Free football on the BBC — it doesn’t happen as often as fans would like, so when it does, you take notice. The FA Cup semi-final between Manchester City and Southampton will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday 25 April 2026, with kick-off scheduled at 17 :15 BST from Wembley Stadium. No subscription, no paywall. Just switch on and watch.
Man City vs Southampton : what you need to know before kick-off
This isn’t just a routine cup tie. Manchester City are chasing history — a record-extending eighth consecutive FA Cup semi-final appearance, a run that no other club has ever achieved. They dispatched Liverpool 4-0 to earn their place at Wembley, which, frankly, sent a clear message to every remaining contender. City last lifted the trophy in the 2022-23 season, and they clearly haven’t lost their appetite for it.
Southampton’s story is arguably more compelling. The only non-Premier League side still standing, they knocked out Arsenal 2-1 to reach the last four. That result alone deserves respect. They haven’t appeared in an FA Cup final since 2003 — that’s 23 years of near-misses and early exits. This run feels different, and their supporters will arrive at Wembley with genuine belief rather than just hope.
Here’s a quick snapshot of both semi-finals this weekend :
| Match | Date | Kick-off (BST) | Broadcaster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Man City vs Southampton | Saturday 25 April | 17 :15 | BBC One / BBC iPlayer |
| Chelsea vs Leeds United | Sunday 26 April | 15 :00 | TBC |
The City vs Southampton clash is the standout free-to-air fixture of the weekend. On paper, City are heavy favourites. But Southampton beating Arsenal suggests this squad can raise their level dramatically when the occasion demands it. Don’t write them off before a ball is kicked.
The other semi-final : Chelsea and Leeds United complete the picture
The second Wembley showdown takes place on Sunday 26 April, when Chelsea face Leeds United with a 15 :00 BST kick-off. Both ties make up what promises to be a compelling FA Cup semi-final weekend.
Chelsea’s route here was brutally efficient — a 7-0 demolition of Port Vale, a League One side, in the previous round. That scoreline doesn’t tell you much about Chelsea’s ceiling, but it does confirm their attacking intent this season. Leeds, on the other hand, had to dig far deeper. Their semi-final place came via a penalty shootout against West Ham — nerve-shredding, but earned. Crucially, it’s the first time Leeds have reached the FA Cup last four in 39 years, since 1987. For their supporters, this is a moment that transcends tactics or form.
The contrast between the two ties is striking. City vs Southampton pits a dominant top-flight powerhouse against a lower-league giant killer. Chelsea vs Leeds is a heavyweight clash between two clubs with serious cup pedigree. Both matches deserve your full attention.
How to watch and listen : BBC coverage across every platform
Beyond the television broadcast, BBC Radio 5 Live will carry full radio commentary for both semi-finals. Local BBC radio stations will also provide coverage, which matters more than people realise — regional commentary teams often bring a level of passion and insight that national broadcasts occasionally lack.
For those who prefer text-based updates or can’t access a screen, the BBC Sport website will offer live text commentary, clips, and match analysis throughout both games. It’s a genuinely useful fallback, especially for the Saturday evening kick-off when commuters might be caught between home and wherever they’re watching.
To summarise exactly where you can follow the action :
- BBC One — live TV broadcast of Man City vs Southampton (25 April, 17 :15 BST)
- BBC iPlayer — simultaneous free streaming of the same match
- BBC Radio 5 Live — full audio commentary for both semi-finals
- Local BBC radio stations — regional coverage across the country
- BBC Sport website — live text, highlights clips, and match reports
The fact that Manchester City vs Southampton lands on free-to-air television is genuinely significant. The FA Cup has a long and proud history of being accessible to every fan, regardless of whether they pay for a streaming service. The BBC broadcasting this match upholds that tradition at a moment when so much football has disappeared behind subscription paywalls.
Why Southampton reaching Wembley matters beyond the result
Let’s be honest — most neutral supporters will be quietly backing Southampton on 25 April. There’s something worth celebrating about a side outside the Premier League competing at this level. Their victory over Arsenal wasn’t a fluke; it was a statement from a squad that clearly believes in what they’re building.
Southampton last played in an FA Cup final in 2003, losing 1-0 to Arsenal at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. A generation of their supporters has grown up without experiencing that occasion again. Reaching Wembley for a semi-final is already something — but for this club, the genuine target is the final itself.
Whether they can stop a Manchester City side that has made the last four eight years running is a different question entirely. City’s pedigree in this competition is unmatched in this era. But football doesn’t always follow the script, and Southampton have already torn up one or two this season. If you’re watching on BBC One on Saturday evening, expect at least one moment that makes you leave your seat.
