Some fixtures carry weight beyond football. Chelsea vs Leeds at Wembley is one of them — a rivalry rooted in one of the most ferocious FA Cup finals ever played, and Sunday’s semifinal adds another chapter to a deeply personal story.

These two clubs contested the 1970 FA Cup final and subsequent replay, matches widely considered to be the dirtiest and most ferocious in English football history — eventually edged by Chelsea after extra time in the replay. Sports Illustrated Over half a century on, the stakes are just as high.

Chelsea vs Leeds Match Info at a Glance

Detail	Info
Match	Chelsea vs Leeds United
Competition	FA Cup Semi-Final
Date	Sunday, April 26, 2026
Kick-off	3:00 PM BST / 10:00 AM ET
Venue	Wembley Stadium, London
Referee	Jarred Gillett
VAR	Paul Howard

The Form Book Says It All

Chelsea enter this tie in crisis — seven defeats from eight games, five straight league losses without a goal, and interim head coach Calum McFarlane at the helm following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior. They have failed to score in six of their last seven matches, their worst goalless run since 1912.

Leeds, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last seven games, have lost just four times in 2026, and arrive at Wembley having secured their Premier League survival — free to play with confidence and no pressure. Sports Illustrated

Team News & Injuries

Chelsea are without Levi Colwill, Jamie Gittens, Filip Jörgensen, Reece James (captain), and Estêvão — who has been ruled out for the season with a hamstring injury. João Pedro and Cole Palmer are doubts but have returned to training, with the interim boss “hopeful” both will be available. Sports Illustrated

Leeds are without Ilia Gruev (meniscus, season over) and have doubts over Anton Stach, Sebastiaan Bornauw, and Jayden Bogle, all requiring late fitness assessments. Sports Illustrated

Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernández, Neto; Pedro

Leeds XI (3-4-2-1): Perri; Rodon, Bijol, Struijk; Justin, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Aaronson, Okafor; Calvert-Lewin

How to Watch Chelsea vs Leeds?

Country	Channel
United Kingdom	TNT Sports 1, HBO Max
United States	fuboTV, ESPN2, ESPN App
Canada	Sportsnet World, Sportsnet Plus
Mexico	TNT Sports, Max Mexico

Full FA Cup broadcast info available on the FA’s official website. Follow all match stats and updates on the Premier League official site.

For more FA Cup and football coverage, head to TechnoSports and our Football section.

Learn more about the FA Cup — the world’s oldest football cup competition — on Wikipedia.

Our Prediction

Chelsea may have the superior squad on paper, but momentum could drag Leeds to their first FA Cup final since 1973. Prediction: Chelsea 1–1 Leeds (Leeds win on penalties). Sports Illustrated

FAQs

Q: What time does Chelsea vs Leeds kick off on April 26, 2026?

The FA Cup semi-final kicks off at 3:00 PM BST / 10:00 AM ET on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at Wembley Stadium, London.

Q: Who is missing for Chelsea vs Leeds at Wembley?

Chelsea are without Reece James, Estêvão, Levi Colwill, Jamie Gittens, and Filip Jörgensen. Cole Palmer and João Pedro are doubts. Leeds miss Ilia Gruev for the season.