Chelsea vs Manchester City FA Cup final 2026: preview, team news, history and key stats

Wembley Stadium is set to host one of English football’s biggest days as Chelsea and Manchester City clash in the 2026 FA Cup final. Two of the Premier League’s strongest sides meet in a highly anticipated showdown that mixes London flair with Manchester power. With both clubs chasing silverware and a place in next season’s Europa League, the stakes could not be higher.

Road to the final

Chelsea marched to the final with impressive performances on the road and at home. They beat Charlton Athletic 5-1, Hull City 4-0, Wrexham 4-2, Port Vale 7-0, and edged Leeds United 1-0 in the semi-final thanks to an Enzo Fernandez header.

Manchester City’s journey was equally dominant. They thrashed Exeter City 10-1, beat Salford City 2-0, overcame Newcastle United 3-1 away, crushed Liverpool 4-0, and narrowly defeated Southampton 2-1 in the semi-final. Both teams have been the top scorers in this season’s competition, underlining their attacking threat.

Chelsea team news and fitness update

Manager Calum McFarlane delivered positive news in his pre-match press conference on Thursday. Several key players are pushing to start at Wembley.

“Reece has trained well this week, we’re happy with him. It was good to get him minutes [against Liverpool] and I felt he played well when he came on. So, it’s largely positive around Reece,” McFarlane said.

He added: “It’s been a really good training week for Levi and he was exceptional against Liverpool. That speaks a lot about him, being able to produce that sort of performance after that time out, and at a really difficult place. He has trained well this week, and we're looking forward to potentially having him on Saturday as well.

“Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho have trained well this week, so both looking really good. We’re really hopeful with them as well. So, positive signs. [Robert's chances are] really positive. He has trained well this week and we’re hopeful going into Saturday.”

Levi Colwill, Reece James, Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho, and Robert Sanchez are all in contention after strong recovery sessions.

Manchester City team news and fitness update

Pep Guardiola’s side arrives at Wembley with just one major fitness concern, midfield anchor Rodri. The Spain international has missed the last five matches with a groin issue but travelled with the squad. Guardiola confirmed a final decision will be made after arrival in London.

“All our fine” regarding the rest of the squad, Pep stated, with no new injury worries. He added that the tight schedule has left little preparation time: “It's not the perfect scenario to prepare for the final because we didn't train absolutely anything since Crystal Palace.”

Key attackers Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki were rested midweek against Crystal Palace and are expected to return fresh. Goalkeeper James Trafford is set to start in cup ties, while centre-backs Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov (who returned from a knock recently) should anchor the defence. Josko Gvardiol remains out long-term with a leg injury.

Rich history and head-to-head details

This is the first-ever FA Cup final meeting between Chelsea and Manchester City, though the clubs have faced each other nine times in the competition before. Both teams know the Wembley stage well, having met there six times previously.

London sides have won six of the previous 11 FA Cup finals against Manchester teams. Chelsea last lifted the FA Cup in 2018 and are hunting a ninth title overall. City are aiming for an eighth crown but have lost the last two finals.