Manchester City completed a domestic cup double by defeating Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley to win the FA Cup, with their vanquished opponents hoping to kickstart a new era by announcing Xabi Alonso as their new manager.
In a lacklustre affair which saw few chances created by both teams, Antoine Semenyo got on the end of a threaded Erling Haaland past and backheeled a superb shot into the back of the net midway through the second half.
It was the only goal of the final and delivered a 20th title to City since Pep Guardiola took charge of the club.
Man City’s captain, Bernardo Silva, will leave the club at the end of the season and wished Guardiola ‘all the best’ by going out on a high. He said: “Since I arrived it's been 20 trophies which isn't bad. I care a lot about Manchester City. I wish all the best to the manager because I really enjoy being with him and sharing all these moments together."
Relive the action and follow the live reaction from the FA Cup final below:
FA Cup final: Chelsea v Man City
- Chelsea beaten by Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley
- Antoine Semenyo's backheel sends City into lead and secures victory
- Analysis: Semenyo delivers for City after Guardiola’s tactical tweak
- City add FA Cup to domestic titles following Carabao Cup win early this season
- Guardiola confirms he will be managing Man City next season
- Xabi Alonso confirmed as Chelsea's new manager
FA Cup final shows contrast between Chelsea and Manchester City – but where do the clubs go from here?
Saturday 16 May 2026 18:48 , Miguel Delaney at WembleyIt certainly doesn’t feel like the end of an era at Manchester City, since they keep on winning. Rather than as yet confirming any departure, Pep Guardiola instead just secured another trophy. His third personal FA Cup makes this a domestic cup double, that may yet become a second domestic treble.
City obviously need a lot to change in the title race but, as this 1-0 win over Chelsea showed, they keep on putting on the squeeze.
And if this was far from a final for the ages - there’s an argument it was overshadowed by Mohammed Salah’s commentary on Liverpool - it was at least won by a goal for ages. Antoine Semenyo’s backheel was up there with any in the competition’s history.
FA Cup final shows contrast between Chelsea and Man City – but where do they go next?
Xabi Alonso announced as new Chelsea manager after signing long-term deal
10:13 , Flo CliffordXabi Alonso has been confirmed as the new Chelsea manager on a long-term contract.
The Spanish tactician has penned terms on a four-year deal to succeed Liam Rosenior at Stamford Bridge and will begin his reign on 1 July ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
The 44-year-old is likely to lead the Blues in a season without European football after a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City under interim boss Calum McFarlane in the FA Cup final with the side currently ninth in the Premier League with two games remaining.
Xabi Alonso announced as new Chelsea manager after signing long-term deal
Xabi Alonso set to become new Chelsea manager with agreement on long-term contract close
Sunday 17 May 2026 00:00 , Miguel DelaneyXabi Alonso is close to becoming the new Chelsea manager with a full agreement close to completion.
The Blues, led by interim boss Calum McFarlane, lost 1-0 to Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday, with Antoine Semenyo’s goal the difference at Wembley Stadium.
Xabi Alonso set to become new Chelsea manager with agreement close
Marc Guehi's reaction to back to back FA Cups
Saturday 16 May 2026 23:30 , Mike Jones“It’s a lot, super proud of every single person, everyone here at the football club deserves nothing less than this.”
“The one with Palace was a different occasion, we were underdogs for ha game it was my first trophy so it is a different feeling. This one especially after the tough season of ups and downs we have had coming into a new environment a new club, they are both equally as amazing.”
Bernardo Silva reacts to the win and his farewell
Saturday 16 May 2026 23:00 , Mike Jones“It is a special stadium, the FA Cup is a special competition we know how much it mean to the fans of this country and its really beautiful to end my journey here this way.”
Pep Guardiola reacts to his side's FA Cup win
Saturday 16 May 2026 22:30 , Mike Jones“Five finals in 10 years, won three lost two, quite decent I would say. Against Colwill, James and Caicedo, they are so good.
“Second half they were better even though we had the first chance with Antoine [Semenyo], they were better, but we found the goal.
“I just have the feeling that last season against Crystal Palace and even the previous season against United we were better than today.”
Antoine Semenyo delivers cup glory for Manchester City after Pep Guardiola’s tactical tweak
Saturday 16 May 2026 22:00 , Mike JonesThey all wanted Antoine Semenyo. Tottenham last summer, Manchester United and Liverpool in January. Chelsea were interested too, though that may be less noteworthy given that they tend to want every winger on the planet.
