The 2025/26 FA Cup has delivered a thrilling semi-final lineup after an action-packed weekend of quarter-final clashes, with Manchester City, Chelsea, Southampton, and Leeds United all securing their places at Wembley.
Manchester City produced the most dominant display of the round, brushing aside Liverpool in a 4-0 victory. Pep Guardiola’s side were clinical, registering seven shots on target and making their 49 percent possession count with ruthless efficiency. Erling Haaland led the charge with a hat-trick, reinforcing City’s strong push for silverware this season.
Chelsea were equally relentless in their 7-0 demolition of Port Vale. The Blues dominated every key metric, recording 11 shots on target and enjoying 77 percent possession. Despite the absence of Enzo Fernández, who served a suspension and watched from the bench, Chelsea showed depth and attacking fluency in one of the most one-sided ties of the round.
The biggest upset came at St Mary’s, where Southampton stunned Arsenal 2-1. Goals from Ross Stewart and Shea Charles sealed the win, despite Arsenal’s superior numbers, including four shots on target, 36 percent possession, and multiple attacking attempts. The defeat significantly dents Arsenal’s ambitions of securing multiple trophies this season.
In the final quarter-final, Leeds United battled past West Ham United after a 2-2 draw, eventually advancing via a penalty shootout in a tightly contested encounter.
The semi-final fixtures now promise high drama, with Manchester City set to face Southampton, while Chelsea takes on Leeds United.
Historically, Chelsea holds the strongest record among the remaining sides, with eight FA Cup titles, while Manchester City’s recent dominance in domestic competitions makes them favourites. Southampton, winners in 1976, continue their underdog run, while Leeds United, last champions in 1972, are chasing a return to former glory.
With a mix of elite contenders and a resurgent outsider, the FA Cup semi-finals are shaping up to be a gripping battle for a place in the final.
