The 2025/26 FA Cup reaches its climax this weekend as two titans of English football prepare to battle for the oldest trophy in the world. This year's final will take place at the iconic Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 16, with kick-off at 3pm.
Finalists and Road to Wembley
Premier League heavyweights Chelsea and Manchester City are the two sides set to compete for the prestigious silverware. Chelsea secured their spot in the final after a 1-0 victory over Leeds United, while City reached this stage by overcoming a resilient Southampton side 2-1.
Prize Money Breakdown
The club that lifts the trophy will receive a direct payment of £2,120,000 for winning the final. This remains the most significant single-game payout in the entirety of the competition. The losing side will receive a consolation prize of £1,060,000 for their participation, reflecting the standard 50 per cent distribution rate between winner and runner-up.
Including the rewards from previous rounds, the winning club will walk away with a cumulative total of £3,912,500 in prize money. This total represents the financial journey from the third round through to the winner's podium.
European Qualification and Community Shield
Winning the FA Cup grants the champion an automatic spot in the UEFA Europa League league phase for the 2026/27 season. City have already qualified for the Champions League, so if they win, the place will be passed down the league table. Chelsea are currently ninth, meaning they may rely on a win to secure European football next season. Additionally, the victors earn the right to compete in the 2026 FA Community Shield at the start of next season, a traditional curtain-raiser between the FA Cup winners and the Premier League champions.
Broadcasting Details
The final will be broadcast live across the UK on both BBC One and TNT Sports 1. Fans can also stream the action via BBC iPlayer or HBO Max for comprehensive coverage.