Manchester City got him, and if the financial muscle to pay a sizeable fee helps, if the availability of one of the leading scorers in the Premier League who was both at a smaller club and in possession of a release clause meant it hardly counted as an inspired piece of scouting, there can be a reward for doing the obvious. But there can be one for thinking out of the box, for trying the unorthodox, too.
Antoine Semenyo delivers for Manchester City after Pep Guardiola’s tactical tweak
Steven Gerrard gives his assessment of Chelsea's future
Saturday 16 May 2026 21:30 , Mike Jones“There’s definitely a lot of questions at board level that the fans want answers to. They need to attract an elite manager to coach these real talented players that they have got.
“They need to recruit in the defensive area for me, they need a centre-half to compliment Colwill.”
Man City's matchwinner gives his reaction
Saturday 16 May 2026 21:00 , Mike JonesAntoine Semenyo said: “I don’t know how to feel at the moment to be honest, I’m quite numb at the moment.”
On the goal: “Yeah I just tried to improvise the best I could, and it went in the bottom corner, I can’t even complain.
“I’ve done it couple of times in training.”
Joe Cole reacts to Manchester City's win
Saturday 16 May 2026 20:30 , Mike Jones“When you have that quality - Semenyo, Haaland, you can bring Cherki off the bench, I think they are the best team in Europe at the moment on current form.
“They just had a little bit too much in the end, you have to give them credit. The goal is a little bit of genius, on the biggest stage.”
‘Not even one beer’: Pep Guardiola reveals Man City’s celebrations are on hold with focus on Premier League
Saturday 16 May 2026 20:00 , Richard JollyPep Guardiola said he would not even allow his players one beer as he said they cannot party to celebrate their FA Cup win.
Manchester City completed a cup double by beating Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley to follow their Carabao Cup triumph over Arsenal.
Guardiola reveals Man City’s celebrations are on hold with focus on Premier League
Xabi Alonso reportedly reaches agreement to join Chelsea
Saturday 16 May 2026 19:30 , James HickenAccording to David Ornstein of The Athletic on ‘X’, the Spaniard visited London last week and has allegedly reached a four year agreement.
Reece James' reaction
Saturday 16 May 2026 19:20 , James Hicken“It’s disappointing to lose, there wasn't much in the game, it was even, they had one half chance and managed to take it. “
“No one is happy when you lose.”
“Last week we go to Anfield and probably should win and we lose today you know its difficult there are positives to take but also a lot to learn from.”
Marc Guehi joins an exclusive club of players
Saturday 16 May 2026 19:10 , James HickenThe Centre back becomes one of only four players to win back-to-back FA Cups with two different clubs.
He joins, Arthur Kinniard (1878, 1879), Brian Talbot (1978, 1979) and Olivier Giroud (2017, 2018)
Xabi Alonso set to become new Chelsea manager with agreement on long-term contract close
Saturday 16 May 2026 19:10 , Miguel DelaneyXabi Alonso is close to becoming the new Chelsea manager with a full agreement close to completion.
The Blues, led by interim boss Calum McFarlane, lost 1-0 to Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday, with Antoine Semenyo’s goal the difference at Wembley Stadium.
Xabi Alonso set to become new Chelsea manager with agreement close
Marc Guehi's reaction to back to back FA Cups
Saturday 16 May 2026 19:00 , James Hicken“It’s a lot, super proud of every single person, everyone here at the football club deserves nothing less than this.”
“The one with Palace was a different occasion, we were underdogs for ha game it was my first trophy so it is a different feeling. This one especially after the tough season of ups and downs we have had coming into a new environment a new club, they are both equally as amazing.”
Who can Chelsea bring in as their next manager to stop the rot?
Saturday 16 May 2026 18:50 , James HickenThere is a lot of chatter around the likes of Xabi Alonso who has allegedly had direct meetings with Chelsea.
But are there other options of successful managers in the Premier League like Oliver Glasner or Marco Silva
Interim manager Callum McFarlane reacts to the loss
Saturday 16 May 2026 18:40 , James Hicken“It was a really close game, two good sides, both teams had periods where they were in control - defined by small margins so disappointed with the result.”
When asked about the Hato penalty shout he was sure it should have been given.
