One of the two FA Cup semi-finals will be shown on free-to-air TV, with the BBC securing primetime coverage from Wembley.
- Manchester City v Southampton to be available on the BBC
- Chelsea v Leeds game exclusive to TNT Sports and HBO Max
The BBC will be live at Wembley on Saturday 25 April, offering universal coverage of the men’s FA Cup semi-final between Manchester City and Southampton. The winners of that game will need to wait until late afternoon on Sunday to find out who they’ll be up against in the Final in May.
The second semi-final, between Chelsea or Leeds will be live and exclusive on pay TV, via TNT Sports/HBO Max on Sunday 26 April, kick-off 15:00.
Broadcast arrangements were agreed with the FA last week after the conclusion of the quarter-finals over the Easter weekend. Compared to recent years, there’s been slim pickings for free-to-air viewers after TNT Sports acquired the rights. A limited number of live games are available to the BBC on a non-exclusive basis.
Saturday 25 April 2026
| Kick Off | Game | Where to watch |
|---|---|---|
| 17:15 | Manchester City v Southampton | BBC One, BBC iPlayer, TNT Sports 1, HBO Max |
Sunday 26 April 2026
| Kick Off | Game | Where to watch |
|---|---|---|
| 15:00 | Chelsea v Leeds United AFC | TNT Sports 1, HBO Max |
The FA is still due to confirm final broadcast details for the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals in May.
The men’s FA Cup Final will take place on Saturday 16 May, with coverage on BBC One, iPlayer, TNT Sports and HBO Max. The Final’s free-to-air status is enshrined in law.
By: Marc Thornham | Image: FA