Chelsea vs Manchester City Set for Women’s FA Cup Semi-Final at Stamford Bridge

The 2026 Adobe Women’s FA Cup semi-finals will see defending champions Chelsea Football Club Women host Manchester City Women at Stamford Bridge on Sunday 10 May 2026 at 15:30 BST, while Liverpool Women welcome Brighton & Hove Albion Women in the other tie earlier that day. The Football Association confirmed the schedule, with both matches broadcast live on TNT Sports and HBO Max, and Liverpool’s fixture also shown on Channel 4. Chelsea reached the last four after a 2–1 win over Tottenham Hotspur, while Manchester City advanced following a 1–0 victory over Birmingham City, setting up one of the standout fixtures of the domestic women’s season.

Semi-Finals Confirmed as FA Cup Reaches Final Stage

The Football Association confirmed the semi-final lineup after the completion of the quarter-finals in April 2026, setting Sunday 10 May as the decisive day for the final four. Liverpool face Brighton at 12:15 BST at St Helens Stadium before attention shifts to London, where Chelsea host Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

According to the FA competition schedule, both matches will determine who progresses to the 2026 FA Cup final at Wembley later in May. The governing body confirmed that TNT Sports and HBO Max will broadcast both semi-finals live, while Channel 4 will also carry Liverpool’s match against Brighton in the UK.

Liverpool FC confirmed ticket pricing for their semi-final, with early-bird adult tickets starting at £8, while Chelsea confirmed their fixture as a historic occasion, marking the first time a Women’s FA Cup semi-final will take place at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea Edge Spurs in Dramatic Quarter-Final Win

Chelsea reached the semi-finals after a tightly contested 2–1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Kingsmeadow.

Sam Kerr gave Chelsea the lead with a first-half header, putting the holders in control before Spurs responded after the break. Tottenham levelled the match through Eveliina Summanen, who converted after a sustained spell of pressure from the visitors.

Chelsea ultimately secured progression late in the match when Veerle Buurman struck the decisive goal in the 86th minute, sealing a place in the last four for Sonia Bompastor’s side.

Buurman described the moment after the match, saying: “It felt incredible to help the team win” (Chelsea FC official match coverage).

Chelsea have also beaten Manchester United and Crystal Palace earlier in the competition, according to club match reports, underlining their continued consistency in knockout football. The defending champions now move one step closer to retaining the trophy they won last season.

Manchester City Progress After Narrow Win in Birmingham

Manchester City reached the semi-finals after a disciplined 1–0 away win against Birmingham City at St Andrew’s.

Khadija “Bunny” Shaw scored the only goal of the game inside the opening stages, finishing from close range after a well-weighted assist from Iman Beney. The early strike proved decisive as City controlled large portions of the match without adding to their lead.

Birmingham, competing in the second tier, created sustained pressure in the second half but failed to break through the City defence. The result ensured Andrée Jeglertz’s side progressed to the last four of the competition.

Manchester City confirmed through official club channels that their FA Cup campaign has also included wins over Bournemouth and Sheffield United.

Lauren Hemp summed up the challenge ahead in comments shared with TNT Sports coverage, stating: “You have to beat the best to become the best.”

City now prepare for a repeat of one of English women’s football’s most competitive fixtures in recent seasons.

Chelsea vs Manchester City Renew Fierce Modern Rivalry

Chelsea and Manchester City meet again in a fixture that has defined the modern era of English women’s football.

The two clubs have already faced each other multiple times across the 2025–26 season in league and cup competition. According to Manchester City FC, the meetings have produced mixed results, including a 5–1 Manchester City win in February and a Chelsea victory earlier in the season.

Chelsea also eliminated City in a previous League Cup semi-final meeting, adding further intensity to a rivalry that has repeatedly shaped title races and domestic cup outcomes in recent years.

Manchester City currently lead the Women’s Super League table, while Chelsea continue their pursuit of silverware as reigning FA Cup champions. Both sides enter the semi-final in strong form and with contrasting momentum across different competitions.

The semi-final at Stamford Bridge marks the first time a Women’s FA Cup semi-final will be played at the stadium, adding historical significance to an already high-stakes encounter.

Liverpool and Brighton Complete Semi-Final Line-Up

Liverpool secured their place in the semi-finals after victories over Everton, Charlton Athletic and London Bees, according to Liverpool FC. Their progress has marked a strong cup run, with improved performances in knockout competition this season.

Brighton & Hove Albion reached the last four after one of the standout results of the quarter-finals, defeating Arsenal to secure a historic semi-final appearance. Their campaign also included wins over Nottingham Forest and West Ham United, according to competition reports.

Liverpool host Brighton at 12:15 BST on 10 May at St Helens Stadium, with Channel 4 broadcasting the match live in addition to TNT Sports and HBO Max coverage.

WSL Context and Competition Stakes

The semi-finals take place during a highly competitive domestic season, with Manchester City leading the Women’s Super League table and Chelsea close behind as they chase another domestic trophy.

City’s league position reflects consistent form across the season, while Chelsea continue to balance domestic cup success with their league campaign. The FA Cup remains one of the key targets for both sides, particularly given their repeated meetings in high-stakes matches across recent seasons.

Brighton’s progression has already delivered one of the most significant stories of the competition, while Liverpool aim to return to a major final after a long absence at this stage of the tournament.

Broadcast Coverage and Final Path

The FA confirmed full broadcast coverage for the semi-finals, with TNT Sports and HBO Max showing both matches live across the UK. Channel 4 will also air Liverpool vs Brighton, expanding free-to-air access to the competition.

The winners of both semi-finals will advance to the FA Cup final at Wembley later in May 2026, with the final expected to conclude the domestic women’s season.

What Happens Next

Attention now turns to squad preparation, fitness updates and tactical planning ahead of 10 May. Chelsea and Manchester City in particular will enter their semi-final knowing recent meetings between the sides have produced high-scoring and closely contested matches.

The outcome will decide one half of the Wembley final bracket, with Liverpool or Brighton awaiting the winner in what promises to be another significant stage in the 2026 Adobe Women’s FA Cup.