“I’ve watched it back and for me its a penalty,” McFarlane explained. “Jorel gets in front and its a collision in the back of Jorel similar to Joao Pedro last week against Frimpong.”
Then rather awkwardly gave a short response on the future of Chelsea.
“It’s not my place to say, I would not feel comfortable giving an opinion on that.”
John Stones on feeling the love from his club
Saturday 16 May 2026 18:35 , James Hicken“I don’t think it has set in yet, I’m trying to focus on the games in hand and not get too emotional about what is happening in a weeks time. Trying to soak everything in with my family and these kind of moments. I know they don’t last forever and things move on, it has been a really special time and to feel all the love off everyone is overwhelming really and I'll definitely miss it.”
Bernardo Silva's honours with Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 18:20 , James HickenPremier Leagues: 6
FA Cups: 3
League Cups: 5
Community Shields: 3
Champions Leagues: 1
FIFA Club World Cups: 1
Bernardo Silva reacts to the win and his farewell
Saturday 16 May 2026 18:13 , James Hicken“It is a Special stadium, the FA Cup is a special competition we know how much it mean to the fans of this country and its really beautiful to end my journey here this way.”
After 458 appearances and 19 trophies, Silva tried to sum up his journey:
“This club gave me much more than I ever hoped for and ever dreamed. I’m just really grateful for all the moments that I lived with all my teammates, the fans, the staff. The frustrations are part of it, disappointments - it was just overall a beautiful journey.”
He continued on Guardiola: “He changed the way I see football.”
Pep Guardiola reacts to his sides FA Cup win.
Saturday 16 May 2026 18:06 , James Hicken“Five finals in 10 years, won three lost two, quite decent I would say. Against Colwill, James and Caicedo, they are so good.
“Second half they were better even though we had the first chance with Antoine [Semenyo], they were better, but we found the goal.
“I just have the feeling that last season against Crystal Palace and even the previous season against United we were better than today.”
Departing club legenda John Stones and Bernardo Silva lift trophy together
Saturday 16 May 2026 18:05 , James Hicken
Rejoice but regret for Haaland
Saturday 16 May 2026 17:55 , James HickenYet another trophy to add to his amassing collection with Man City, but the towering Norwegian struggled to make his usual impact on the game.
He did provide the crucial assist for Semenyo but his curse of being unable to score in a final for Man City extends to 10.
Antoine Semenyo delivers cup glory for Manchester City after Pep Guardiola’s tactical tweak
Saturday 16 May 2026 17:47 , Richard Jolly at WembleyThey all wanted Antoine Semenyo. Tottenham last summer, Manchester United and Liverpool in January. Chelsea were interested too, though that may be less noteworthy given that they tend to want every winger on the planet.
Manchester City got him, and if the financial muscle to pay a sizeable fee helps, if the availability of one of the leading scorers in the Premier League who was both at a smaller club and in possession of a release clause meant it hardly counted as an inspired piece of scouting, there can be a reward for doing the obvious. But there can be one for thinking out of the box, for trying the unorthodox, too.
Antoine Semenyo delivers for Manchester City after Pep Guardiola’s tactical tweak
Can City continue this momentum and chase down Arsenal?
Saturday 16 May 2026 17:40 , James HickenIn a hotly contest final stretch in the Premier League, Man City will need to carry this momentum and collect maximum points in their remaining two games in the League.
They will take on Bournemouth and Aston Villa.
They need Arsenal to drop points in at least one of their last two games against Burnley and Crystal Palace.
Here's a look a Semenyo's winner
Saturday 16 May 2026 17:30 , Mike JonesSemenyo with a stunning finish to give Manchester City the lead at Wembley 🔥
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 16, 2026
📺 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/ZMVKJ9htGi
Manchester City win FA Cup final
Saturday 16 May 2026 17:15 , Mike Jones
Gerrard gives his assessment of Chelsea's future
Saturday 16 May 2026 17:15 , James Hicken“There’s definitely a lot of questions at board level that the fans want answers to. They need to attract an elite manager to coach these real talented players that they have got.
“They need to recruit in the defensive area for me, they need a centre-half to compliment Colwill.”
