News
FA Cup Final 2025 At Wembley Stadium London On May 17
May
The wait is almost over. The 2025 FA Cup Final is poised to deliver drama, legacy, and elite football on Saturday, May 17, 2025, as Crystal Palace takes on Manchester City at the legendary Wembley Stadium in London. With a 4:30 PM BST kickoff and a crowd of nearly 90,000 fans, this 144th edition of England’s most historic cup competition promises spectacle and high stakes.
Will Crystal Palace seize their chance to win a major trophy for the first time ever? Or will Manchester City redeem themselves after falling short in 2024? Let’s break down every critical aspect of this year’s final, from team journeys to what’s at stake.
Match Overview and Key Details
Date, Time, and Venue
- Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
- Kick-off: 4:30 PM BST
- Location: Wembley Stadium, London
This scheduling was arranged deliberately to avoid overlapping with the Eurovision Song Contest, thanks to a collaboration between the BBC, ITV, and The FA.
A Milestone Event
This is the 144th FA Cup Final, the oldest national football competition in the world. Presiding over the final as referee is Stuart Attwell from Birmingham.
Teams in the Final: Crystal Palace vs Manchester City
Crystal Palace’s Road to Wembley
Crystal Palace returns to Wembley for their third ever FA Cup final appearance—and their first since 2016. Under manager Oliver Glasner, the South London side has impressed with a mix of resilience, flair, and tactical maturity.
Palace’s FA Cup 2025 Journey:
- 3rd Round: 1-0 vs Stockport County (Home)
- 4th Round: 2-0 vs Doncaster Rovers (Away)
- 5th Round: 3-1 vs Millwall (Home)
- Quarter-Final: 3-0 vs Fulham (Away)
- Semi-Final: 3-0 vs Aston Villa (Neutral)
Key players: Eberechi Eze’s creativity, Ismaïla Sarr’s pace, and Eddie Nketiah’s sharp finishing have been instrumental.
Manchester City’s Road to Wembley
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are appearing in their third consecutive FA Cup final and aiming for their seventh win under his leadership. Their cup form this season has been emphatic and clinical.
City’s Route to the Final:
- 3rd Round: 8-0 vs Salford City
- Later Rounds: Wins over Leyton Orient, Plymouth Argyle, Bournemouth
- Semi-Final: 2-0 vs Nottingham Forest (Goals by Rico Lewis & Joško Gvardiol)
This will be their 14th appearance in an FA Cup final. After losing 2-1 to Manchester United in 2024, City are on a redemption mission.
What’s at Stake?
The Grand Prize
- Winners receive £2,000,000
- Runners-up collect £1,000,000
European Ambitions
The victor will also qualify directly for the 2025–26 UEFA Europa League group stage, adding both prestige and fixture intensity to their next campaign.
Community Shield Showdown
The FA Cup winner earns a spot to face Liverpool, the 2024–25 Premier League Champions, in the 2025 FA Community Shield.
“This is more than silverware—it’s legacy, history, and a path to Europe.”
Broadcast and Streaming Information
Where to Watch in the UK
The final will be broadcast live on:
- BBC One and BBC iPlayer
- ITV1 and ITVX
Radio coverage:
- BBC Radio 5 Live
- talkSPORT
Global Streaming Options
For international fans, coverage will be accessible through:
- Local sports networks
- Premium streaming apps (ESPN+, DAZN, beIN Sports)
Always verify your local listings for time zones and platforms.
Wembley Stadium Matchday Guide
The Venue
Wembley Stadium, with a seating capacity of 90,000, stands as England’s national stadium and a symbol of football heritage. It is centrally located in Wembley Park, London, and is easily accessible via public transport.
Ticketing
Tickets are sold via:
Tip: Demand is high. Buy only through verified sellers to avoid scams.
Fan Amenities & Entry
- Gates open 2–3 hours before kickoff
- No large bags permitted
- Strict no-flare and no-alcohol policies inside
- Plenty of on-site food, drink, and merchandise vendors
Check out Wembley FAQs for more info.
Historical Context & Final Appearances
Crystal Palace in FA Cup History
- 1990 Final – Lost to Manchester United (Replay)
- 2016 Final – Lost to Manchester United (2-1)
This is a chance to win their first major trophy.
Manchester City’s Legacy
- 6 FA Cup wins to date
- Last win: 2023 Final
- Current era: Dominant in both league and cups
Recent Trends
City have dominated domestic competitions under Guardiola, while underdog stories like Wigan (2013) and Leicester (2021) still inspire hope.
Tactical Preview and Match Predictions
Predicted Lineups
Crystal Palace
- 4-3-3: Johnstone; Mitchell, Guehi, Andersen, Clyne; Lerma, Hughes, Eze; Sarr, Nketiah, Olise
Manchester City
- 4-2-3-1: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Gvardiol, Ake; Rodri, De Bruyne; Silva, Foden, Doku; Haaland
Key Battles
- Midfield dominance: Rodri vs Eze
- Defensive duels: Guehi vs Haaland
- Wing play: Olise vs Ake, Doku vs Mitchell
Expert Predictions
According to Opta stats, Manchester City hold a 68% win probability, but Palace’s current form and tactical shape make them a potential upset.
Social Buzz and Fan Build-Up
What Fans Are Saying
Reddit threads, Twitter debates, and YouTube previews have exploded in the days leading up. Some trending questions:
- Will Eze outshine Foden?
- Can Palace pull off a Wigan-style shock?
- What will Haaland’s goal tally be?
Memorable Moments
- 2013: Wigan shocks City in a last-minute winner
- 2024: Man United comeback seals 2-1 win over City
- 2025: To be written
“Wembley is where history breathes—it’s time to write the next chapter.”
The Stage Is Set for an Epic Clash
This isn’t just another match—it’s a footballing celebration of dreams vs dominance. For Crystal Palace, it’s a shot at their first major title. For Manchester City, it’s about restoration and reclaiming their throne.
May 17, 2025. Wembley. 4:30 PM. Be there or be tuned in. The FA Cup Final 2025 is set to define the season—and perhaps, redefine history.
Further Reading & External Links:
- FA Cup Final 2025 – Wembley Stadium
- BBC Match Coverage
- Official FA Announcement
- Crystal Palace Match Hub
- Manchester City Ticket Info
- Opta Stats
- FA Cup Final Wikipedia
