Manchester City claimed the 2025/2026 FA Cup title after edging Chelsea 1-0 in a tense and closely contested final at Wembley Stadium, with Antoine Semenyo emerging as the match winner.
The encounter was far from a classic, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut opportunities for much of the game. However, a moment of quality in the second half proved enough to separate the two teams and hand City another major trophy under manager Pep Guardiola.
The decisive moment arrived in the 72nd minute when Semenyo reacted quickest inside the penalty area to cleverly flick the ball past Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez after an intelligent setup from Erling Haaland. The finish sent City supporters into celebration and ultimately secured the famous victory.
The triumph marks Guardiola’s 20th trophy since taking charge of Manchester City and also delivers the club’s eighth FA Cup crown. More importantly, the victory keeps alive their hopes of ending the season with a domestic double as the Premier League title race remains ongoing.
Manchester City had earlier believed they had taken the lead in the first half when Haaland found the back of the net, but celebrations were quickly halted after the assistant referee raised the flag for offside.
Chelsea, meanwhile, showed flashes of attacking intent, particularly through dangerous deliveries into the penalty area, but the London club struggled to seriously trouble City’s defence or force decisive saves from the goalkeeper.
The Blues started the second half with greater urgency and nearly broke the deadlock through Enzo Fernández, who pounced on a loose ball inside the six-yard box but failed to keep his effort on target.
As the game wore on, tension increased around Wembley with both teams battling for control in midfield and chances becoming increasingly limited.
The occasion also featured the traditional pre-match ceremony, including an appearance by Prince William and the singing of the national anthem before kickoff.
Chelsea pushed forward in search of a late equaliser after Semenyo’s goal, but City held firm defensively to secure another major piece of silverware. The FA Cup success becomes Manchester City’s second trophy of the campaign following their earlier Carabao Cup triumph.