Miguel Delaney's assessment of FA Cup final after City edge past Chelsea
Saturday 16 May 2026 17:10 , Jack RathbornThe Independent’s Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney assesses that FA Cup final, City winners, after a moment of brilliance from Antoine Semenyo:
Not a classic FA Cup final, but a terrific goal to decide it. Antoine Semenyo has only been at City for four months but has won two trophies. It is a cup double for Pep Guardiola while Chelsea's defeat means they almost certainly won't be in Europe next season.
Game winner Semenyo reacts
Saturday 16 May 2026 17:06 , James Hicken“I don’t know how to feel at the moment to be honest, I’m quite numb at the moment.”
On the goal: “Yeah I just tried to improvise the best I could, and it went in the bottom corner, I can’t even complain.
“I’ve done it couple of times in training.”
Joe Cole reacts to Manchester City's win
Saturday 16 May 2026 17:02 , James Hicken“When you have that quality - Semenyo, Haaland, you can bring Cherki off the bench, I think they are the best team in Europe at the moment on current form.
“They just had a little bit too much in the end, you have to give them credit. The goal is a little bit of genius, on the biggest stage.”
Full Time: Chelsea 0 - 1 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 17:00 , James HickenHow did City win? The stats vs Chelsea
Possession: 56% vs 44%
Shots: 9 vs 6
Shots on target: 4 vs 1
Successful final third passes: 93 vs 59
Won tackle %: 85 vs 54
Goalkeeper saves: 0 vs 4
Time to celebrate for those in Sky Blue
Saturday 16 May 2026 16:59 , James Hicken
Full Time: Chelsea 0 - 1 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 16:57 , James HickenFT: Manchester City are your FA Cup champions!
Chelsea gave their all in the final stages of this game but it was not enough against the better team on the day.
Chelsea 0 - 1 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 16:47 , James Hicken84 mins: Three consecutive chances for City.
Caicedo makes a desperate stop of O’Reilly’s cross towards Haaland.
Nunes hits one which strikes Sanchez before hitting the post.
Cherki strikes from outside the box and Sanchez is forced to save again.
Chelsea are lucky to have not conceded there.
Chelsea 0 - 1 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 16:43 , James Hicken82 mins: Reece James will make way for Liam Delap as a last attempt by McFarlane to get one back.
Chelsea 0 - 1 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 16:41 , James Hicken80 mins: Chelsea are hammering away at Manchester City’s defence but can get nothing to go.
City are displaying impressive scramble defence.
Chelsea 0 - 1 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 16:39 , James Hicken73 mins: Close!!
Enzo Fernandez’s attempt lands on the roof of the net
Callum McFarlane makes an immediate response moving to a back four and bringing on Pedro Neto for Cucurella
This game is livening up
It's not been a vintage cup final
Saturday 16 May 2026 16:39 , Miguel Delaney at WembleyIt has not been a vintage cup final but that is a vintage cup final goal, as Antoine Semenyo back-heels in a potential winner.
“And in the same way that the ball was going in the wrong direction for the forward, this was also against the run of play.
“Chelsea had been on top but a City break eventually saw Haaland cut in from the right. The pass was not great but Semenyo still knew what to do with it.”
One of the great FA Cup goals?
Saturday 16 May 2026 16:36 , Richard Jolly at WembleyOne of the great FA Cup final goals?
“Certainly that seemed one of the most audacious. A brilliant flick by Antoine Semenyo.”
Goal! Chelsea 0 - 1 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 16:34 , James Hicken72 mins: What a special finish from Antoine Semenyo!
It won’t be his first final goal but Haaland grabs an assist to break the deadlock.
Haaland plays a low driven cross and Semenyo plays the most deft and instinctive backheel finish to give City the lead
Chelsea have livened up
Saturday 16 May 2026 16:30 , Miguel Delaney at WembleyAfter a very tepid first half, Chelsea have really livened up.
“City haven't got their press right since the first half-hour and Chelsea just keep puncturing holes in their backline.
“It did lead to some James Trafford panic and a chance from a corner, but the game still waiting for that big breakthrough.”
On comes Kovacic
Saturday 16 May 2026 16:26 , Richard Jolly at WembleyOn comes Mateo Kovacic, once sent off in an FA Cup final while playing for Chelsea.
“The Croatian has a very good record of winning the Champions League, but a less good one of triumphing in FA Cup finals.”
Chelsea 0 - 0 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 16:24 , James Hicken56 mins: Abdukodir Khusanov given a yellow card for a late challenge on Cucurella, giving Chelsea a free kick that can be whipped into the box.
