Manchester City are aiming to complete a domestic double when they face Brighton & Hove Albion in the 2026 Women’s FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. City already secured the Women’s Super League title this season and are now targeting more silverware under head coach Andrée Jeglertz.
The last time Manchester City lifted the Women’s FA Cup was in 2017, while their most recent final appearance came in 2022. Brighton, meanwhile, are preparing for the biggest match in the club’s history. The Seagulls have reached their first-ever Women’s FA Cup Final and are chasing the first major trophy in the women’s team’s history.
This preview includes everything you need to know ahead of kick-off, including team news, predicted lineups, tactical analysis, previous meetings, prediction and where to watch the Women’s FA Cup Final live.
Match Preview Quick Info:
- 🗓 Date: May 31, 2026
- 🏟 Stadium: Wembley Stadium
- ⏰ Kick-off: 16:00 CEST
- 📺 Watch: Viaplay, TNT Sports, HBO Max, BBC One
Brighton vs. Manchester City Preview: Team News & Possible Lineups
Brighton & Hove Albion Women and Manchester City Women lineups are based on recent matches, injury updates and tactical adjustments leading into the final.
Team News Brighton & Hove Albion
Head coach Dario Vidošić has not confirmed yet if there are any fresh injury concerns ahead of the Women’s FA Cup Final.
Brighton have enjoyed an impressive campaign and enter the final with growing confidence after strong performances against several top Women’s Super League sides this season.
What the coach had to say
Veteran forward Fran Kirby, who recently won Brighton Women’s Player of the Season, emphasized the mentality required for a cup final.
“We have confidence, but the FA Cup is one game. It’s just one game. Form doesn’t matter. What you’ve done this season doesn’t matter. How you’ve played individually or as a team doesn’t matter. It’s a one-day occasion. And we’re going to go there and we’re going to give absolutely everything we can to win that trophy,” said Kirby.
Team News Manchester City
Women’s Super League champions Manchester City W.F.C. booked their place in the final after defeating Chelsea F.C. Women 3-2 in the semi-finals.
There was positive news for City after Vivianne Miedema returned during the final Women’s Super League fixture against West Ham United F.C. Women. However, Sam Coffey remains unavailable after undergoing minor knee surgery and has already started rehabilitation ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Defender Rebecca Knaak also remains a doubt heading into Wembley.
What the coach had to say
Andrée Jeglertz is expected to address the media later this week as Manchester City prepare for their latest opportunity to add another major trophy to an already successful campaign.
Tactical Preview
Brighton and Manchester City arrive at Wembley with two very different tactical identities. Brighton have impressed this season with their aggressive pressing, vertical transitions and ability to attack quickly through wide areas, while Manchester City have dominated possession throughout the campaign with patient build-up play and positional rotations in midfield.
Manchester City are expected to control most of the ball in a 4-2-3-1 shape, with Yui Hasegawa dictating the tempo from deep and allowing attacking players to operate between the lines. City’s wide attackers, especially Lauren Hemp and Aoba Fujino, will look to isolate Brighton’s full-backs in one-versus-one situations and create crossing opportunities for Khadija Shaw.
Brighton’s biggest threat will likely come in transition. Madison Haley’s movement behind the defensive line and Kiko Seike’s direct running could cause problems if City commit too many players forward. Fran Kirby’s experience in central areas will also be crucial when Brighton attempt to break City’s press quickly.
One of the key battles may come in midfield. If Brighton can disrupt Hasegawa’s rhythm and force turnovers in central areas, they could create dangerous counterattacking situations before City reset defensively.
Defensively, Brighton may spend long periods in a compact mid-block and attempt to frustrate City before breaking quickly into open space. Manchester City, however, have consistently shown throughout the season they can break down organized defenses through width, movement and overloads in advanced areas.
The pressure and atmosphere of Wembley Stadium could also play a significant role. Brighton enter the final with freedom and momentum, while Manchester City carry the experience advantage in major domestic finals.
Brighton vs. Manchester City Lineups
Predicted Brighton & Hove Albion Women Lineups (updated prior to the match)
Brighton & Hove Albion (4-4-2)
Baggaley
Mpomé – Hayes – Minami – Vanegas
Seike – Symonds – Canković – Olislagers
Kirby – Haley
Predicted Manchester City Women Lineups (updated prior to the match)
Manchester City (4-2-3-1)
Cumings
Ouhabi – Greenwood – Rose – Beney
Hasegawa – Blindkilde
Hemp – Fujino – Fowler
Shaw
Brighton vs. Manchester City: Previous Meetings & Stats
Manchester City and Brighton first met in the Women’s Super League in 2018, with City recording a dominant 6-0 victory. Historically, Manchester City have enjoyed success in this fixture, including emphatic wins such as 7-1 in January 2021 and 7-2 in April 2022.
However, Brighton have become far more competitive in recent seasons. The Seagulls secured their first-ever victory over Manchester City in November 2023 and also claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory earlier this season.
That recent result will give Brighton confidence ahead of their first Women’s FA Cup Final appearance.
Players to Watch
- Madison Haley
- Jade Rose
- Kiko Seike
- Aoba Fujino
Brighton vs. Manchester City Prediction
Brighton have shown throughout the season they can compete with the Women’s Super League’s strongest sides, especially in transition. However, Manchester City’s experience, squad depth and attacking quality could prove decisive at Wembley Stadium.
Prediction: Brighton 1-3 Manchester City
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Women’s FA Cup Final Brighton vs. Manchester City?
You can watch Brighton vs. Manchester City live on BBC One, TNT Sports, Viaplay and HBO Max depending on your region. If you’re considering to use a VPN service: We recommend NordVPN, it isn’t free, but it’s safe and cheaper than juggling multiple subscriptions that may still only cover part of the schedule.
When was the last meeting between Brighton vs. Manchester City?
The last meeting between the two sides came in April 2026, when Brighton secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the Women’s Super League.
Goals from Madison Haley and Kiko Seike helped Brighton secure the win, while goals from Khadija Shaw and Kerolin were not enough for City.
What time is Brighton vs. Manchester City kick-off?
Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 CEST on May 31, 2026 at Wembley Stadium in London.
Which club has won the most Women’s FA Cups?
Arsenal Women are the most successful club in Women’s FA Cup history with 14 titles.
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