FA Cup Final 2026
Everything you need to know about the FA Cup Final 2026 at Wembley Stadium: date, kick-off time, competing teams, how to get tickets, head-to-head records and expert predictions.
Venue
Final Date
Wembley Capacity
Years of FA Cup History
About the FA Cup Final 2026
The FA Cup Final is English football's showpiece occasion — the oldest cup competition in the world culminating in the most iconic stadium in the country. Wembley Stadium, with its distinctive arch and 90,000-seat capacity, provides the backdrop for what is annually one of the most-watched club football matches on the planet.
The 2026 final will be particularly significant given that it falls just weeks before FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off in North America, meaning players will be showcasing their form on the biggest domestic stage before heading to the global tournament. For English players in particular, the final offers a final chance to stake a claim for Gareth Southgate's successor's squad.
The FA Cup has a tradition of producing upsets that no other competition can match. Giant-killings in the early rounds, semi-final shocks and tension-filled finals have made it a cultural institution that extends far beyond football's core fanbase.
Road to the 2026 Final
Third Round — January 2026
Premier League and Championship clubs enter. The first major upsets of the season as giant-killings begin.
Fourth Round — Late January
The field narrows to 32 clubs. Big draws capture the nation's attention and fill back pages.
Fifth Round — February
Sixteen teams remain. The quarter-finals begin to come into view and managers start picking full-strength sides.
Quarter-Finals — March
The last eight fight for a Wembley semi-final place. Often the most tension-filled ties of the competition.
Semi-Finals — Wembley, April
Both semi-finals are played at Wembley. For many players this is their first taste of the national stadium's atmosphere.
Final — Wembley, May 2026
The showpiece occasion. 90,000 fans inside Wembley, millions watching worldwide, and the FA Cup trophy at stake.
Wembley Stadium — The Home of the FA Cup Final
Stadium Facts
- Capacity: 90,000 (UK's largest stadium)
- Opened: 2007 (new Wembley)
- Roof span: 315m arch — the world's longest unsupported roof structure
- Location: Wembley, London HA9
- Transport: Wembley Park (Metropolitan/Jubilee) and Wembley Central (Overground)
FA Cup Final History at Wembley
- First final at new Wembley: 2007 (Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United)
- Most FA Cup wins at Wembley: Arsenal (14 titles overall)
- Highest attendance: 100,000 (old Wembley era)
- Extra time and penalties have decided several recent finals
The rebuilt Wembley has staged every FA Cup Final since 2007. Its distinctive arch, visible from miles around, is one of football's most recognisable landmarks. For supporters, a trip to Wembley for the FA Cup Final remains a bucket-list experience — the noise, the colour and the history of the occasion make it unlike any other match in the English football calendar.
FA Cup Final 2026 Tickets
Tickets for the FA Cup Final are allocated primarily through the two competing clubs, with the FA retaining a smaller allocation for general sale and hospitality packages. Demand far exceeds supply every year, making the final one of English football's hardest tickets to obtain.
Club Allocations
Each finalist typically receives around 25,000-30,000 tickets, distributed via their own supporter allocation systems. Season ticket holders and long-standing members get priority access. Check your club's official website for the application process once the finalists are confirmed.
FA General Sale
The Football Association retains a general sale allocation for supporters of both clubs and neutral fans. These go on sale shortly after the semi-finals and sell out within minutes. Register with Wembley's official ticket portal early to receive notifications when tickets become available.
Hospitality Packages
Premium hospitality packages including dining and padded seats in corporate areas are available via Wembley's official hospitality partners. Prices range from several hundred to several thousand pounds per person depending on the package level.
Resale Warning
Buying FA Cup Final tickets from unofficial resellers carries significant risks. The FA and Wembley have zero tolerance for touting. Only purchase from official channels — the finalists' club websites and the official Wembley/Ticketmaster platform.
FA Cup Final Records
Most Titles
- Arsenal — 14 wins
- Manchester United — 13 wins
- Chelsea — 9 wins
- Tottenham Hotspur — 8 wins
- Liverpool — 8 wins
Notable Records
- Oldest competition: Founded 1871
- Highest-scoring final: Blackpool 4-3 Bolton, 1953
- Quickest final goal: Roberto Di Matteo, 43 seconds (1997)
- Most final appearances: Arsenal (21)
2026 Final Predictions
The finalists will not be confirmed until the semi-finals are concluded in April 2026. However, the pre-tournament favourites based on Premier League position and squad quality typically include the traditional elite clubs. Recent years have seen a broader range of finalists, with 2023's final producing a surprise finalist.
The 2025-26 Premier League season has been marked by Liverpool's dominant title-winning campaign under Arne Slot, meaning they arrive as one of the competition's most dangerous teams. However, the FA Cup's history of upsets means any prediction should be taken with caution.
Predictions and finalist details will be updated as the competition progresses through the quarter-finals and semi-finals.
FA Cup Final 2026 FAQ
When is the FA Cup Final 2026?
The FA Cup Final 2026 is scheduled for May 2026 at Wembley Stadium. The exact date will be confirmed by the Football Association once the draw and fixture list are finalised.
Where is the FA Cup Final played?
Wembley Stadium in London has been the permanent home of the FA Cup Final since 2007. Prior to that, the final was held at the original Wembley from 1923 to 2000, with Cardiff's Millennium Stadium hosting from 2001-2006 during the rebuilding period.
What happens if the FA Cup Final is a draw?
If the FA Cup Final is level after 90 minutes, the match goes to 30 minutes of extra time. If still level, the trophy is decided by a penalty shootout — there are no replays in the final.
How do I watch the FA Cup Final on TV?
In the UK, the FA Cup Final is broadcast on BBC One and ITV, meaning it is available on free-to-air television. Coverage begins several hours before kick-off with pre-match analysis and Wembley buildup programmes.
Who has scored the most FA Cup Final goals?
Several players share records for FA Cup Final goals. Ian Rush scored five FA Cup Final goals for Liverpool. In terms of individual finals, Didier Drogba scored in four different FA Cup Finals for Chelsea — a remarkable record at a single club.