There is a penalty shout for handball off O’Reilly, but the referee decides its just a corner
Why were Chelsea denied a penalty after Joao Pedro appeal in FA Cup final first half?
Saturday 16 May 2026 16:20 , Jack Rathborn“I'm not sure he can get out of the way of Joao Pedro, I don't think VAR will do anything with that, I think he stands firm, stands in his way, and I think that's really good defending,” Alan Shearer said on co-commentary duties on the BBC.
Why were Chelsea denied a penalty after Joao Pedro appeal in FA Cup final?
Chelsea 0 - 0 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 16:18 , James Hicken54 mins: Oh dear...
James Trafford received the ball and had a lapse in concentration and let the ball run out of play - gifting Chelsea a corner.
They could not capitalise on the free chance.
Chelsea 0 - 0 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 16:15 , James HickenEngland manager Thomas Tuchel is in attendance no doubt with a very keen on the English players out on the pitch ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
Chelsea 0 - 0 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 16:12 , James Hicken47 mins: Cherki almost made an instant impact, finding Nico O’Reilly with a lovely pass and O’Reilly hangs up a wonderful ball for Semenyo at the back post.
Semenyo ascends above Cucurella but can only put the header just over the bar.
Second Half underway: Chelsea 0 - 0 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 16:09 , James Hicken46 mins: Guardiola makes a singular change at half time, bringing off Marmoush who had looked a bit at sea in the first half. He makes way for the mercurial Rayan Cherki.
Chelsea remain the same.
HT: Chelsea 0 - 0 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 16:07 , James HickenSome action shots from the first half
The case for Cherki
Saturday 16 May 2026 15:59 , Richard Jolly at WembleyThe most incisive pass of the match by a City player has come from centre-back Marc Guehi when he released Erling Haaland a couple of minutes ago. That may underline the case to bring on Cherki.”
Half time: Chelsea 0 - 0 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 15:54 , James HickenHT: A slow first half characterised by a lack of clear cut chances, if you had to pick one, you would say that City were probably the team on top.
Changes might be on for City during the break.
Chelsea were hanging on in the first stanzas of that half, but showed a bit more impetus in the final 15 minutes to match City’s intensity and create a chance or two.
Chelsea 0 - 0 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 15:54 , James Hicken45 + 1 mins: A penalty shout as Joao Pedro is played through but Khusanov uses his exceptional physicality to push Pedro off the ball, who goes down.
It is almost immediately checked and cleared by VAR
Chelsea 0 - 0 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 15:46 , James Hicken40 mins: A period of about five minutes of sustained pressure from Chelsea including multiple trips into the City box has been rewarded with a corner.
Its brought to an end as they concede a free kick, but Chelsea are looking for a stronger finish to the half.
A poor game of football
Saturday 16 May 2026 15:43 , Miguel Delaney10 minutes from half-time and this has been a poor game of football. Very few chances, Chelsea digging in.
“It was maybe summed up by a moment when Cole Palmer seemed to be striding through well... only to lose the ball.
“At the other end, Erling Haaland had an opening on the left and was bearing down on goal, but then bizarrely opted to hammer the ball across the box.”
Chelsea 0 - 0 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 15:37 , James Hicken32 mins: A professional foul from Cucurella, chopping down Semenyo on the counter attack.
He is the second man to be booked.
Chelsea 0 - 0 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 15:35 , James Hicken29 mins: Enzo Fernandez is the first man to booked as he made an initially good tackle on Doku before following up with a more cynical challenge on Bernardo Silva, which earned him a yellow card from Darren England.
Chelsea 0 - 0 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 15:33 , James Hicken27 mins: Goal! or not
It looked as though Haaland had finally secured his first final goal for City as Nunes played in a wonderful cross to the Norwegian who slotted it in at the back post.
But Nunes was called back for offside from the previous pass he received from Semenyo
Thomas Tuchel is here
Saturday 16 May 2026 15:31 , Richard Jolly at WembleyChelsea are playing a 3-4-2-1 formation. They were the last time they beat City, too, and the manager responsible for that win is here today.
“Thomas Tuchel may have fond memories of the 2021 Champions League final.”
Chelsea 0 - 0 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 15:30 , James Hicken24 mins: Concerning scenes for Chelsea as Caicedo dropped to the ground holding his ankle.
