Leeds United can stil qualify for the Europa League this season as things stand
13:00, 25 Apr 2026
View Image
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 25: A detailed view of the Emirates FA Cup trophy on a plinth on the inside of the stadium prior to the Emirates FA Cup Final match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on May 25, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Leeds United are one game away from reaching the FA Cup final for the first time since 1973, with opponents Chelsea looking as though they are there for the taking amidst turmoil over their head coach.
The Whites will have more than 33,000 fans at Wembley urging them on to enact an upset against a team they have yet to lose to this season. Leeds boast a self-confessed emotional fanbase that will give their all to help the team over the line, having not reached this stage of the competition for 39 years.
Daniel Farke has previously joked how he has had fans ask him questions about Europe after a good result albeit ironically, without the concession of late goals this season the club might well have been competing for such positions.
The Leeds boss recently referenced how the FA Cup is indeed the fastest way to European football, though reaching the final itself would not be enough despite common misconception.
Manchester City seem the favourites to reach the showpiece with Championship outfit Southampton - who beat Leeds during their last trip to Wembley in the 2024 play-off final - their opponents.
Article continues below
Title-challengers Man City are destined for Champions League qualification by table position and so the award of a place in next season’s Europa League would be passed on to another team - but not to the FA Cup final runners-up.
Instead, the place would pass to the next highest-ranked Premier League team that has not qualified for a European spot by virtue of table position. So, in short, Leeds would need to win the FA Cup in order to qualify for the Europa League.
*FOLLOW OUR LUFC FACEBOOK PAGE!Latest news, analysis and more on our Leeds United FB page*