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FA Cup
team-logoChelsea
Wembley
team-logoManchester City

How to buy FA Cup 2026 tickets: Manchester City vs Chelsea Final, predictions, ticket prices & more

The 2025-26 FA Cup has lived up to its reputation as the world’s most unpredictable knockout competition, and now all eyes turn to Wembley Stadium for the ultimate showdown. 

After a season of giant-killings and high-octane drama, the stage is set for a heavyweight final between Chelsea and Manchester City.

Let GOAL guide you through all the vital ticket information, including how to buy them, how much they cost, the upcoming schedule, and more.

Upcoming FA Cup 2026 Fixtures

DateFixtureLocationTickets
Saturday, May 16 2026Final: Manchester City vs ChelseaWembley StadiumTickets

What is the FA Cup schedule?

The qualifying rounds for this season’s FA Cup kicked off way back in early August. The complete competition therefore lasts over nine months, with the final taking place at Wembley Stadium in mid-May. These are the remaining round dates:

  • March 6-9: Round 5
  • April 4-5: Quarter-finals
  • April 25-26: Semi-finals
  • May 16: Final

How to buy FA Cup match tickets

Purchasing tickets directly from official club sites is generally considered the safest way to acquire FA Cup tickets. 

Early booking is essential, with season ticket holders and registered members generally having the best chance of securing seats. FA Cup tickets are not automatically included in the price of a team’s season ticket, but holders (and club members) will normally be given priority access periods to purchase their seats.

The FA Cup also offers fans a rare opportunity to see their sides in action. It’s growing increasingly difficult for supporters to get their hands on Premier League match tickets, so these Cup ties come as a possible alternative route for some.

Tickets for this year’s FA Cup semi-finals and final will also be sold via the relevant competing clubs, once they are known. Both sides are allocated approximately 30,000 tickets for these Wembley games. There will always be high demand for Wembley tickets, and this year won’t be any different.

In addition to buying FA Cup tickets via official routes, fans do have the option to obtain them on the secondary market. StubHub is one of the leading retailers for those seeking to buy tickets through alternative channels.

How much are FA Cup match tickets?

Unsurprisingly, demand for FA Cup tickets grows as the competition continues, as we reach the final stages and get closer to the May final.

While the official 2026 semi-final and final details are yet to be confirmed, last year’s Wembley prices act as a good guide and were as follows:

Section Semi-finalsFinal
Level 2 Premium seats£120£255
Category 1£90£175
Category 2£70£125
Category 3£45£75
Category 4£30£50

There were concessionary rates for supporters aged 65 and over, for children aged 16 and under, and Young Adults (17-21).

Remember to keep tabs on the clubs’ official ticket portals for additional information about availability. FA Cup match tickets on secondary resale sites such as Live Football Tickets are currently available from £24 upwards.

What FA Cup 2026 hospitality packages are available?

Regarding the FA Cup semi-finals and final, Experiences by Wembley Stadium offers fans the ultimate matchday experience. You're not just a VIP for those games either, as you will also secure seats for the Carabao Cup Final.

There are also a range of exclusive member benefits, including priority access to tickets for major events such as Concerts, the NFL, and Boxing. There are six varying memberships as follows, ranging from £2,730 to £13,458:

  • Inner Circle
  • Centre Circle
  • Number Nine
  • Bobby Moore
  • One Twenty
  • Private Box

Frequently asked questions

Purchasing tickets directly from official club sites is generally considered the safest method for acquiring FA Cup tickets. Early booking is essential, with season ticket holders and registered members generally having the best chance of securing seats. FA Cup tickets are not automatically included in the price of a team’s season ticket, but holders (and club members) will normally be given priority access periods to purchase their seats.

The FA Cup also offers some fans a rare opportunity to see their sides in action. It’s growing increasingly difficult for supporters to get their hands on Premier League match tickets, so these Cup ties come as a possible alternative route for some.

Tickets for this year’s FA Cup semi-finals and final will also be sold via the relevant competing clubs, once they are known. Both sides are allocated approximately 30,000 tickets for these Wembley games. There will always be high demand for Wembley tickets and this year won’t be any different.

Here’s a rundown of the last ten FA Cup finals:

Year                                               WinnerRunner-UpScore
2025Crystal Palace      Manchester City1-0
2024     Manchester UnitedManchester City2-1
2023Manchester CityManchester United 2-1
2022     LiverpoolChelsea6-5 (pens)
2021     Leicester CityChelsea1-0
2020     ArsenalChelsea2-1
2019     Manchester CityWatford6-0
2018     ChelseaManchester United1-0
2017ArsenalChelsea2-1
2016     Manchester UnitedCrystal Palace2-1 (aet)

45 different clubs have reigned supreme since the inaugural addition of the FA Cup in 1872, but these are the most successful sides in the competition’s history

Trophies / Club(s)

14: Arsenal

13: Manchester United

8: Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur

7: Manchester City, Aston Villa

6: Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers

The FA Cup Final 2026 will kick-off at 3pm BST on Saturday, May 16, at Wembley Stadium.

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