Manchester City and Chelsea face off at Wembley Stadium this afternoon in the 145th final of the FA Cup. Pep Guardiola’s Citizens, who are already holders of the Carabao Cup, are favourites with the bookmakers to lift a second major domestic trophy this term. Chelsea are seeking their first FA Cup victory since 2018, under interim head coach Calum McFarlane.
Manchester City needed late drama in their semi-final against Southampton, with Jeremy Doku and Nico Gonzalez scoring after the 79th minute to complete a stunning comeback. McFarlane’s Blues ended a difficult week on a high note, securing their spot with a lone Enzo Fernandez goal against Leeds United.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Guardiola acknowledged the difference in time to prepare between the two teams:
“I would prefer seven days like Chelsea had but when you reach the final of the Carabao Cup and you win domestic trophies, you have less days. It happened in the past when we won the titles.”
London will host the showpiece occasion of English football once again, with kick-off at Wembley Stadium scheduled for 3pm BST on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
UK viewers can watch the game live and free-to-air on BBC One from 1 pm, with TNT Sports 1 offering build-up coverage from 9 am BST. The match streams online via BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport app and HBO Max for TNT Sports subscribers.
City’s recent form, including a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace, points firmly to another Wembley triumph this afternoon. Chelsea have now lost all 13 meetings in succession with their opponents, going back to the 2021 Champions League final. It will be a close one, but I think Manchester City will lift the famous old trophy with a 2-1 win.
Pep Guardiola Brushes Off Manchester City Exit Talk Ahead Of Chelsea Clash
Pep Guardiola has dismissed suggestions that his final appearance at Wembley as Manchester City manager will be the 2026 FA Cup final. The 55-year-old, who is under contract until 2027, has been the subject of increasing speculation about his future at the Etihad Stadium.
The Spaniard laughed off suggestions in his pre-match press conference that the showpiece on Saturday could be his last outing at the national stadium. It will be his 24th visit to Wembley in his 10 years at the club, by now a familiar route to domestic cup glory.
Manchester City fans will also be keeping a close eye on Erling Haaland’s barren run at the venue. The Norway international has played 15 times at Wembley since moving to the Etihad without finding the net, a strange record for a forward of his ability. Guardiola has backed the 25-year-old to finally get off the mark against Chelsea this afternoon.