Chelsea will play Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final on April 25, 2026, at Wembley Stadium. This matchup marks a significant moment for Leeds, who have reached the semi-finals for the first time since 1987.
In the other semi-final, Manchester City will face Southampton, making for an exciting weekend of football on April 25-26, 2026. Chelsea, an eight-time FA Cup winner, is coming off a commanding 7-0 victory against Port Vale to secure their place in the semi-finals.
Leeds United advanced after a tense penalty shootout against West Ham United, winning 4-2 on penalties following a draw in regular time. This victory is particularly notable as it ends a 39-year wait for the club to reach this stage of the prestigious tournament.
The last encounter between Chelsea and Leeds in the FA Cup was in 2024, where Chelsea emerged victorious with a narrow 3-2 win. This upcoming match will also evoke memories of the epic 1970 FA Cup final, which Chelsea won after a replay at Old Trafford.
The FA Cup final is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, and the winners of the semi-finals will qualify automatically for the UEFA Europa League, adding further stakes to the matches.
As anticipation builds for the semi-finals, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how both matches unfold, particularly the clash between Chelsea and Leeds, which promises to be a thrilling contest.