FA Cup Semi-Final Draw: All Details as Chelsea and Manchester City Await Fate
The FA Cup semi-final draw is scheduled to take place this Sunday, April 5, 2026, marking a pivotal moment in the historic competition. Football fans across the UK and beyond are eagerly anticipating the announcement of the matchups that will determine who advances to the final at Wembley Stadium.
How to Watch the FA Cup Semi-Final Draw Live
For those looking to catch the draw as it happens, there are multiple viewing options available. The event will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, with streaming accessible via the discovery+ app and website. Additionally, in a move to ensure wider accessibility, the draw will be aired for free on the TNT Sports YouTube channel. Becky Ives will present the proceedings, while Ally McCoist will be on hand to select the balls, adding a touch of footballing expertise to the occasion.
Confirmed Ball Numbers for the Remaining Teams
The Football Association has officially confirmed the ball numbers for the four teams still in contention for the FA Cup trophy. Southampton has been assigned ball number 1, Chelsea will be ball number 2, and Manchester City takes ball number 3. The final spot, ball number 4, is reserved for the winner of the upcoming quarter-final match between West Ham United and Leeds United, which kicks off at 4:30pm on Sunday.
Quarter-Final Recap: How the Teams Reached the Semi-Finals
Manchester City became the first team to secure their place in the semi-finals with a dominant 4-0 victory over Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium. Erling Haaland was the standout performer, scoring a hat-trick that not only ended Liverpool's cup aspirations but also bolstered City's ambitions for multiple trophies this season.
Chelsea booked their semi-final berth in emphatic fashion, delivering a 7-0 thrashing to Port Vale on Saturday. The Premier League giants showed no mercy against the League One side, effectively halting Port Vale's impressive giant-killing run with a relentless display of attacking football.
Southampton provided the biggest shock of the quarter-final round by defeating Premier League leaders Arsenal with a 2-1 victory at home. Despite being the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition at the time, the Saints managed to hold off Mikel Arteta's side, dashing Arsenal's hopes of a potential treble and showcasing the unpredictable nature of the FA Cup.
West Ham or Leeds will claim the final semi-final spot, with their crucial quarter-final clash set for Sunday afternoon at the London Stadium. Both teams have temporarily set aside their Premier League survival battles to focus on securing a rare FA Cup semi-final appearance, adding an extra layer of intensity to this must-watch fixture.
Semi-Final Schedule and What's Next
The FA Cup semi-finals are scheduled to be played at Wembley Stadium over the weekend of April 25 and 26, 2026. These highly anticipated matches will determine which two clubs advance to the final on May 16, 2026, continuing the rich tradition of one of football's most prestigious tournaments. Fans can expect thrilling encounters as the teams vie for a place in the showpiece event.
