The FA Cup semi-final draw for 2026 took place on Sunday, April 5, at approximately 6:55 PM BST, immediately following the final quarter-final match between West Ham United and Leeds United. For those following the 2025-26 competition, the “draw time” typically occurs 15 to 30 minutes after the conclusion of the televised Sunday afternoon fixture in each round. In 2026, the semi-final draw was broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and HBO Max, as well as streamed via the official Emirates FA Cup social media channels. This pivotal draw determined the pairings for the Wembley showpieces, which are scheduled to be played across the weekend of Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, 2026.
Semi-Final Draw Results 2026
The most recent draw for the 2025-26 campaign has set the stage for two high-stakes encounters at Wembley Stadium. Following the quarter-finals on April 4-5, the following fixtures were confirmed:
Manchester City vs. Southampton
Chelsea vs. Leeds United
Manchester City reached this stage after a dominant 4-0 win over Liverpool, while Chelsea comfortably defeated Port Vale 7-0. Southampton secured their spot with a 2-1 victory over Arsenal, and Leeds United progressed after a dramatic penalty shootout against West Ham at the London Stadium.
Typical Draw Time Patterns
While the specific FA Cup draw time is often billed as “following the game,” there is a consistent logistical pattern that the Football Association (FA) follows throughout the season.
Sunday Afternoon Slots
The most common time for the FA Cup draw is Sunday evening between 6:00 PM and 7:15 PM BST. This slot is chosen because it aligns with the conclusion of the highest-profile televised match of the weekend. If the match ends in a draw and proceeds to extra time or penalties, the draw time is pushed back accordingly to ensure the live broadcast remains uninterrupted.
Monday Night Exceptions
Occasionally, the FA schedules the draw for a Monday evening, typically around 7:00 PM BST, prior to a Monday night “giant-killing” fixture. This was seen during the 2026 fourth-round draw, which took place on Monday, January 12.
2026 Final and Wembley Logistics
As the competition approaches its conclusion, the focus shifts to the national stadium. The semi-finals are unique as they are the only round before the final played at a neutral venue.
Semi-Final Schedule
Dates: April 25 and April 26, 2026
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
Kick-off Times: Typically 5:30 PM BST for the Saturday slot and 4:00 PM BST for the Sunday slot.
The 2026 FA Cup Final
The final of the 2025-26 FA Cup is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026. While the draw is not “made” for the final (as it is the result of the semi-finals), a ceremonial draw is held to determine which team will be designated as the “home” side for kit-color purposes and dugout selection.
How to Watch the Draw Live
In 2026, the broadcasting rights for the FA Cup are split between terrestrial and digital platforms, ensuring maximum visibility for fans.
TNT Sports 1: The primary home for live draws and matches in 2026.
HBO Max: The digital streaming partner providing high-definition coverage.
BBC One/iPlayer: Selected rounds and draws are also simulcast on the BBC, continuing their long-standing association with the cup.
Social Media: The official FA Cup “X” (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts provide a free live stream for international viewers.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans planning to attend the upcoming semi-finals at Wembley, the following factual details are essential for a smooth matchday experience.
Ticket Prices and Allocation
Tickets for the semi-finals are distributed primarily through the competing clubs. Prices for the 2026 fixtures at Wembley typically start at £30 for adults in Category 4, rising to £80 for premium Category 1 seating.
Travel and Transport
Wembley Stadium is served by three major stations:
Wembley Park Station: (Jubilee and Metropolitan Lines)
Wembley Stadium Station: (Chiltern Railways)
Wembley Central Station: (Bakerloo, Overground, London Northwestern, and Southern lines)
Pro-Tips for Visitors
No Bag Policy: Wembley operates a restricted bag policy; only small bags (A4 size) are permitted.
Cashless Venue: The stadium is entirely cashless; ensure you have a contactless card or mobile payment ready for concessions.
FAQs
What time is the FA Cup semi-final draw 2026?
The draw was held on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at approximately 6:55 PM BST.
Which channel is the FA Cup draw on?
In the UK, the draw is broadcast on TNT Sports 1, with additional coverage on BBC One for specific rounds.
Who is playing in the 2026 FA Cup semi-finals?
The matchups are Manchester City vs. Southampton and Chelsea vs. Leeds United.
When are the FA Cup semi-finals played?
They are scheduled for the weekend of April 25-26, 2026.
Where are the FA Cup semi-finals held?
Both matches are played at Wembley Stadium in London.
What time is the FA Cup Final 2026?
The final on May 16, 2026, is expected to have a traditional kick-off time of 3:00 PM or 5:30 PM BST.
How are FA Cup ball numbers decided?
Ball numbers are usually assigned alphabetically by the home team in the previous round’s fixtures.
Can I watch the FA Cup draw for free?
Yes, the draw is live-streamed on the official Emirates FA Cup social media accounts.
Does the FA Cup draw happen after every game?
No, it typically happens after the final televised game of the weekend for that specific round.
Will there be replays in the 2026 FA Cup?
Starting from the 2024-25 season, replays were abolished from the first round proper onwards to ease fixture congestion.
Who won the FA Cup in 2025?
The 2024-25 winner was determined in May 2025; Manchester City and Manchester United have been recent dominant forces in the competition.
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