When Is The FA Cup Draw – Chelsea Vs Leeds, Man City Vs Southampton

The Emirates FA Cup 2025-26 semi-final draw took place on Sunday, 5 April 2026, at the London Stadium, determining the paths for Manchester City, Chelsea, Southampton, and Leeds United as they vie for a place in the final at Wembley.

Conducted live approximately 15 minutes after the West Ham United versus Leeds United quarter-final concluded—itself delayed by extra time and penalties—the draw produced two intriguing semi-final pairings. The ceremony began around 7:05pm BST, with the four remaining teams assigned their respective fixtures for the last four stage of the competition.

All four semi-finalists had secured their quarter-final victories through impressive performances. Manchester City defeated Liverpool 4-0, Chelsea thrashed Port Vale 7-0, Southampton knocked out Arsenal, and Leeds United overcame West Ham on penalties following a 2-2 draw. The draw set the stage for what promises to be a memorable conclusion to the 2025-26 FA Cup campaign.

When is the FA Cup semi-final draw?

The draw was conducted by Ally McCoist, according to the official Football Association announcement. Some pre-draw coverage had mentioned Joe Cole as a potential presenter, but the official record confirms McCoist presided over the ceremony at the London Stadium.

Originally scheduled to begin approximately 15 minutes after the West Ham versus Leeds quarter-final kicked off at 4:30pm BST, the draw was pushed back due to extra time and penalties in that match. The ceremony ultimately started around 7:05pm BST, with live coverage available across multiple platforms.

Key insights from the draw include the timing of the semi-finals falling on consecutive weekends in late April, the impact on Premier League Matchweek 34 fixtures, and the competitive balance among the four remaining clubs. The draw also confirmed that no replays will be available at the semi-final stage—ties will go directly to extra time and penalties if scores remain level after 90 minutes.

What teams are in the FA Cup semi-finals?

Four clubs remain in contention for the FA Cup following a quarter-final weekend that produced some emphatic victories and dramatic finishes. Manchester City, Chelsea, Southampton, and Leeds United each secured their place through performances ranging from dominant victories to tense penalty shootouts.

Manchester City, drawn as ball number 3, continued their impressive form with a commanding 4-0 victory over Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium. The result underscored City’s strong campaign and their status as one of the frontrunners for the trophy. Ball number 2, Chelsea, produced the round’s largest margin of victory, defeating Port Vale 7-0 at Stamford Bridge to advance comfortably.

Southampton, assigned ball number 1, pulled off the standout upset of the quarter-finals by eliminating Arsenal. The Saints’ journey through the competition has been marked by determination, and their victory over the Gunners demonstrated their capacity to compete against Premier League opposition. Ball number 4, Leeds United, survived a thrilling encounter with West Ham, prevailing 4-3 on penalties after the sides finished 2-2 following extra time.

Semi-final pairings confirmed

The draw produced the following semi-final matchups:

• Match 1: Chelsea vs. Leeds United
• Match 2: Manchester City vs. Southampton

Both ties will be played at Wembley Stadium, with the matches scheduled for Saturday, 25 April, and Sunday, 26 April 2026. The scheduling represents a return to the traditional two-day semi-final format that has been in place for recent FA Cup campaigns.

Quarter-final results summary

The path to the semi-finals featured decisive results across all four quarter-final matches. Manchester City’s 4-0 win over Liverpool and Chelsea’s 7-0 triumph over Port Vale demonstrated the clinical nature of their attacks. Southampton eliminated Arsenal in what proved to be a significant upset, while Leeds United required the lottery of penalties to overcome West Ham United.

What are the FA Cup semi-final fixtures and dates?

The Emirates FA Cup semi-finals are scheduled for the weekend of 25–26 April 2026, with both ties set to take place at Wembley Stadium. The fixtures will be played across Saturday and Sunday, maintaining the format used in recent seasons that allows fans to attend both matches over the weekend.

Confirmed match dates and venues

• Saturday, 25 April 2026: First semi-final at Wembley Stadium
• Sunday, 26 April 2026: Second semi-final at Wembley Stadium
• Saturday, 16 May 2026: Final at Wembley Stadium

Kick-off times for the semi-final matches remain to be confirmed following the draw. According to statements from both Manchester City and Chelsea on their official club websites, exact kick-off times will be announced in the coming days. The delay in confirming start times is standard practice, allowing for coordination with broadcasters and stadium logistics.

