Last updated by Nuala Williamson on 7th April 2026.

The FA Cup continues to stand apart as one of football’s most cherished competitions. More than 150 years after its inception, the tournament still produces the kind of jeopardy, variety and occasion that league football rarely matches. Now, the 2025/26 competition has reached its decisive stage, with the semi-final line-up confirmed following an eventful weekend of quarter-final ties.

For clubs and supporters alike, this is where the road to Wembley begins to feel immediate. The semi-finals are set for Saturday 25th April 2026, before the Final returns to Wembley Stadium on Saturday 16th May 2026.

Explore FA Cup hospitality packages with Seat Unique to experience the semi-finals and Final in exceptional surroundings.

Book FA Cup Semi-Final hospitality

Why the FA Cup still matters

More than 150 years after its inception, the FA Cup remains a defining part of English football culture. Its open format allows clubs from across the football pyramid to compete on the same stage, creating rare match-ups and genuine opportunities for underdogs to make history.

For supporters, the competition offers variety, jeopardy and moments that league football simply cannot replicate — from famous giant-killings to classic finals watched by millions.

What has happened so far in the FA Cup 2025/26?

The opening three rounds of the FA Cup 2025/26 have already showcased the competition’s enduring appeal — combining early-season ambition, growing momentum and the return of top-flight drama in January.

First round proper

The First Round proper, played across late October and early November, brought together clubs from League One, League Two and non-league football. As ever, the focus was on progression, with teams eager to extend their cup runs and earn the opportunity to face higher-ranked opposition.

A number of lower-league sides impressed with confident performances, laying the foundations for memorable journeys and highlighting the financial and sporting significance of advancing through the early stages.

Second round proper

December’s Second Round narrowed the field further, with intensity rising as clubs moved within touching distance of the Third Round proper. Tight contests and disciplined displays were common, with several matches settled by fine margins.

By the end of the round, attention had firmly turned to January — and the arrival of Premier League and Championship teams — as anticipation built for one of the most anticipated weekends in the football calendar.

Third round proper

The Third Round proper once again delivered the drama that defines the FA Cup. With top-flight and second-tier clubs entering the competition, the round produced a familiar mix of commanding victories and notable upsets.

Several lower-league sides rose to the occasion against elite opposition, while a number of Premier League clubs asserted their quality to secure safe passage into the Fourth Round. The balance between unpredictability and quality underlined why this stage remains such a highlight for supporters nationwide.

With the final whistle blown on the Third Round, the competition was reduced to 32 teams — setting the stage for a compelling Fourth Round draw.

Fourth round proper

The Fourth Round proper, played across the weekend of Saturday 14th February 2026, marked a shift in intensity as the remaining 32 teams competed for a place in the last 16. With Premier League and Championship sides now fully embedded in the competition, the margin for error narrowed considerably.

Several top-flight clubs delivered composed performances to progress, while a handful of lower-league sides continued to challenge expectations. Macclesfield’s run remained a focal point following their historic Third Round result, although their campaign came to an end against Premier League opposition. Elsewhere, ties such as Aston Villa vs Newcastle United and Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion highlighted the increasing quality of opposition at this stage.

As the round concluded, the FA Cup narrative began to take clearer shape — with a blend of established contenders and emerging stories moving into the Fifth Round.

Fifth round proper

The Fifth Round proper, played between Friday 6th March and Monday 9th March 2026, brought the competition down to its final eight teams. With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, the ties carried added significance and a noticeable increase in tension.

A number of leading clubs confirmed their credentials with controlled performances, while others were pushed to the limit in tightly contested fixtures. Notably, Port Vale continued their remarkable campaign to reach their first FA Cup quarter-final in over seven decades, reinforcing the competition’s ability to produce standout stories.

Elsewhere, results across the round ensured a strong mix of clubs progressing — from Premier League contenders to teams seizing a rare opportunity to reach the latter stages. By the end of the Fifth Round, attention had firmly shifted to the quarter-finals, with Wembley now within reach and the stakes significantly heightened.

FA Cup quarter-finals: key outcomes

The quarter-finals, played across Saturday 4th April and Sunday 5th April 2026, determined the four teams that would progress to Wembley.

The round delivered a combination of expected results and significant achievements. Chelsea and Manchester City secured their places in the semi-finals with controlled performances, while Leeds United and Southampton continued impressive runs to reach the final four.

For Leeds, progression represents their first FA Cup semi-final appearance in over 20 years, while Southampton’s success signals a strong return to the latter stages of domestic competition.

With the conclusion of the quarter-finals, the focus shifted immediately to the semi-final draw — confirming the final four match-ups of the 2025/26 campaign.

FA Cup semi-final fixtures confirmed

The FA Cup semi-final draw has now been made, with Wembley Stadium set to host both fixtures later this month.

Semi-final fixtures

Saturday 25th April 2026
Chelsea vs Leeds United

Sunday 26th April 2026
Manchester City vs Southampton

Both matches will take place at Wembley Stadium, with a place in the FA Cup Final on Saturday 16th May 2026 at stake.

The draw presents a compelling balance of experience and opportunity. Chelsea and Manchester City arrive with established records at this stage, while Leeds United and Southampton will look to extend their strong cup runs and secure a place in the final.

Key dates for the FA Cup 2025/26

The remaining dates for the competition are now clear:
Semi-finals — Saturday 25th April 2026
FA Cup Final — Saturday 16th May 2026 at Wembley Stadium

These fixtures represent some of the most significant dates in the domestic football calendar, with Wembley once again providing the stage for the competition’s conclusion.

The enduring legacy of the FA Cup

From historic finals to modern-day classics, the FA Cup has produced moments that transcend generations. Lifting the trophy remains a career-defining achievement for players and a landmark honour for clubs of every size.

As the 2025/26 season progresses, new stories will continue to emerge — reinforcing why the competition still commands such respect and attention.

How to experience the FA Cup in style

With the semi-finals and Final taking place at Wembley Stadium, demand for premium matchday experiences continues to rise.

Hospitality packages offer supporters the opportunity to enjoy the occasion with enhanced comfort, premium seating and high-quality dining — all while remaining close to the action on the pitch.

Whether attending a semi-final or the FA Cup Final, these fixtures represent standout moments in the football calendar.

Explore FA Cup hospitality packages with Seat Unique and experience the competition’s biggest stages in exceptional surroundings.

Book FA Cup Semi-Final hospitality