Chelsea face Leeds in the Key FA Cup 2026 semi-final statistics and facts

An old rivalry is resumed at Wembley as Chelsea take on Leeds United in the FA Cup 2026 semi-finals. Here are all the vital facts and figures you need ahead of Sunday’s meeting at the national stadium. The Blues meet Leeds on Sunday in an all-Premier League encounter at Wembley.

As the FA Cup 2026 moves into its crucial stage, excitement continues to build. Be sure to book your FA Cup Final Tickets in advance, as demand is rising quickly. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the electric atmosphere at Wembley Stadium and witness the FA Cup live.

FA Cup Tickets | FA Cup Final Tickets | Sell FA Cup Final Tickets

The winner will secure their place in next month’s final, with either Manchester City or Championship side Southampton, who play on Saturday, waiting. Interim head coach Calum McFarlane will be in charge of the Blues and, if we do secure a place in the competition’s showpiece game, our final Premier League home game of the season, against Tottenham Hotspur, will be rearranged.

Chelsea have faced Leeds in six previous ties and have progressed from all six, most recently in the 2023/24 fifth round. We have only faced Hull City more often while winning each tie. The FA Cup 1970 final is the only other time Chelsea have played Leeds at Wembley.

Chelsea vs Leeds FA Cup Semi-Final Wembley Preview and Key Stats

Our only previous meeting in a semi-final was in 1967 at Villa Park, when Tony Hateley scored the only goal at the end of the first half for Tommy Docherty’s side. The teams have also met in three League Cup ties. Each ended in a Chelsea victory.

Leeds are unbeaten against the Blues this season, having secured a 3-1 victory at Elland Road in December and subsequently overcoming a two-goal deficit to achieve a draw at Stamford Bridge in February. Chelsea are competing in our 65th major semi-final and 29th in the Cup.

We have reached the FA Cup 2026 semi-final in seven of the previous 10 seasons. The Blues have won 10 of our previous 12 semi-finals at Wembley Stadium (old and new), losing to Manchester City in the other two in 2013 and 2024.

Chelsea Wembley FA Cup Stats and Semi-Final Record vs Leeds United

Only Manchester City (15) has won more games at the new Wembley Stadium as a neutral venue than Chelsea (14 from 30 matches) since it reopened in 2007. However, we have won only three of our past 12 appearances at Wembley as a neutral stadium.

Leeds United approach this semi-final in a far more positive frame of mind. Recent wins over Manchester United and Wolves have eased relegation worries and sharpened belief within Daniel Farke’s squad. Leeds look settled, organised, and capable of executing a clear plan.

FA Cup Final Tickets | Sell FA Cup Final Tickets | FA Cup 2026 Tickets

Chelsea are seeking to reach the Cup final for the sixth time in the past 10 seasons and the 17th overall. Only Manchester United (22) and Arsenal (21) have reached the final more often than the Blues. We are the last remaining London club left in the Cup.

We became the first Football League club from the capital to reach a Cup final in 1915. Our victory against Port Vale took our goals in this season to 20 – more than any other side left in the competition (Man City 19, Leeds nine, Southampton eight). Only in 1969/70 (25) and 2006/07 (21) have the Blues netted more in the competition in one season.

Chelsea vs Leeds Wembley Form Guide, Record

Our seven goals against Port Vale were the most we have scored since beating Noah in the UEFA Conference League last season, and made it our equal second-best win in the FA Cup 2026. Against Port Vale in the last round, Estevao Willian (18 years and 345 days) became the youngest player.

To both score and assist in a game for a Premier League side since Bukayo Saka for Arsenal against Bournemouth in January 2020 (18 years and 144 days). Interim head coach Calum McFarlane is looking to become the first English coach to reach an FA final since Frank Lampard with Chelsea in 2019/20.

