Wembley Showdowns Revealed: Chelsea and Man City Discover Their FA Cup Semifinal Rivals

Chelsea will square off against bitter rivals Leeds United while Manchester City clash with second-division Southampton in the FA Cup semifinals at Wembley Stadium later this month.

A thrilling set of quarterfinal ties set the stage for this compelling final four. Chelsea comfortably swept aside League One strugglers Port Vale at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, yet few anticipated Arsenal's shock defeat at Southampton.

The Premier League table-toppers were justifiably beaten by the Championship side on the south coast, adding to a heavy Carabao Cup final loss before the international break. Manchester City were responsible for that Wembley victory and are eager to build on their success at England's national ground after producing a ruthless dismantling of Liverpool in the quarterfinals.

Pep Guardiola's squad netted four times in under 20 minutes spanning either side of the interval at the Etihad Stadium, leaving Liverpool to reflect on their resolve and determination.

West Ham and Leeds both demonstrated tremendous character in what was arguably the most extraordinary quarterfinal of the round. The West Yorkshire club were 2–0 ahead at the London Stadium heading into injury time, only to concede twice in four minutes as the hosts dramatically forced extra time. West Ham had a potential winning goal ruled out for offside before goalkeeper Alphonse Areola was forced off with an injury on the verge of the penalty shootout.

The Frenchman's 20-year-old backup Finlay Herrick entered the field to make his debut and stopped the opening spot kick from Leeds' Joel Piroe. Nevertheless, there were several more twists in store as the visitors fought back to claim the shootout 4–2.

If the semifinals prove even half as gripping as the previous round, it promises to be a spectacular conclusion to England's most historic cup competition.

2025–26 FA Cup Semifinal Draw in Full

Ball Numbers for FA Cup Semifinal Draw

1. Southampton
2. Chelsea
3. Manchester City
4. Leeds United

2025–26 FA Cup Round Dates

Manchester City assistant manager Pep Lijnders described the upcoming weeks as "the part of the season where the business has to be done." City's FA Cup ambitions will be balanced against their Premier League title challenge with Arsenal, which comes into sharp relief right around the time of the semifinals.

One week before City travel to Wembley, they welcome Arsenal to the Etihad for a pivotal league encounter on April 19. The Citizens were scheduled to face relegation-threatened Burnley on Sunday, April 26, but that match will need to be rearranged to accommodate their cup run.

Chelsea are not in contention for the Premier League title but desperately need every point available in the battle for Champions League qualification. The Blues host Manchester United on the weekend prior to their semifinal.