FA Cup Semi-Finalists: A Look Back at the 2020s Journeys
The FA Cup semi-finals are always a highlight of the English football calendar, bringing together the nation's top clubs and often a few unexpected contenders. Since the 2019-20 season, which saw its thrilling conclusion in the summer of 2020, a total of 14 unique teams have battled their way to the iconic Wembley Stadium for a shot at glory. It's a testament to the enduring magic and unpredictability of this historic competition.
This period has been marked by both established giants consistently reaching the latter stages and smaller clubs defying expectations, creating memorable moments for fans worldwide. The journey to the semi-finals often involves dramatic upsets, nail-biting penalty shootouts, and stunning individual performances, all contributing to the rich tapestry of the FA Cup.
The Road to Wembley: Season by Season
Looking back at the semi-finalists from the 2019-20 season through to the recently concluded 2025-26 campaign, we see a fascinating mix of Premier League powerhouses and lower-league dreamers. The competition's format ensures that every team, regardless of their league standing, has a chance to make a deep run, and the 2020s have certainly delivered on that promise. Each season brings its own narrative, from dominant performances by eventual winners to heroic efforts by teams punching above their weight.
2019-20 Season
This season, uniquely impacted by the global pandemic, saw its semi-finals played in July 2020. The final four featured a clash of titans, setting the tone for the competitive years to come. The teams that reached this stage were:
- Arsenal
- Chelsea
- Manchester United
- Manchester City
Arsenal ultimately lifted the trophy after a compelling final, showcasing their FA Cup pedigree.
2020-21 Season
The following season continued to deliver drama, with some familiar faces returning and new challengers emerging. The semi-final line-up highlighted the depth of talent across the English leagues:
- Chelsea
- Leicester City
- Manchester City
- Southampton
Leicester City went on to win their first-ever FA Cup, a truly historic moment for the club and its supporters.
2021-22 Season
Another year, another set of intense battles leading to the penultimate stage. This season saw a strong showing from Premier League teams, but the spirit of the FA Cup remained evident in every tie:
- Chelsea
- Crystal Palace
- Liverpool
- Manchester City
Liverpool ultimately triumphed in a thrilling final against Chelsea, adding another major trophy to their cabinet.
2022-23 Season
The 2022-23 campaign featured some thrilling encounters and saw both established clubs and ambitious newcomers make their mark in the semi-finals. The mix of teams demonstrated the competitive nature of English football:
- Brighton & Hove Albion
- Manchester City
- Manchester United
- Sheffield United
Manchester City secured the trophy, cementing their dominance in English football that season.
2023-24 Season
This season was particularly memorable for its 'giant-killing' stories and the surprise appearances in the semi-finals. It underscored how the FA Cup provides a unique platform for teams from all divisions:
- Coventry City
- Manchester City
- Manchester United
- Chelsea
Manchester United emerged victorious in a hard-fought final, adding another FA Cup to their illustrious history.
2024-25 Season
As the decade progressed, the FA Cup continued to captivate audiences with its blend of tradition and modern footballing drama. The semi-finalists for this season included some teams keen to make a statement:
- Everton
- Manchester City
- Chelsea
- Manchester United
This season saw Manchester City once again lift the coveted trophy, showcasing their consistent high performance.
2025-26 Season
The most recent season, concluding just before this retrospective, offered its own share of excitement on the road to Wembley. The semi-finals featured a compelling line-up that reflected the evolving landscape of English football:
- Fulham
- Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Arsenal
- Liverpool
Arsenal claimed the FA Cup title, marking a strong end to the competition for the club.
A Decade of FA Cup Drama
The period from 2020 to 2026 has been a vibrant chapter in FA Cup history, delivering countless memorable moments and showcasing the best of English football. The diverse set of teams reaching the semi-finals highlights the competition's unique appeal, where upsets are always a possibility and dreams can come true for clubs of all sizes. It's clear that the magic of the FA Cup remains as strong as ever, promising more thrilling encounters in the years to come.
Key Takeaways:
- A total of 14 unique teams reached the FA Cup semi-finals between the 2019-20 and 2025-26 seasons.
- Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool have been frequent contenders in the semi-finals.
- Clubs like Leicester City, Brighton, Sheffield United, Coventry City, Southampton, Crystal Palace, Everton, Fulham, and Wolverhampton Wanderers also made significant runs, showcasing the competition's unpredictability.
- The FA Cup continues to provide a platform for both established giants and underdog stories.
- Each season brought its own unique drama, demonstrating the enduring appeal of England's oldest cup competition.
— Editorial Team