He made it back to his feet but the physio will be keeping a keen eye on him for the next few minutes.
Chelsea 0 - 0 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 15:27 , James Hicken22 mins: Joao Pedro found by a counter attacking through ball but slips inside the 18 yard box as he takes his shot and Trafford collects it comfortably.
Signs of life and as Joe Cole predicted, the counter attack is looking like Chelsea’s way forward.
Chelsea 0 - 0 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 15:25 , James Hicken20 mins: Chelsea win a corner
Reece James finds a lovely weighted pass to the over lapping Gusto who puts in a searching ball, forcing a clearance from Nunes
City have had control
Saturday 16 May 2026 15:23 , Miguel Delaney at WembleyCity have had pretty much all the control so far, but the likely pattern of the game was illustrated with a Chelsea breakaway. It feels like we're going to see a lot of that.”
Chelsea 0 - 0 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 15:23 , James Hicken17 mins: There is a nice battle heating up between Semenyo and Cucurella here.
The left-back will need to keep it cool as he is given a slap on the wrist by referee Darren England for shouting at the linesman
Chelsea 0 - 0 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 15:18 , James Hicken14 mins: Semenyo takes on Cucurella and plays a wonderful ball across the face of goal, but no one in sky blue is there to meet it.
Missed opportunity.
Chelsea 0 - 0 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 15:15 , James Hicken9 mins: Jeremy Doku whips in a ball to the back post off a short corner and Nunes takes a headed attempt at goal that is deflected.
It is ends with a free kick to Chelsea courtesy of Erling Haaland.
City on top, but Chelsea holding.
Chelsea 0 - 0 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 15:13 , James Hicken6 mins: Antoine Semenyo cuts in on his left foot and takes a deflected shot which bounces up to Marmoush who tries a flick with the outside of his right boot just outside the six yard box
City take the first shot on target.
Chelsea 0 - 0 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 15:11 , James Hicken5 mins: A neat flick from Joao Pedro sends Marc Cucurella down the left wing in their first flash of attacking intent, but the Spaniard is muscled off the ball my Matheus Nunes
Chelsea boss Calum McFarlane eyes second ever victory as manager
Saturday 16 May 2026 15:11 , Richard Jolly at Wembley StadiumCalum McFarlane has only ever won one game as a manager. It was an FA Cup semi-final, notes Senior Football Correspondent Richard Jolly at Wembley Stadium.
Win today, don't beat Tottenham or Sunderland and he could leave management with his only two victories coming at Wembley and in an FA Cup semi-final and final respectively.
Chelsea 0 - 0 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 15:06 , James Hicken1 mins: Chelsea, as expected, fall back into a back five and Omar Marmoush is playing alongside Erling Haaland at the top for City.
Kick off: Chelsea 0 - 0 Manchester City
Saturday 16 May 2026 15:04 , James HickenCole Palmer gets us underway in this highly anticipated 2026 FA Cup final.
Kick off just moments away
Saturday 16 May 2026 14:59 , James HickenThe players are lined up and prepared to listen to the national anthem before they shake hands and commence battle for the oldest trophy in English football
Wembley atmosphere ignites FA Cup final
Saturday 16 May 2026 14:57 , Miguel Delaney at Wembley StadiumAbide with Me today done in quite moving fashion by the Bradford group, Bantam of the Opera, and it feels like it's finally got the atmosphere going here at Wembley, notes Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney at Wembley Stadium.
It caused people to flood to their seats - admittedly a fair few on the concourses were distracted by the Scottish title race!
City flex their strength in depth with FA Cup final selection
Saturday 16 May 2026 14:47 , Richard Jolly at Wembley StadiumPep Guardiola is no stranger to surprise selections and, while Omar Marmoush has scored in his last two games, few expected him to start today; particularly, perhaps, as he missed a penalty in last season's final, writes Senior Football Correspondent Richard Jolly at Wembley Stadium.
It is also a sign of Manchester City's strength in depth that Josko Gvardiol, Nico Gonzalez, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rico Lewis are not even on the bench.
Chelsea and Man City players warm up for FA Cup final
Saturday 16 May 2026 14:43 , Jack Rathborn
Joe Cole pinpoints three Chelsea players who must play well to win FA Cup
Saturday 16 May 2026 14:41 , Jack Rathborn“At the back end of last season, he was among the best in the country,” Joe Cole tells TNT Sports.
