Listen, if you’re trying to plan your weekend around the biggest game in English football, you’ve probably noticed a ton of conflicting info floating around. Some sites say one thing, your group chat says another, and the official announcements sometimes feel like they’re buried in a PDF from 1998.
But here’s the deal. The FA Cup Final 2025 date and time are officially locked in. It’s happening.
The match is set for Saturday, May 17, 2025. As for the kick-off? It’s scheduled for 4:30 PM BST.
Now, if you’re one of those people who still thinks it’s always a 3:00 PM kickoff because of "tradition," I hate to break it to you, but those days are mostly gone. TV broadcasters and local police usually have the final say, and they’ve landed on that late afternoon slot to maximize eyeballs while making sure things don't get too rowdy in North London.
Why the FA Cup Final 2025 date and time actually matters this year
This isn't just another game. The 2024-25 season has been a bit of a whirlwind. For the first time in ages, the FA decided to scrap replays from the first round proper onwards. People were furious. Fans of "little" clubs felt like the magic was being sucked out of the competition just to save a few days for the big Premier League teams.
Because of that change, the whole rhythm of the tournament felt different. There was no "second chance" at a rainy League Two stadium. It’s been win-or-go-home from the jump.
By the time we hit that May 17 date at Wembley, the tension is going to be through the roof.
The Wembley Schedule
- 12:00 PM: Turnstiles usually start creaking open.
- 3:00 PM: TV coverage begins on ITV1.
- 3:25 PM: BBC One joins the party (if you prefer Gary Lineker's puns).
- 4:30 PM: The actual whistle blows.
Honestly, the pre-match stuff is half the fun. You've got "Abide With Me," the royal handshakes, and that weirdly intense moment when the players walk past the trophy. If you’re watching from home, you’ll want to be settled on the sofa by at least 4:00 PM to catch the atmosphere.
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Who is actually playing?
After a chaotic set of semi-finals in April, the final showdown is a David vs. Goliath story that nobody really predicted at the start of the season. Crystal Palace are taking on Manchester City.
Yeah, you read that right.
Crystal Palace, led by Oliver Glasner, managed to scrape past Aston Villa in a semi-final that had everyone's heart rate in the triple digits. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City did what they do best—systematically dismantled Nottingham Forest to secure their spot.
It’s a fascinating matchup. City are the heavy favorites (obviously), but Palace have this weird "team of destiny" vibe this year. They’ve already played twice this season, drawing 2-2 at Selhurst Park and getting thrashed 5-2 at the Etihad. Wembley is a different beast, though.
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How to watch it without a ticket
If you aren't one of the lucky few with a seat at Wembley (or if you didn't want to pay the eye-watering hospitality prices), you're actually in luck. In the UK, the FA Cup Final is still a "protected" event. This means it has to be on free-to-air TV.
You have two main choices:
- BBC One / iPlayer: Classic, reliable, and usually features Alan Shearer sounding slightly annoyed about something.
- ITV1 / ITVX: Generally has a bit more "pizzazz" and often starts their coverage earlier.
If you’re outside the UK, check your local listings. In the US, it’s usually on ESPN+. In Australia, you’re looking at Optus Sport. Just remember the time difference. If it’s 4:30 PM in London, that’s 11:30 AM in New York. Don't wake up at 3:00 PM and wonder why the highlights are already on Twitter.
A quick note on tickets
If you’re still trying to get in, be careful. The official allocations go to the two clubs (Palace and City) and the "football family" (local counties and leagues). If you see a ticket on a random social media site for £500, it’s probably a scam. Or a very expensive way to get turned away at the gate. Stick to official channels or reputable hospitality partners like Seat Unique if you have the budget for it.
The "No Replays" Controversy
We sort of have to talk about this because it hangs over the FA Cup Final 2025 date and time like a dark cloud. The decision to axe replays was made to ease "fixture congestion."
The elite clubs complained they were playing too many games. The lower-league clubs complained they were losing out on vital ticket revenue from big away days.
What this means for the final is that there’s no "drawing for a replay." If it’s 1-1 at 90 minutes, we go to extra time. If it’s still level after 120 minutes, it’s the dreaded penalty shootout. There is no coming back to Wembley on a Tuesday night. It ends on May 17, one way or another.
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What you should do next
The clock is ticking. If you're planning a watch party or heading to London, here is your checklist:
- Double-check your streaming logins. There is nothing worse than realizing your ITVX password doesn't work at 4:29 PM.
- Book travel now. If you're heading to Wembley Park or Wembley Central, those trains are going to be a nightmare. National Rail usually has "planned engineering works" on the most inconvenient days, so check their site.
- Check the weather. It’s May in England. It could be 25 degrees and sunny, or it could be a literal monsoon. The Wembley roof doesn't cover the pitch, but it covers the seats—mostly.
- Set your alarms. If you're in a different time zone, triple-check the offset. 15:30 GMT is the magic number to work from.
This final feels like a turning point for the competition. Whether you love the new "streamlined" format or hate it, the trophy still weighs the same. On May 17, someone's going to be lifting it.