Just eight remain in the 2025–26 FA Cup, with a Wembley day out the reward for those who advance from this weekend’s quarterfinals.
Performing under the iconic arch will doubtless mean more to a select few who are still left in the competition than others, including English Football League (EFL) outfits Southampton and Port Vale. They’ve stunned Premier League opposition to get this far, but their biggest tests await.
Moreover, West Ham United and Leeds United have each found solace in this competition amid tough league campaigns, but only one can progress into the final four.
Another potentially magical weekend is in store, and here is how Sports Illustrated expects the action will pan out.
Manchester City vs. Liverpool
Date: Saturday, April 4
Time: 12:45 p.m. BST / 7:45 a.m. ET / 4:45 a.m. PT
Manchester City rode into the first international break of 2026 with wide grins, having cruised past Premier League leaders Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final.
Whether their triumph reignites the title race will be revealed in due course, but the Cityzens can now target a domestic cup double. Pep Guardiola’s men advanced into the last eight via an impressive victory at St. James’ Park, and now they’re facing a Liverpool team that continues to underwhelm in Arne Slot’s second season in charge.
A beatdown of Galatasaray proved to be no more than a false dawn for the Reds, who were defeated by Brighton & Hove Albion before the break. Slot’s men appear beleaguered and bereft of assurance, but they did win at the Etihad last season.
That triumph, however, came amid an impressive title triumph. This muddled iteration of the champions were battered in Manchester last November and are likely to taste defeat again this weekend.
Prediction: Man City 3–1 Liverpool
Chelsea vs. Port Vale
Date: Saturday, April 4
Time: 5:15 p.m. BST / 12:15 p.m. ET / 9:15 a.m. PT
The fifth round certainly wasn’t shy of upsets, and none were bigger than Port Vale’s slaying of Sunderland.
The Black Cats have enjoyed a steady return to the top flight, and will retain their Premier League status, but they were no match for League One’s slumping bottom dwellers.
Port Vale’s reward for their fifth round success is a trip to Stamford Bridge, and Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea, in their current state, appear primed for a giant-killing. However, the Blues, since losing 4–2 at home to Bradford City during José Mourinho’s second stint, don’t tend to succumb to EFL opposition.
It’ll take something special from the visitors to pull this off, even if the hosts are vulnerable.
Prediction: Chelsea 3–0 Port Vale
Southampton vs. Arsenal
Date: Saturday, April 4
Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
It was meant to be Arsenal’s cup final, but Mikel Arteta’s Gunners refused to show up at Wembley. Their 2–0 defeat to the Cityzens was a gut punch, and the international break certainly arrived at an optimal moment.
While a litany of players are dealing with niggles and knocks, the majority have seemingly avoided notable injuries and likely to be available for Saturday’s cup tie on the south coast.
Arsenal struggled their way past Mansfield Town in the fifth round, and Tonda Eckert’s Saints are set to prove a tricky test at St. Mary’s. They’re currently on a 14-game unbeaten run, with Eckert’s impressive outfit confidently strolling past Fulham in the previous round.
Championship leaders Coventry City have also felt the wrath of their resurgence, and Saturday’s hosts may well fancy their chances of making a swift Premier League return via the playoffs.
Prediction: Southampton 1–2 Arsenal
West Ham United vs. Leeds United
Date: Sunday, April 4
Time: 4:30 p.m. BST / 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT
Much of the action is to be enjoyed on Saturday, but the quarterfinals conclude in a prime time slot on Sunday afternoon.
West Ham United meet Leeds United on the final day of the Premier League season in what could prove to be a relegation shootout. Both sets of supporters will hope it doesn’t come to that, but their troubled domestic campaigns have placed great importance on this FA Cup quarterfinal.
Trips to Wembley have hardly been frequent for either club, with West Ham last winning this competition in 1980 and one-time victors Leeds doing so in 1972. They’ll likely have to bypass stern opposition to win it all, but a FA Cup semifinal will be cherished.
While Daniel Farke’s men cruised past Norwich City to reach this stage, the Hammers went the distance with Brentford and prevailed on penalties.
Prediction: West Ham 2–1 Leeds