Impact on Premier League fixtures

The scheduling of the semi-finals for 25–26 April has consequences for Premier League Matchweek 34. Three fixtures have been postponed to midweek dates between 21–23 April to accommodate the cup commitments of participating clubs:

• Burnley vs. Manchester City – postponed to midweek
• Brighton vs. Chelsea – postponed to midweek
• Bournemouth vs. Leeds United – postponed to midweek

The postponements highlight the challenge clubs face when competing on multiple fronts during the business end of the season. Manchester City, Chelsea, and Leeds United will all need to manage their squads carefully across both competitions in the weeks ahead.

No replays at semi-final stage

How to watch the FA Cup semi-final draw?

The semi-final draw was broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, with additional coverage available on HBO Max and the TNT Sports YouTube channel. The delay in starting the draw—originally anticipated approximately 15 minutes after the West Ham versus Leeds quarter-final—meant that coverage extended into the evening as viewers waited for the ceremony to begin.

Where to find draw coverage

• TNT Sports 1: Primary television broadcaster for the draw ceremony
• HBO Max: Streaming platform carrying live coverage
• TNT Sports YouTube: Free online stream of the draw
• Official FA streams: Additional coverage via thefa.com

A recording of the draw, lasting approximately 15 minutes and 15 seconds, is available on YouTube for those who missed the live broadcast. The official Football Association website also provided coverage, with the announcement appearing on their news section shortly after the ceremony concluded.

Broadcast details and timing

The draw began at approximately 7:05pm BST on Sunday, 5 April 2026, following the conclusion of the West Ham versus Leeds United quarter-final. The quarter-final itself required extra time and a penalty shootout, extending the evening schedule and delaying the draw ceremony. TNT Sports provided the primary television coverage, with their YouTube channel offering an alternative viewing method.

BBC was not explicitly mentioned as part of the broadcast team for this particular draw. Coverage was led by TNT Sports and official FA channels, reflecting the current broadcast arrangements for FA Cup draws and matches. Viewers seeking to watch the semi-final draw or subsequent matches should consult the official FA website for the most current viewing information.

FA Cup semi-final tickets and further rounds?

For supporters seeking tickets to the semi-final matches at Wembley Stadium, the Football Association promotes Hospitality Membership packages through its official website. However, specific ticket sale dates, pricing tiers, and general public availability were not detailed in the official announcements following the draw.

Getting tickets for semi-finals

• Check thefa.com for the latest ticket information and sale dates
• Hospitality Membership options are available through the official FA site
• Club websites, including Chelsea and Manchester City, provide updates on ticket allocations
• Semi-final kick-off times will be confirmed in the days following the draw

Both Manchester City and Chelsea noted on their official club sites that kick-off times for the semi-final fixtures would be confirmed following the draw. Supporters should monitor these channels for updates regarding ticket applications, sale windows, and matchday information.

Broader 2025-26 FA Cup calendar

The semi-final draw marks a significant milestone in the 2025-26 FA Cup season, but several important rounds have already been completed. The competition began with qualifying rounds in August 2025, progressed through the First Qualifying Round on 30 August 2025, and moved into the Third Round Proper on Saturday, 10 January 2026.

• Third Round Proper: Saturday, 10 January 2026
• Fourth Round Proper: Saturday, 14 February 2026
• Fifth Round Proper: Saturday, 7 March 2026
• Quarter-Finals: Saturday, 4 April 2026
• Semi-Finals: Saturday–Sunday, 25–26 April 2026
• Final: Saturday, 16 May 2026 at Wembley

The final, scheduled for Saturday, 16 May 2026, will be held at Wembley Stadium. The winning club will earn qualification for the UEFA Europa League, adding significant stakes to the culmination of the competition. The semi-finals represent the final hurdle before the showpiece event of the English football season.

