How to watch FA Cup final 2026: FREE streams for Chelsea vs Man City | Tech Radar
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How to watch Chelsea vs Man City: Free Streams, TV channels for FA Cup Final 2026
Pep Guardiola's side have lost the past two FA Cup finals – but the Blues' recent record is even worse
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Watch the 2026 FA Cup Final free on BBC i Player (UK)
Chelsea vs Man City kick-off: Sat, May 16, 10am ET / 3pm BST
The Chelsea vs Man City live streams serve up a 2026 FA Cup Final that sees the Blues try to salvage silverware from a disastrous season, as Pep Guardiola's side aim to avoid becoming just the second club ever to lose three showpieces in a row – after Chelsea. Who else?
Chelsea's draw at Liverpool last weekend ended a run of six straight league defeats, but despite a marked improvement under Calum Mc Farlane, the West Londoners are still conceding early goals. With fans already deeply displeased and acutely aware of Chelsea's abysmal recent Wembley record and 13-game winless run against Man City, yet another slow start could prove terminal. Cole Palmer has started showing glimpses of his best form, though, and will be doubly determined to make his mark against his former club.
This is City's record fourth straight FA Cup final, but shock defeats by Crystal Palace and Man Utd in the past two editions of the fixture have somewhat taken the shine off. Erling Haaland is yet to score in nine previous cup final appearances for City, but with Jeremy Doku unplayable of late, that may not be a worry. Five goals and two assists in seven appearances hardly scratch the surface of his recent performances, the impish Belgian winger having put the team on his back and single-handedly torn opposition defenses to shreds.
Here's how to watch Chelsea vs Man City in the 2026 FA Cup Final from anywhere in the world.
The 2026 FA Cup final is free-to-air on BBC i Player and BBC One in the UK.
Traveling abroad right now? You can use a VPN to watch Chelsea vs Man City for free as if you were right at home.
Use a VPN to watch Chelsea vs Man City live streams
A VPN is handy piece of software that can make your device appear as if it's back in your home country, so you can unlock your usual service. The best VPN right now? We recommend Nord VPN – it does everything and comes with up to 75% off.
Not having a VPN is like leaving your front door wide open in a busy city – anyone can walk right in and take a peek.
Tech Radar regularly reviews all the biggest and best VPN providers and Nord VPN is our #1 choice.
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Get Nord VPN and stream the FA Cup Final 2026 from anywhere.
How to watch Chelsea vs Man City live streams in the USA
In the US, the FA Cup Final 2026 is being shown on ESPN2 and ESPN Select.
If you don't have ESPN2 on cable, it's available through Sling. The Sling TV Orange plan carries ESPN2, plus ESPN, TBS, TNT and the Disney Channel, with prices ranging from
A standalone ESPN Select subscription costs
Not in the US right now? Use Nord VPN to watch BBC i Player's free Chelsea vs Man City coverage.
How to watch Chelsea vs Man City live streams in the UK
In the UK, the FA Cup Final 2026 is free-to-air on BBC One and via the BBC i Player streaming service. Live coverage gets underway at 1.15pm BST.
Outside the UK? You’ll need to download a VPN, as detailed above, to tap into your free FA Cup final stream from abroad.
Chelsea vs Man City is also being shown on TNT Sports 1. You can get it by adding TNT Sports to your Sky, Virgin Media or EE TV package, or pay from £25.99 per month for an HBO Max plan that includes TNT Sports.
How to watch Chelsea vs Man City live streams in Canada
In Canada, Sportsnet is showing the FA Cup Final 2026, Chelsea vs Man City.
You can tune in via the Sportsnet World TV channel, or the Sportsnet Plus streaming service, which starts at $42.99 per month for FA Cup access.
Not in Canada? Use Nord VPN if you're away from home, in order to tap into your usual FA Cup coverage from anywhere.
How to watch Chelsea vs Man City live streams in Australia
Stan Sport is broadcasting the FA Cup Final 2026 in Australia.
Stan Sport costs AU
The FA Cup Final 2026, Chelsea vs Man City, kicks off at 3pm BST / 10am ET / 7am PT on Saturday, May 16.
When did Chelsea and Man City last win the FA Cup?
Eight-time winners Chelsea last reached the FA Cup final in 2022, when they were beaten on penalties by Liverpool after a goalless draw. Seven-time winners Man City in 2025, when they lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace.
The Blues have been beaten finalists on eight occasions; the Cityzens on seven.
Chelsea and Man City have contested 182 competitive games. Chelsea have won 71 of them, and Man City 69. 42 have ended all-square.
Can I watch the 2026 FA Cup final on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or via your phone's browser.
You can also stay up-to-date with all of the key 2026 FA Cup moments on the official social media channels on Instagram (@Emirates FACup), Facebook (@Emirates FACup) and You Tube (@the FACup).
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
Aatif is a freelance copywriter and journalist based in the UK. He’s written about technology, science and politics for publications including Gizmodo, The Independent, Trusted Reviews and Newsweek, but focuses on streaming at Future, an arrangement that combines two of his greatest passions: sport and penny-pinching.
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Key Takeaways
- News, deals, reviews, guides and more on the newest computing gadgets
- Start exploring exclusive deals, expert advice and more
- Unlock and manage exclusive Techradar member rewards
- Unlock instant access to exclusive member features
- Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards
