FA Cup Semi-Final Draw: Chelsea Face Leeds as Manchester City Pair with Southampton

The road to the FA Cup final is now set. Following the conclusion of the quarter-finals, the draw conducted at the London Stadium has paired Manchester City against Southampton and Chelsea against Leeds United. With a mix of historical rivalries and a spirited underdog story, the semi-finals promise high drama at Wembley.

The Matchups: A Clash of Ambitions

Manchester City vs. Southampton

Seven-time winners Manchester City enter the semi-finals as heavy favorites after a dominant 4-0 victory over Liverpool in their quarter-final tie. Pep Guardiola’s side is chasing a place in the final for the fourth consecutive season, having won the trophy in 2023 before falling to Manchester United in 2024 and Crystal Palace in 2025.

Standing in their way is Southampton, the only non-top-flight side remaining in the competition. The Championship promotion hopefuls secured their spot with a shock 2-1 win over Arsenal, featuring goals from Ross Stewart and Shea Charles. To reach the last four, the Saints have already navigated past Doncaster Rovers, Leicester City, and Fulham.

Chelsea vs. Leeds United

Chelsea advanced to the semi-finals in emphatic fashion, routing League One side Port Vale 7-0. The Blues, who last lifted the trophy in 2018, now face a Leeds United side that survived a rollercoaster quarter-final against West Ham. After surrendering a 2-0 lead in second-half stoppage time, Leeds fought through 30 scoreless minutes of extra time before winning 4-2 on penalties.

This matchup marks Leeds United’s first appearance in the FA Cup semi-finals since 1987. It also rekindles a historic rivalry; the two clubs famously met in the 1970 final, a tie that required a replay which Chelsea eventually won.

Key Dates and Venue

All semi-final ties will be hosted at Wembley Stadium. The fixtures are scheduled for the weekend of April 25-26. The winners of these ties will progress to the final, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 16.

Key Takeaways from the Draw

• The Underdog: Southampton is the lowest-ranked team left in the tournament, aiming for their first final since 2003.
• City’s Streak: Manchester City is attempting to return to the final for the fourth year in a row.
• Leeds’ Return: Leeds United has broken a 39-year drought to reach the semi-final stage.
• Historical Echoes: The Chelsea vs. Leeds tie mirrors the 1970 final.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are the FA Cup semi-finals played?

The semi-final matches will grab place on the weekend of April 25-26 at Wembley Stadium.

Who is the lowest-ranked team remaining in the FA Cup?

Southampton is currently the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition after defeating Arsenal in the quarter-finals.

When is the FA Cup final?

The final is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 16.