If selected, Pedro Neto will make his 100th appearance for the club in all competitions. Leeds United are in their first semi-final for 39 years. Since Leeds last played in a semi-final in 1986/87, the Blues have played in 17 semi-finals and 13 finals. The last time the Whites reached the final was in 1972/73.

Chelsea face Leeds Wembley Stats, Form, and Shearer

Their only two previous appearances at the new Wembley were in the 2008 League One play-off final and 2024 Championship play-off final, both of which they lost 1-0. Leeds are unbeaten in seven games in all competitions (four wins, including one after a penalty shootout, two draws). They have kept four clean sheets in those games.

FA Cup Tickets | FA Cup Final Tickets | Sell FA Cup Final Tickets

Once upon a time, Leeds United supporters hated to see Alan Shearer coming. The former Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers, and Southampton striker was the scourge of the Whites, with a canny knack of finding the back of their net. Shearer scored 21 goals in his 24 games against Leeds, more than he scored against any other club.

His haul included six braces and a hat-trick. Shearer never scored against Leeds in the FA Cup, mostly because he never met them in that competition. Now a pundit and commentator working across the media, Shearer is backing Leeds ahead of a huge weekend but expects an upturn in performance from Chelsea.

Semi-Final, Wembley Form and Fan Guide 26

The Blues are in a rancid run of form ahead of the semi-final, losing seven of their last eight. The only bright moment in that period was the FA Cup victory over League One relegation zone dwellers Port Vale. Defeats by Man City, Man Utd, and Brighton cost Liam Rosenior his job on Wednesday, just before Leeds’ 2-2 draw at Bournemouth.

He has been replaced by Calum McFarlane, who has worked in youth football at Man City, Southampton, and Chelsea. He was part of Rosenior’s backroom team and previously took interim charge of Chelsea when Enzo Maresca departed.

Leeds United supporters will descend on Wembley this weekend for the semi-final against Chelsea, with kick-off at three pm on Sunday, April 26. Here is the full pub guide for travelling fans. According to Leeds Live, the club has received 33,350 tickets in the west end of Wembley Stadium.

FA Cup 2026 Pressure, Form, and Wembley Prediction

There will likely be an improvement from Chelsea under the interim manager, but there is huge pressure on those players to perform. Leeds are pretty much guaranteed Premier League football next year, so there is not as much pressure on them. For that reason, I am going to go for a Leeds win.

It will be a brilliant atmosphere. The pressure is huge on Chelsea, not so much on Leeds, so it could be a good day out for the Leeds fans. Leeds moved to 40 points with their draw at the Vitality Stadium on Wednesday and go into the semi-final seven games unbeaten.

FA Cup Final Tickets | Sell FA Cup Final Tickets | FA Cup 2026 Tickets

Their journey has not always been convincing, with two ties decided via penalty shootouts, yet resilience has carried them through. That trait could prove decisive again at Wembley. Anton Stach remains the only confirmed absentee as he recovers from an ankle injury, while Ao Tanaka has returned to contention after a recent knock.

Tickets for the FA Cup 2026 are now on sale, allowing fans to attend both the semi-finals and the final at Wembley Stadium. Secure your seat by booking through Xchangetickets.com and register for notifications to stay informed with the latest updates, so you don’t miss this unforgettable football experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do FA Cup Final tickets sell out quickly?

Yes, FA Cup Final tickets are in high demand and often sell out fast, so early booking is advised.

2. Where can I buy FA Cup 2026 tickets?

You can purchase FA Cup 2026 Tickets through trusted platforms like Xchangetickets.com.

3. Are FA Cup 2026 tickets available for international fans?

Yes, fans from around the world can buy FA Cup tickets online through Xchangetickets.com.

4. Can I choose my seats for the FA Cup 2026 matches?

Yes, Xchangetickets.com allows you to select seats based on availability and preference.

5. Can I resell my FA Cup Final tickets if I can’t attend?

Yes, Xchangetickets.com allows Reselling FA Cup Final Tickets if your plans change.