The highly anticipated FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City kicked off at 3 pm BST at Wembley Stadium. Chelsea, who've been underdogs in this match, are looking to pull off a major upset against the heavily favored Manchester City team. The Blues, led by interim manager Calum McFarlane, have had a tumultuous season, but they're hoping to salvage it with a win in the FA Cup final.

As the match began, Manchester City dominated possession, with their 4-2-3-1 formation allowing them to control the tempo of the game. Chelsea, on the other hand, started with a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Robert Sanchez in goal and a back three of Fofana, Colwill, and Hato. The team's midfield consisted of Gusto, James, Caicedo, and Cucurella, with Palmer and Enzo playing behind lone striker Joao Pedro. They're counting on this lineup to give them an edge.

Despite City's dominance, Chelsea have had some scoring opportunities, with Joao Pedro showing his skill in protecting the ball and creating chances for his team. City's Rodri, who returned to the starting lineup after a spell on the sidelines, has been instrumental in controlling the tempo of the game. His composure on the ball has allowed City to dictate the flow of the match, and his passing range has been a thorn in Chelsea's side. They can't let him get too much control.

Pep Guardiola, City's manager, has been under pressure to deliver a trophy this season, and the FA Cup represents his best chance of doing so. Guardiola has described his decade-long tenure at Manchester City as 'effing fun', but he knows that his team needs to win trophies to justify their dominance. The FA Cup final is City's 24th cup appearance at Wembley under Guardiola, and they're aiming to claim their 17th major trophy under his leadership. This would be a big win for them.

'The narrative is of people being given an unfair opportunity,' says James Fotheringham, co-founder of the Kinetic Foundation, a charity where McFarlane and his assistants worked before joining Chelsea. 'Calum did the hard yards at City, Southampton, and Chelsea and has got seasons under his belt to get to that position.' He's earned his chance to lead the team.

The FA Cup final has a rich history, with Chelsea and Manchester City being two of the most successful teams in the competition. Since the turn of the century, these two teams have been involved in 17 of the 26 FA Cup finals. City won the FA Cup in 2023, en route to the Treble, and they're looking to replicate that success this season. They won't give up easily.

Chelsea, on the other hand, haven't won a domestic trophy since they beat Manchester United 1-0 in the 2018 FA Cup final. However, they've won all three European trophies, a Super Cup, and two Club World Cups during that period. The Blues are known for their ability to upset the odds in big games, and they'll be hoping to do the same against City. They're not out of it yet.

The match is being refereed by Darren England, who has a reputation for being one of the fairest and most experienced referees in the Premier League. The atmosphere at Wembley is electric, with both sets of fans creating a lively and intense environment. The tension is building, and it's getting harder to predict the outcome.

As the match wears on, it's still unclear who will emerge victorious. This FA Cup final will be an intense and closely contested affair, with both teams giving it their all to win the coveted trophy. They're leaving everything on the pitch.

  • The 2026 FA Cup final is being played between Chelsea and Manchester City.
  • The match is being held at Wembley Stadium.
  • Chelsea are looking to upset the heavily favored Manchester City team.
  • The Blues haven't won a domestic trophy since the 2018 FA Cup final.
  • Manchester City won the FA Cup in 2023, en route to the Treble.
  • The match is being refereed by Darren England.
  • The FA Cup final is City's 24th cup appearance at Wembley under Guardiola.

As the final whistle approaches, the tension is palpable. The crowd is on the edge of their seats, knowing that the next few minutes will determine the winner of the FA Cup. Both teams have given it their all, and the score is still anyone's game. The question on everyone's lips is - who will lift the coveted trophy? It's a tough call.

The answer will have to wait, as the match is still ongoing. This FA Cup final will be remembered for years to come, regardless of who emerges victorious. The skill, the passion, and the drama have all come together to create a truly unforgettable experience for the fans. It's what makes the FA Cup so special.

And as the players take to the pitch for the final few minutes, the world holds its breath. The FA Cup final is always a special occasion, but this year's edition has been particularly thrilling. The stage is set, the crowd is ready, and the players are prepared. The only thing left to do is to crown the winner of the 2026 FA Cup. It's going to be a great finish.