Chelsea vs Leeds FA Cup Semi-Final Set for Wembley, London 2026

Key Points

• Chelsea secured their place in the FA Cup semi-finals with a 7-0 victory over League One side Port Vale at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
• Goals for Chelsea were scored by Jorrel Hato (2′), Joao Pedro (25′), Tosin Adarabioyo (57′), Andrey Santos (69′), Estevao Willian (82′), Alejandro Garnacho (90+2′ penalty), and an own goal by Port Vale’s Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel (43′).
• Leeds United advanced after a 2-2 draw with West Ham United at the London Stadium, followed by a 4-2 penalty shootout win on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
• Leeds goals came from Ao Tanaka in the first half and Dominic Calvert-Lewin from the penalty spot in the 75th minute; West Ham equalised late through Mateus Fernandes and Axel Disasi.
• Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri saved penalties from Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals in the shootout.
• The semi-final between Chelsea and Leeds United is set for Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Wembley Stadium with a 3pm kick-off.
• This match repeats the 1970 FA Cup final, where Chelsea won 2-1 after a 2-2 draw at Wembley and a replay at Old Trafford.
• Chelsea’s most recent FA Cup meeting with Leeds was a 3-2 fifth-round win at Stamford Bridge two years ago, sealed by Conor Gallagher’s 90th-minute goal.
• Ticket information for the semi-final will be released in due course.

Chelsea FC (The Leeds Time) April 9, 2026 – Chelsea Football Club and Leeds United are scheduled to clash in the Emirates FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, April 26, at 3pm, marking a highly anticipated rematch with deep historical roots.

How Did Chelsea Qualify for the FA Cup Semi-Finals?

Chelsea dominated Port Vale 7-0 in their quarter-final tie at Stamford Bridge on April 4, 2026, as reported in the official match summary on ESPN. Jorrel Hato opened the scoring in the 2nd minute with a clinical finish, followed by Joao Pedro’s calm effort in the 25th minute. An own goal by Port Vale defender Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel in the 43rd minute made it 3-0 at half-time.

The second half saw Tosin Adarabioyo add a fourth in the 57th minute, Andrey Santos in the 69th, Estevao Willian in the 82nd, and Alejandro Garnacho sealing the rout with a penalty in the 90+2nd minute. Attendance at Stamford Bridge was 38,375, with referee Farai Hallam officiating. As detailed by Chelsea’s official site, this convincing win propelled the Blues into the last four.

What Was Leeds United’s Path to the Semi-Finals?

Leeds United’s progression was far more dramatic, ending in a penalty shootout against West Ham United after a 2-2 draw following extra time at the London Stadium. Ao Tanaka scored Leeds’ opener in the first half, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 75th minute, according to Arab News reporter covering the match.

West Ham mounted a late comeback in added time: Mateus Fernandes netted from a rebound after Jarrod Bowen’s shot hit the crossbar, and Axel Disasi equalised four minutes later. In the shootout, Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri saved penalties from Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals, securing a 4-2 victory, as reported by Sky Sports’ match coverage on April 5, 2026. Daniel Farke’s side reached their first FA Cup semi-final in 39 years.

When and Where Is the Chelsea vs Leeds Semi-Final?

The Football Association has confirmed the semi-final for Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Wembley Stadium with a 3pm kick-off, as announced on Chelsea’s official website. This single-leg tie will be contested at the national stadium, with both semi-finals spread across the weekend of April 25-26.

Ticket details will follow in due course from the clubs and the FA. The fixture draws immediate attention due to its historical significance, noted across multiple outlets, including Sport Grill.

Why Is This FA Cup Semi-Final Historically Significant?

Chelsea and Leeds United last met in the FA Cup two years ago, when Chelsea won 3-2 in the fifth round at Stamford Bridge thanks to Conor Gallagher’s 90th-minute goal. The standout historical parallel is the 1970 FA Cup final, contested at Wembley on April 11, 1970, which ended 2-2 before Chelsea triumphed 2-1 in the replay at Old Trafford on April 29.

In the original final, Peter Houseman equalised for Chelsea before half-time, and Ian Hutchinson levelled late after Mick Jones had put Leeds ahead. Attendance at the replay was 62,078, refereed by Eric Jennings. This upcoming Wembley encounter will be the first semi-final meeting between the sides, evoking that classic rivalry.

Who Are the Key Players to Watch?

From Chelsea’s dominant display against Port Vale, Jorrel Hato, Joao Pedro, and Alejandro Garnacho stand out for their contributions, with Garnacho converting the late penalty. Andrey Santos and Estevao Willian also impressed in midfield and attack. Leeds’ hero was goalkeeper Lucas Perri, whose shootout saves from Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals proved decisive.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored Leeds’ second goal, while Ao Tanaka opened the scoring against West Ham. Daniel Farke’s tactical setup allowed Leeds to hold a lead until stoppage time, highlighting their resilience.

Background of the Development

The 2025-26 Emirates FA Cup has seen Chelsea and Leeds United emerge as semi-finalists through contrasting quarter-final performances. Chelsea’s 7-0 rout of Port Vale showcased their attacking depth, with multiple scorers contributing under the guidance of their current management at Stamford Bridge. Leeds’ penalty triumph over West Ham, detailed in reports from Sky Sports and Arab News, marked a return to Wembley prominence after nearly four decades, building on Daniel Farke’s rebuild in the Championship.

This draw revives a rivalry dormant in cup competitions since 2024, rooted in the intense 1970 final that defined an era for both clubs. The FA’s scheduling ensures a high-profile weekend at Wembley, aligning with the competition’s tradition of neutral-venue semi-finals since 2008.

Prediction: How This Can Affect Chelsea and Leeds Fans

This semi-final development offers Chelsea fans a chance to witness a potential repeat of their 1970 triumph at Wembley, boosting morale amid their season’s ambitions and providing a platform for emerging talents like Estevao Willian and Garnacho to shine. Victory could propel them towards another domestic trophy, enhancing supporter engagement and attendance figures at Stamford Bridge.

For Leeds United fans, reaching and potentially advancing from the semi-final represents a historic milestone, the first since 1987, galvanising the Elland Road faithful and aiding Daniel Farke’s promotion push through heightened visibility and revenue from ticket sales. A Wembley win would elevate club prestige, drawing larger crowds and investment interest, while a loss still delivers invaluable experience for the squad.