Key dates in the FA Cup 2025-26 season

1. August 2025: Preliminary rounds of the competition begin
2. 30 August 2025: First Qualifying Round
3. 10 January 2026: Third Round Proper marks the entry of Premier League and Championship clubs
4. 14 February 2026: Fourth Round Proper
5. 7 March 2026: Fifth Round Proper
6. 4 April 2026: Quarter-Finals (Manchester City 4-0 Liverpool, Chelsea 7-0 Port Vale, Southampton beat Arsenal, Leeds beat West Ham on penalties)
7. 5 April 2026: Semi-Final Draw at London Stadium
8. 25–26 April 2026: Semi-Finals at Wembley Stadium
9. 16 May 2026: Final at Wembley Stadium

The timeline illustrates the progression from early qualifying rounds through to the business end of the competition. The quarter-final results—particularly Manchester City’s emphatic victory over Liverpool and Chelsea’s 7-0 win—demonstrated the quality gap between the remaining clubs and their opponents. Southampton’s upset over Arsenal added an element of surprise to the semi-final lineup.

What we know and what remains unclear

While the official Football Association and club websites have confirmed the core facts regarding the draw, several practical details remain pending confirmation. Kick-off times for the semi-final fixtures will be announced in the coming days, according to statements from both Manchester City and Chelsea. The ticket situation similarly requires monitoring of official channels, as specific public sale dates were not included in the draw announcements.

The draw produced a clear picture of the semi-final matchups, but the granular details of matchday operations, broadcast scheduling, and ticketing logistics continue to be finalized. Supporters of the four remaining clubs should regularly check the official FA Cup website for updates as the semi-finals approach.

Understanding the FA Cup semi-final draw

The semi-final draw represents a crucial moment in any FA Cup campaign, determining the pathway for clubs pursuing glory at Wembley. Unlike earlier rounds where ties are often decided by geographical considerations or random assignment, the semi-final draw carries significant strategic weight as clubs learn their potential route to the final.

For the 2025-26 season, the quarter-final results set the stage for an interesting draw. Manchester City’s dominant 4-0 victory over Liverpool, Chelsea’s 7-0 demolition of Port Vale, Southampton’s upset of Arsenal, and Leeds United’s penalty shootout win over West Ham all contributed to a semi-final lineup featuring a mix of established powers and determined underdogs.

The draw ceremony at the London Stadium, conducted by Ally McCoist, followed established FA Cup protocols. Four balls, numbered according to the quarter-final finish order, were drawn to produce two semi-final pairings. The resulting fixtures—Chelsea versus Leeds United and Manchester City versus Southampton—offer contrasting matchups that will appeal to different footballing sensibilities.

The winner of the FA Cup will earn qualification for the UEFA Europa League, adding significant sporting and financial stakes to the competition. This prize money and European football spot has historically motivated clubs throughout the tournament, and the semi-final stage represents the final opportunity for clubs to position themselves for that reward.

Sources and official announcements

The official Football Association website served as the primary source for the semi-final draw announcement, with detailed coverage published shortly after the ceremony concluded. Club websites for Chelsea and Manchester City also provided club-specific perspectives on the draw and its implications.

The Emirates FA Cup semi-final draw confirmed Chelsea vs. Leeds United and Manchester City vs. Southampton as the semi-final pairings for the 2025-26 season.

The Premier League website provided confirmation regarding the postponement of Matchweek 34 fixtures due to semi-final scheduling conflicts. ESPN offered additional broadcast and timing details for those seeking to watch the draw live.

• The Football Association (official draw announcement)
• FA Cup official round dates
• Premier League (fixture updates)
• TNT Sports YouTube (draw recording)

Summary

The Emirates FA Cup 2025-26 semi-final draw took place on Sunday, 5 April 2026, at the London Stadium, producing matchups of Chelsea versus Leeds United and Manchester City versus Southampton. The draw, conducted by Ally McCoist, followed the quarter-final matches and was delayed until approximately 7:05pm BST due to extra time and penalties in the West Ham versus Leeds encounter. The semi-finals are scheduled for 25–26 April 2026 at Wembley Stadium, with the final set for 16 May 2026. Broadcast coverage was provided by TNT Sports, HBO Max, and the TNT Sports YouTube channel. Fans seeking tickets or further updates should monitor official channels as more details emerge. For context on major finals, see our coverage of Club World Cup Final 2025: Chelsea 3-0 PSG Recap & Highlights.

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