Chelsea FC and Manchester City FC faced each other at Wembley Stadium in the 2025–26 FA Cup final, with both clubs entering the match under very different circumstances. Chelsea arrived after a turbulent campaign that included managerial changes and inconsistent league form, while Manchester City continued chasing another major domestic trophy under Pep Guardiola.
The final put significant pressure on Chelsea, who viewed the match as a chance to rescue their season and secure European football.
Chelsea vs Manchester City Match Context
The buildup to Chelsea vs Manchester City focused heavily on City’s dominance in recent meetings between the clubs. Manchester City entered the final unbeaten in their last 13 matches against Chelsea across all competitions, recording 10 wins and three draws during that run.
Chelsea had not defeated City since the 2021 UEFA Champions League final, a result still remembered strongly by supporters. Recent meetings during the 2025–26 season also favored City. In April, City secured a convincing 3–0 win at Stamford Bridge through goals from Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guéhi, and Jérémy Doku. Earlier in January, the teams played out a 1–1 draw at the Etihad Stadium.
Key Players and Final Stakes
Manchester City entered the final aiming to complete a domestic cup double after already winning the EFL Cup earlier in the season. Jérémy Doku, Erling Haaland, and Phil Foden remained central to City’s attack.
Chelsea, led by caretaker coach Calum McFarlane, looked toward players such as Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández to inspire an upset.
With silverware and European qualification on the line, this Chelsea vs Manchester City final carried massive significance for both clubs at Wembley Stadium.
Chelsea vs Manchester City Match Results Today: FA Cup Final Live Score, Updates, Stats