Antoine Semenyo’s extraordinary backheel flick in the 71st minute was enough to seal the FA Cup Final 2026 for Manchester City, who beat Chelsea 1–0 at Wembley Stadium on 16 May 2026 to claim their eighth FA Cup crown and complete a domestic cup double.
FA Cup Final 2026: The Moment That Won the Cup
For long stretches, the match looked as though it might be heading towards extra time. Chelsea, managed by interim boss Calum McFarlane, set up in a compact back five and stifled City’s attacking play in a subdued first half in which neither goalkeeper was truly tested. Erling Haaland had a goal correctly ruled out for offside in the first half, and Rodri produced a vital goal-line clearance to deny Moisés Caicedo’s looping header.
Then came Semenyo. The Ghanaian winger — signed from Bournemouth in January — received a pass from Haaland inside the Chelsea penalty area, allowed the ball to run through his legs, and executed a sublimely improvised backheel that arrowed across a diving Robert Sánchez and into the corner. Wembley erupted. 1–0 to City.
Chelsea rallied in the closing stages — Enzo Fernández tested James Trafford and Liam Delap had a late effort — but City held firm. The full-time whistle was met with a wave of sky blue joy as Pep Guardiola, in what is becoming an increasingly star-studded list of farewells this season, celebrated with a squad that has once again delivered silverware.
A Perfect Send-Off for Bernardo Silva
Much of the pre-match attention centred on Bernardo Silva, who has confirmed he will leave City this summer after a decade of extraordinary service. The Portuguese playmaker was sublime in patches and had the honour of climbing the famous Wembley steps alongside John Stones to lift the FA Cup — a fitting final chapter for one of City’s greatest servants.
For Guardiola, it was his 20th major title as City manager, a staggering achievement. City, appearing in a record fourth consecutive FA Cup Final, now have eight FA Cups to their name — more than any club in English football history alongside Arsenal.
What’s Next: Title Charge and Istanbul Looms
For City, the focus now shifts entirely to the Premier League title race. Arsenal lead the table by two points heading into Matchweek 37, and City face a must-win final run-in if they are to prevent the Gunners from ending their long wait for the title. Read our full EPL Title Race 2026 analysis for all the permutations.
For Chelsea, it was another painful afternoon at the national stadium — their fourth FA Cup Final defeat since 2018. Their European hopes are also fading, with the Blues sitting outside the top five with one league game remaining. The appointment of Xabi Alonso as manager this summer cannot come soon enough for a club in transition. Check out our look at Premier League Matchweek 37 to see how the season plays out.
As for Semenyo, this was his moment. A player who spent years quietly developing his craft on the south coast arrived on the biggest stage in English football and delivered one of the great FA Cup Final goals. Whatever happens next, 16 May 2026 belongs to him.
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