By Francis Onyach - Reporter
United Kingdom, May 16, 2026 - Manchester City F.C. have been crowned 2025/2026 FA Cup champions after a tightly contested 1–0 victory over Chelsea F.C. at Wembley Stadium, sealing yet another major domestic trophy under Pep Guardiola.
The final, played in front of a packed Wembley crowd, was decided by a moment of brilliance from Antoine Semenyo, whose second-half strike proved enough to separate the two sides in a match that remained tense and evenly balanced for long spells.
Both teams approached the final cautiously, aware of the high stakes and the fine margins that typically define FA Cup finals. Chelsea started with energy and intent, showing early attacking promise, but Manchester City gradually grew into the contest through their trademark control of possession and structured buildup play.
Despite City’s dominance in spells, clear chances were limited in the first half as Chelsea’s defensive shape held firm. The match remained goalless at the break, with both sides struggling to create decisive openings inside the final third.
The breakthrough arrived in the 71st minute.
Erling Haaland played a key role in the build-up, providing the assist for Antoine Semenyo, who finished clinically with a composed and inventive strike that beat the Chelsea goalkeeper and sent the City supporters into celebration.
That goal eventually proved decisive.
After falling behind, Chelsea pushed forward in search of an equaliser and introduced attacking changes to increase pressure in the final stages. They managed to create moments of danger inside the City penalty area, including set-piece situations and late attacking phases, but were repeatedly denied by Manchester City’s defensive organisation.
City, meanwhile, showed their experience in game management. They controlled possession in the closing stages, slowed the tempo when needed, and limited Chelsea’s ability to build sustained pressure.
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Despite late attempts from Chelsea to force extra time, Manchester City held firm until the final whistle.
With this victory, Manchester City secured their eighth FA Cup title, further strengthening their status as one of the most successful teams in English football history.
The win also adds another major trophy to Pep Guardiola’s collection, continuing a period of sustained dominance in domestic competitions. Reports from the match confirmed that this FA Cup success comes alongside their Carabao Cup triumph earlier in the season, completing a domestic cup double.
Although City remain involved in a tight Premier League title race, this FA Cup victory offers another demonstration of their ability to deliver in decisive knockout matches. Even in a season described as challenging by their own standards, they once again found a way to win a major final.
Chelsea, on the other hand, will be left to reflect on missed opportunities and missing out on their chance of playing in Europe next season. Despite a disciplined performance and moments of promise, they were unable to convert pressure into goals in a match decided by a single moment of quality.
In the end, the difference at Wembley was simple.
Manchester City leave Wembley as FA Cup champions once again, continuing their modern era of dominance in English football.