Brighton and Manchester City Collide at Wembley in FA Cup Final

Wembley is set to hold the FA Cup final against Manchester City and Brighton on Sunday 31st May 2026 at 3pm.

Overview

Manchester City face Brighton in the Women’s FA Cup Final in what promises to be a huge occasion for both clubs. Manchester City will be aiming to lift the trophy and continue their impressive season, while Brighton will look to cause an upset on one of the biggest stages in women’s football. Brighton are expected to remain compact defensively, frustrating Manchester City’s rhythm in midfield, and look to exploit spaces on the counter-attack transitions and clinical finishing in the final third. Set-pieces and moments of individual quality could also play a key role for Brighton as they search for opportunities to trouble City and push for a memorable result. Manchester City, however, will likely approach the final with intensity, composure and structure. Their focus will be on controlling possession, dictating the tempo and creating spaces between the lines through sharp passing and intelligent movement. With attacking quality throughout the squad, City will aim to break Brighton down and make their dominance count in the final third as they chase major silverware.

From The Press Conference

”How is the squad, are there any injury concerns?"

Unfortunately two players picked up injuries. Laura Wienroither and Iman Beney. They are not available for this week or their national teams. Hemp has been training the last few days. She will be available for this weekend. Ayaka Yamashita, Rebecca Knaak and Vivianne Miedema are available.

Form Guide

Manchester City have been in impressive form through their FA Cup campaign, building strong momentum heading into the latter stages of the competition. Their attacking play has been particularly effective, with sharp combinations, intelligent movement and fluid football in the final third allowing them to consistently create high-quality chances. There is a clear sense of confidence and belief within the squad, reflecting in their ability to control matches and impose their style of play against difficult opposition. Manchester City’s balance between defensive organisation and attacking quality has made them one of the strongest teams in the competition, while the depth within the squad continues to provide intensity and competition across the pitch. With performances continuing to match expectations, City will be determined to maintain their high standards and push for silverware as they continue their pursuit of FA Cup success.

Brighton have shown resilience and determination throughout their FA Cup campaign, producing strong performances and building confidence as the competition has progressed. Their defensive organisation and disciplined structure have been key strengths, allowing them to compete effectively against high-quality opposition while remaining dangerous on the counter-attack. Brighton’s attacking threat has often come through quick transitions, intelligent movement, and their ability to capitalise on moments in the final third. The squad has demonstrated strong teamwork and composure under pressure, with players continuing to step up in important moments throughout the competition. There is a growing belief within the team as they continue their FA Cup journey, and their balance between defensive discipline and attacking intent has made them difficult opponents to break down. With momentum building and confidence increasing, Brighton will be determined to maintain their strong performances and continue pushing for success in the competition.

Key Players To Watch

Sam Coffey - Manchester City

A composed and intelligent presence in midfield, Coffey brings control, awareness, and tactical discipline to her side. Operating in deeper areas, she excels at breaking up opposition play, reading the game effectively and regaining possession in key moments. Her passing range allows her to dictate tempo and link defence with calmness and precision. She is also capable of progressing the ball forward, supporting transitions and maintaining structure within the midfield. Her work rate and consistency make her a reliable figure, while her leadership and composure ensure she plays a crucial role in both defensive stability and overall team balance.

 

Rosa Kafaji - Brighton & Hove Albion

A creative and technically gifted attacking presence, Kafaji brings flair, vision and intelligence to the final third. Operating in advanced midfield areas, she thrives on finding pockets of space between the lines, where she can influence play and unlock defences. Her close control and dribbling ability allows her to take on opponents, while her awareness and passing range helps create opportunities for teammates. Calm in possession and confident on the ball, she is capable of producing moments of quality, whether through incisive passes or composed finishing. Her movement and creativity make her a constant threat and an important figure in shaping attacking play in both open play and key moments.

Predictions / Taking Points

Brighton and Manchester City enter the FA Cup Final with contrasting but clearly defined approaches, setting up an intriguing tactical battle on one of the biggest stages in English women’s football. Manchester City will look to control the game through sustained possession, fluid attacking movement, and an aggressive high press, aiming to dictate the tempo and apply constant pressure in advanced areas. Brighton, meanwhile, are expected to focus on defensive organisation, compactness, and discipline, working to disrupt Manchester City’s rhythm and reduce space between the lines. Their approach is likely to centre around quick transitions, using pace on the counter-attack and set-piece opportunities to create chances and trouble City’s defence. With control versus resilience shaping the contest, the final could ultimately depend on Brighton’s ability to remain organised under sustained pressure and Manchester City’s capacity to turn their dominance in possession into clear and decisive scoring opportunities.