“He came back last week against Liverpool and it was like he’d never been away.
“Reece was fantastic, Enzo, Reece and Levi... they’re your three players. they have to play well.”
McFarlane wants trophy and Europe but recognises it does not solve their problems
Saturday 16 May 2026 14:27 , James Hicken“It’s a great occasion, its a massive privilege to lead such a big club out in a massive game - so looking forward to it,
“It would be positive to win this game, to guarantee Europe and to win silverware which this club is massively known for. It would be a little bit of a salvage but we know that we need to be better in the league.”
Manchester City starting XI
Saturday 16 May 2026 14:12 , James HickenCity fans will be elated as their Ballon D’or winner, Rodri will start.
Your FA Cup final line-up! 💪🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 16, 2026
XI | Trafford, Nunes, Khusanov, Guéhi, O’Reilly, Rodri, Bernardo (C), Semenyo, Marmoush, Doku, Haaland
SUBS | Donnarumma, Dias, Reijnders, Stones, Ake, Kovacic, Cherki, Savinho, Foden
🤝 @etihad pic.twitter.com/VmKbV57Pr0
Manchester City arrive
Saturday 16 May 2026 14:10 , James HickenLast year’s runners-up take to the pitch ahead of what promises to be a riveting FA Cup final
Chelsea starting XI
Saturday 16 May 2026 14:07 , James HickenHere is how Chelsea will line up against Manchester City.
Lining up for Chelsea! 💪#CFC | #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/1IllsmOwHc
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 16, 2026
Pep confirms he will be managing Manchester City next season
Saturday 16 May 2026 14:02 , James HickenGuardiola seemed fed up with the question, surrounding all the speculation of his departure, but it no longer seems that this will be his farewell to the FA Cup.
“Yeah,” Guardiola shrugged to the BBC reporter. “I’m here, I have a contract...oh my god, people have asked me that question for a long, long time.
“I know the answer and you should know the answer, you know I’m here.”
Pep Guardiola, the FA Cup final, Wembley... and a fitting send-off?
Saturday 16 May 2026 14:00 , Richard JollyPep Guardiola called it the “cathedral of football”. And if he can reach for the religious in other descriptions – famously saying of Barcelona that his mentor Johan Cruyff “built the cathedral” – Wembley also assumes a huge part in his history.
It was there, in 1992, that he became part of the first Barcelona team to win the European Cup and there, in 2011, that his Barcelona team produced what still ranks among the finest performances in a European Cup final; Manchester United were flattered by the scoreline in their 3-1 defeat.
Now Guardiola returns to the cathedral, perhaps for the last time. The FA Cup final will be his 24th visit with Manchester City alone. There are England managers who have been in the Wembley dugouts fewer times than Guardiola.
Pep Guardiola, the FA Cup final, Wembley... and a fitting send-off?
Rodri wants to secure his second FA cup for City fans
Saturday 16 May 2026 13:54 , James Hicken“We want to win it because of the fans, because of the club,” Rodri said. “It is the oldest competition, it’s so special for me and this country so it means a lot. We have a tough opponent today, which has had ups and downs in the season but right now I think they are very very dangerous.”
Chelsea players take to the pitch
Saturday 16 May 2026 13:45 , James Hicken
Moises Caicedo relishing the opportunity to win some silverware
Saturday 16 May 2026 13:42 , James Hicken"It's a massive day for us, we are so happy to be here,” Caicedo explained. “For sure it'll be a great battle out there. For sure we want to win that trophy. Everybody is happy in the dressing room and we're looking forward to it. It means a lot to be here."
First fans arriving in the stadium
Saturday 16 May 2026 13:34 , James Hicken
Pep's FA Cup record
Saturday 16 May 2026 13:27 , James HickenGuardiola has an impressive FA cup record with two title wins, 45 games won, one drawn and only seven lost.
He has the best win percentage of any top division manager, winning 85% of his 53 total games. The next closest contender, Thomas Tuchel, has only been in 12 FA Cup games with 80% of those games won.
The gulf in managerial experience
Saturday 16 May 2026 13:14 , James HickenCallum McFarlane has been in charge of a total of 5 games in his managerial career.
Guardiola has won more trophies than McFarlane has managed games - but if he can pull of what will be an upset against one of the greatest managers of all time, it will be the biggest day of his career.
