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FA Cup Semi-Finals Wembley 2025-26

FA Cup Semi-Finals
at Wembley 2025-26

The iconic Wembley arch hosts the FA Cup semi-finals — the last step before the most famous cup final in world football. Arsenal face Nottingham Forest while Chelsea meet Manchester City. 90,000 fans, one neutral venue, the FA Cup Final awaits the winners.

The Wembley Semi-Finals

Semi-Final 1 — Wembley
ARS

Arsenal

Emirates / Wembley

vs
NFO

Nottingham Forest

City Ground / Wembley

Arsenal's Wembley hoodoo vs Nottingham Forest's famous giant-killing tradition. Arteta's side are favourites but Forest under Nuno have been tactically excellent this season. Can Saka and Martinelli break through Forest's deep defensive block? Or will the Midlands club shock the Gunners?

Saka Martinelli Elanga
Semi-Final 2 — Wembley
CHE

Chelsea

Stamford Bridge / Wembley

vs
MCI

Man City

Etihad / Wembley

Chelsea's young, expensively assembled squad against Pep Guardiola's battle-tested City machine. Cole Palmer returns to face his former club — a story that writes itself. Haaland is the constant threat for City while Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez look to drag Chelsea to the final.

Cole Palmer Haaland Nicolas Jackson
90,000
Wembley Capacity
1923
FA Cup at Wembley Since
2
Semi-Finals Played
1
FA Cup Final Place

FA Cup Semi-Final Highlights

FA Cup Semi-Final News

FA Cup Analysis

Wembley: The Home of Football

Why Wembley for Semi-Finals?

The FA Cup semi-finals have been played at Wembley since 2008. The decision was controversial — purists argued neutral venues should be used — but the bigger attendances and commercial revenue won the argument. Wembley's 90,000 capacity creates a unique atmosphere.

The Cole Palmer Subplot

Cole Palmer left Manchester City for Chelsea in 2023 for £40m — a fee now regarded as one of the great transfer bargains. Facing his former club in the FA Cup semi-final gives the tie an extra narrative edge. Guardiola knows Palmer's game better than anyone.

Arsenal's Wembley Record

The Gunners have a mixed Wembley record in cup semi-finals and finals. Under Arteta, reaching cup finals has proven elusive. A semi-final against Nottingham Forest — a side with rich FA Cup history of their own — is no gimme even for title-chasing Arsenal.

The FA Cup's Magic

The FA Cup has been running since 1871, making it the world's oldest national football competition. Any club from the Premier League down to the ninth tier can enter. The romance of the cup is alive every single season.