FA Cup Final Date 2025 – Re ult and 2026 Schedule

The 2025 FA Cup Final was the highlight of the English football calendar, ending a season of dramatic knockout football at Wembley Stadium. For supporters and casual followers alike, knowing the exact date, time, and result of the showpiece event is essential. This article provides a clear, fact-based summary of the Emirates FA Cup Final 2025, including verified details on the date, kick-off time, winning team, and ticketing procedures.

The final took place on Saturday, 17 May 2025, with Crystal Palace defeating Manchester City 1–0. The victory marked a historic moment for Palace, who secured their first FA Cup trophy since 2016. The match was played at Wembley Stadium connected by EE in London, with a kick-off time of 4:30 pm BST, as confirmed by the FA’s official running order.

Beyond the final itself, many fans are already looking ahead to the 2026 final and the broader FA Cup schedule. This guide also covers the confirmed date for the 2026 final and answers common questions about tickets and round dates.

When Was the FA Cup Final 2025 Held?

• The 2025 FA Cup Final was played on Saturday, 17 May 2025, following the traditional late-May slot for the competition.
• Kick-off was at 4:30 pm BST, a standard time for the men’s final in recent years.
• The match was the 144th edition of the FA Cup, the world’s oldest domestic football competition.
• Crystal Palace ended a nine-year wait for a major trophy, while Manchester City saw their three-year run of FA Cup titles halted.
• The final was broadcast live on BBC Sport and ITV Sport in the United Kingdom, as well as on international platforms.
• Attendance at Wembley was a full house, with club allocations and online sales determining the distribution of the 90,000 seats.
• A pre-match ceremony and community shield presentation took place approximately two hours before kick-off.

Who Won the FA Cup in 2025?

Crystal Palace won the 2025 FA Cup Final, defeating Manchester City 1–0. The victory was confirmed by the Wikipedia match report, which details the goal and match statistics. The win ended City’s dominance in the competition after their 2023 and 2024 titles, and gave Palace their first FA Cup since 2016.

Who played in the 2025 FA Cup Final?

The two teams were Crystal Palace and Manchester City. Palace reached the final by defeating Liverpool 2–1 in the semi-final at Wembley on 26 April 2025. City beat Arsenal 3–0 in the other semi-final on 27 April 2025. Both semi-finals were played at Wembley Stadium.

What was the final score of the 2025 FA Cup Final?

The final score was Crystal Palace 1–0 Manchester City. The goal was scored in the second half by Eberechi Eze, as confirmed by the FA’s official match report and Wikipedia. City had several chances but were unable to equalise, with Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson making several key saves.

What is the FA Cup Final Date for 2026?

For fans planning ahead, the 2026 FA Cup Final is scheduled for Saturday, 16 May 2026. This was confirmed by Manchester City’s official website, which noted that their record-breaking fourth successive FA Cup final appearance would be on that date. The opponent will be Chelsea, after City’s semi-final victory over Arsenal and Chelsea’s win over Liverpool. The venue remains Wembley Stadium.

When is the FA Cup Final 2026 scheduled?

The date – 16 May 2026 – is one day earlier than the 2025 final (17 May 2025), continuing a pattern of Saturday finals in mid-May. The kick-off time has not yet been confirmed, but it is expected to be 4:30 pm BST as per recent tradition. The FA has not announced any changes to the schedule for 2026 as of the time of writing.

When are the 2025–26 FA Cup semi-final and quarter-final dates?

According to The FA’s official round dates, the 2025–26 quarter-finals are scheduled for the weekend of 21–22 March 2026, and the semi-finals for the weekend of 25–26 April 2026. Both semi-finals will be played at Wembley. Exact times will be announced closer to the dates.

2024–26 FA Cup Timeline

The following timeline shows key dates for the two most recent FA Cup seasons and the upcoming 2026 final. All dates are based on official FA announcements.

1. 4 May 2024 – 2024 FA Cup Final: Manchester City 1–0 Manchester United (Wembley).
2. 17 May 2025 – 2025 FA Cup Final: Crystal Palace 1–0 Manchester City (Wembley).
3. 25–26 April 2026 – 2026 FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley.
4. 16 May 2026 – 2026 FA Cup Final: Manchester City vs Chelsea (Wembley).

How Certain Are the 2025 and 2026 Final Dates?

Understanding the difference between confirmed historical dates and scheduled future dates is important for planning.

What Was the Context of the 2025 FA Cup Final?

The 2025 final was the 144th edition of the FA Cup. Crystal Palace reached their first final since 2016, while Manchester City were aiming for a fourth consecutive title. The match was a tight affair, with Palace scoring the only goal and holding on under pressure. The result solidified Palace’s reputation as a resilient cup side under manager Oliver Glasner, while City’s defeat ended a historic run. The 2026 final is set to be another chapter in City’s rivalry with Chelsea.

Primary Sources and Key Quotes

The FA’s official website, Wikipedia, Manchester City’s official site, and Chelsea FC’s official site provided the core information for this article.

“The 2025 FA Cup final was a football match played at Wembley Stadium in London, England, on 17 May 2025.” — Wikipedia

“The final: Saturday 16 May 2026.” — The FA

“That record-breaking fourth successive FA Cup final appearance will take place on Saturday 16 May 2026.” — Manchester City

What Happens Next in the FA Cup?

After the 2025 final, attention turns to the 2025–26 FA Cup season. The first round proper is expected in early November 2025, with the third round (when Premier League teams enter) scheduled for early January 2026. The 2026 final is already set: Manchester City will face Chelsea at Wembley on 16 May 2026. For fans wanting to attend, the best approach is to monitor the FA’s official website for ticket announcements, which typically open several months before the final. A detailed guide on the Complete guide to FA Cup 2026 final date is available for those planning ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions