸🇳 Senegal | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇰🇪 Kenya | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now, Sporty TV |
| 🇨🇲 Cameroon | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇪🇹 Ethiopia | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇷🇼 Rwanda | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, Sporty TV |
| 🇨🇮 Ivory Coast | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇲🇱 Mali | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇿🇲 Zambia | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football |
| 🇲🇷 Mauritania | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇳🇦 Namibia | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇧🇼 Botswana | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇹🇬 Togo | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇲🇼 Malawi | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇧🇯 Benin | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football |
| 🇬🇲 Gambia | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇱🇸 Lesotho | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇺🇬 Uganda | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now, Sporty TV |
| 🇬🇦 Gabon | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇧🇮 Burundi | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now, Sporty TV |
| 🇨🇩 DR Congo | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇧🇫 Burkina Faso | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇬🇳 Guinea | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now, Sporty TV |
| 🇨🇻 Cape Verde | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇨🇬 Republic of the Congo | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now, Sporty TV |
| 🇳🇪 Niger | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇲🇬 Madagascar | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇨🇫 Central African Republic | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football |
| 🇸🇱 Sierra Leone | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now, Sporty TV |
| 🇲🇿 Mozambique | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now, Sporty TV |
| 🇬🇼 Guinea-Bissau | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇹🇿 Tanzania | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now, Sporty TV |
| 🇬🇶 Equatorial Guinea | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇸🇿 Eswatini | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇰🇲 Comoros | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football |
| 🇱🇷 Liberia | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇲🇺 Mauritius | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇹🇩 Chad | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇸🇹 São Tomé and Príncipe | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football |
| 🇸🇨 Seychelles | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇩🇯 Djibouti | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇪🇷 Eritrea | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football, DStv Now |
| 🇸🇴 Somalia | SS Maximo, SS Maximo 2, SS Premier League, GOtv Football |
How to watch anywhere with VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows you to bypass geographical restrictions by masking your location. If your region lacks broadcast rights or you’re traveling abroad, a VPN connects you to a server in a country where the match is available. This grants access to streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer, discovery+, or SonyLIV as if you were physically present in that region.
- Step 1: Subscribe to a reputable VPN service (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, etc.)
- Step 2: Download and install the VPN app on your device (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Smart TV)
- Step 3: Connect to a server in a country with broadcast rights (e.g., UK for BBC, India for SonyLIV)
- Step 4: Log in to the streaming platform and start watching
VPNs work across smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs. Choose a server location carefully—UK servers unlock BBC and TNT Sports, while Indian servers provide SonyLIV access. Connection speeds may vary, so select a server with optimal performance.
How to watch at Sportsbooks
Many online sportsbooks offer live streaming for customers with funded accounts. Platforms like Bet365, Unibet, and 1xBet frequently stream FA Cup matches. You don’t need to place a bet—just maintain a positive account balance. This provides a legal, convenient way to watch while exploring betting markets.
- Step 1: Register an account with a sportsbook that offers live streaming (check regional availability)
- Step 2: Deposit funds into your account (minimum amounts vary, often £5-£10)
- Step 3: Navigate to the live streaming section or look for the ‘Play’ icon next to the Chelsea vs Port Vale fixture
- Step 4: Click to start the stream (ensure your account has sufficient balance)
Streaming quality depends on your internet connection and the sportsbook’s infrastructure. Availability varies by country due to licensing restrictions. Always verify that your chosen platform holds proper streaming rights in your jurisdiction.
Chelsea’s quest for a semi-final spot against Port Vale’s historic run creates unmissable drama. Whether you’re backing the Blues or rooting for an upset, this FA Cup quarterfinal delivers high stakes and potential magic. Don’t miss our post-match analysis and player ratings exclusively on TipsGG after the final whistle.