Southampton pulling off a 2-1 win against Arsenal to reach the FA Cup semi-finals ? That result alone makes this last-four clash against Manchester City one of the most compelling matchups of the season. BBC One will broadcast the Man City vs Southampton FA Cup semi-final live, giving every football fan in the country free access to Wembley on Saturday 25 April.
Free live coverage on BBC One and iPlayer
Mark the date. Kick-off is scheduled for 17 :15 BST on Saturday 25 April, with the match taking place at the iconic Wembley Stadium. BBC One will carry the full live broadcast, and BBC iPlayer will stream every minute for those watching on a device. No subscription, no paywall — just free football at its best.
For listeners, BBC Radio 5 Live will provide complete radio commentary across both semi-finals, alongside local BBC radio stations. The BBC Sport website will also run live text commentary and video clips throughout the day, so you can follow every tackle and half-chance even if you’re on the move.
The second semi-final is also worth noting. Chelsea face Leeds United on Sunday 26 April, with kick-off set for 15 :00 BST. That match will complete the final four picture, and the same comprehensive BBC coverage model applies — radio, online clips, and live text available across platforms.
| Match | Date | Kick-off (BST) | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Man City vs Southampton | Saturday 25 April | 17 :15 | BBC One / iPlayer |
| Chelsea vs Leeds United | Sunday 26 April | 15 :00 | TBC |
Man City’s record run and Southampton’s fairytale charge
Manchester City arrive at Wembley with a stat that frankly deserves more attention : this is their eighth consecutive FA Cup semi-final, a record that no other club in the competition’s history has matched. They got here by dismantling Liverpool 4-0 — a statement performance that reminded everyone why City remain the benchmark in English football. Their last FA Cup triumph came in the 2022-23 season, and Pep Guardiola’s side will be hungry to add to their seven titles.
Southampton’s story, though, is the one capturing the imagination. The Saints — currently competing outside the Premier League — are the only non-top-flight club remaining in this year’s competition. Beating Arsenal 2-1 to get here was no fluke. It was a disciplined, determined performance that showed real tactical conviction. Their last FA Cup final appearance dates back to 2003, over two decades ago. Everything about this run feels significant for the club and its supporters.
Frankly, Southampton’s presence at this stage is what makes the FA Cup special. Any given match, any given result. City are heavy favourites — that much is obvious — but written off Southampton at your peril.
The other semi-final : Leeds’ historic return and Chelsea’s demolition job
Leeds United’s path to Wembley deserves its own spotlight. The Yorkshire club has not reached an FA Cup semi-final in 39 years. They ended that drought by defeating West Ham United on penalties — a nerve-shredding route that encapsulates everything dramatic about cup football. For a club that has spent years trying to rediscover its identity, this run carries genuine emotional weight.
Chelsea, by contrast, arrived at this stage via a very different route. Their 7-0 thrashing of League One side Port Vale left little room for debate about their clinical edge this season. That scoreline sends a message. The Blues look organised, sharp, and entirely capable of going all the way.
Here’s a quick look at how each semi-finalist reached Wembley :
- Manchester City — beat Liverpool 4-0
- Southampton — beat Arsenal 2-1
- Leeds United — beat West Ham United on penalties
- Chelsea — beat Port Vale 7-0
Four very different stories. Four clubs with very different ambitions. That contrast is precisely what gives these semi-finals their edge.
Why watching on BBC matters more than you think
There’s a broader point here that goes beyond just flipping on the TV. Free-to-air FA Cup coverage on BBC One is one of the last remaining traditions that connects football with fans who can’t afford expensive subscriptions. When a match of this magnitude — a seven-time champion against a non-Premier League underdog — lands on free television, it becomes a shared cultural moment.
The FA Cup has a habit of producing moments that live long in the memory. Southampton reaching the final would be one of the great upsets of modern cup football. City winning a record-extending eighth consecutive semi-final and potentially their eighth title overall would cement a dynasty. Either outcome deserves the widest possible audience, and the BBC provides exactly that.
Set your reminder for 17 :15 BST on Saturday. BBC One and BBC iPlayer will carry the full broadcast — no excuses for missing it. And if you can’t be in front of a screen, BBC Radio 5 Live has you covered with live commentary from the first whistle to the last. This is the FA Cup at its most dramatic, and it’s all free.