Chelsea and City's Wembley success
Saturday 16 May 2026 13:07 , James HickenOnly Manchester City (16) have won more games at the new Wembley Stadium as a neutral venue than Chelsea (15) since it opened in 2007.
Chelsea will be hoping to level that score today.
Why the FA Cup final no one wanted says so much about the modern game
Saturday 16 May 2026 13:00 , Miguel DelaneyIn another era, Calum McFarlane’s appearance at Wembley would be viewed as a vintage piece of FA Cup lore. Here he is on English football’s national day, with the chance to be the first English manager to win the competition since Harry Redknapp in 2008, and in just his sixth game as a coach.
Donning the suit for the final was an image that so many managers long dreamed of. Brian Clough famously only got to do it two years from retirement, and never won the FA Cup. A novice like McFarlane now stands 90 minutes from glory, with the challenge of having to out-coach a great like Pep Guardiola only adding to the story.
Why the FA Cup final no one wanted says so much about the modern game
Chelsea vs Man City all-time head-to-head
Saturday 16 May 2026 12:54 , James HickenChelsea wins: 79
Man City wins: 69
Draws: 42
Cole and Gerrard on Chelsea counter attack: "That's the only way Chelsea can win"
Saturday 16 May 2026 12:50 , James HickenThe pair of Premier League legends identified that Chelsea will have to be patient and wait for their opportunities to go back at City and be clinical in the final third.
Gerrard said: “Those are going to be Chelsea’s moments to go and hurt city the other way because city attack with so many numbers.”
Cole agreed: “For me, that’s the only way Chelsea can win”
Man City hoping to confirm at least a domestic double
Saturday 16 May 2026 12:40 , James HickenPep and his men have already won the Carabao cup this season, beating their prem title rivals Arsenal 1-0.
They return to Wembley to try and collect their second domestic trophy this season and third FA cup in what could be Guardiola’s final season with the club.
A treble is still not out of the question, but two points behind with two games left in the Premier League, a focus on lifting every available trophy to end the season as successfully as possible, will be paramount for City.
Chelsea's domestic trophy drought
Saturday 16 May 2026 12:23 , James HickenThe Blues have not won a domestic trophy since their FA Cup Triumph in 2018, beating Manchester United 1-0.
Strangely, however, they have won three European trophies in that time - the Europa League in 2019, the Champions League in 2021 and the Conference League last year.
City seeming unbeatable to Chelsea
Saturday 16 May 2026 12:04 , James HickenSince the 2020-21 Champions League final, when Chelsea beat City 1-0 courtesy of a Kai Havertz goal, they have not beaten their FA Cup final opponents in any of their 13 games in all competitions.
Marc Guehi and an FA Cup campaign like no other: ‘My football life is just crazy’
Saturday 16 May 2026 12:00 , Richard JollyMarc Guehi stands on the brink of a rare double in the FA Cup. He has, however, already completed one. Few can testify more to the highs and lows the oldest competition of them all offers, the combination of ecstasy and ignominy.
In consecutive appearances in the competition, the England defender helped inflict one of the greatest shocks in an FA Cup final and then suffered one of the biggest in any round. Guehi’s return to Wembley on Saturday is complicated, and not merely because he faces his former club Chelsea.
Marc Guehi and an FA Cup campaign like no other: ‘My football life is just crazy’
Chelsea vs Man City latest odds
Saturday 16 May 2026 11:50 , Mike JonesAccording to betting sites Manchester City are the favourites to win the FA Cup this afternoon and complete the domestic double. But can Chelsea stop them?
Chelsea to win - 7/2
Draw - 29/10
Man City to win - 8/11
Latest odds from bet365.
Erling Haaland looking to break his finals goal curse.
Saturday 16 May 2026 11:47 , James HickenThe Norwegian has played in nine finals, including the Community Shield, for City and has yet to hit the back of the net in 15 attempts.
The last time Haaland netted in a final was for his former club Borussia Dortmund against RB Leipzig in May 2021 in the German DFB Pokal, when he grabbed two goals.
Can Chelsea end their run of defeats?
Saturday 16 May 2026 11:36 , Mike JonesThis is Chelsea’s 17th FA Cup final, the third most after Manchester United (22) and Arsenal (21).
They’ve won eight and lost eight of their final appearances so far, losing each of their last three in a row.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
