Manchester City defeated Chelsea 1-0 to win the FA Cup final on May 16, 2026, with the only goal scored by Antoine Semenyo in the 72nd minute through a back-heeled finish [1, 2, 3]. The victory adds an FA Cup to Guardiola's collection of 20 major trophies won with Manchester City, including six Premier League titles, five League Cups, and the Champions League [4, 5, 6].
Pep Guardiola is expected to manage his final match for Manchester City on May 21, 2026, against Aston Villa before departing the club after 10 successful years [7, 8, 5, 6]. Guardiola reflected on his tenure, saying, "One of the biggest successes is the stability above me. Without that you don't have this success. It’s impossible" [2]. Midfielder Bernardo Silva praised Guardiola's impact, stating, "He changed the way I see football. Eighty percent of my career was with him as my manager" [2]. Defender John Stones also highlighted Guardiola's influence, calling it "That winning mentality is nothing like I've ever seen" [2].
Enzo Maresca, former Chelsea head coach, is the front-runner to replace Guardiola at Manchester City next season [9, 7, 8, 5]. Guardiola commented on Maresca, calling him "One of the best managers in the world" and noting the undervalued impact Maresca had at Chelsea [8].
Chelsea arrived at the FA Cup final amid turmoil, lacking a permanent manager and struggling through a difficult 2025-26 season, currently sitting ninth in the Premier League [3, 9]. Since the BlueCo ownership took over in 2022, Chelsea fired five managers, contributing to the instability [3, 2]. Calum McFarlane served as Chelsea’s interim head coach for the final, becoming the first Englishman to lead a team to the FA Cup final since 2020 [9]. Chelsea player Trevoh Chalobah urged his team to seize the moment ahead of the final, stating, "It's time for us to grab it with both hands and give it our all" [3].
Reports on May 19 confirmed Guardiola’s last game in charge will be the upcoming league fixture on May 21 against Aston Villa [7, 8, 5, 6]. Guardiola, when asked about his future at the club, said, "I am here, I have a contract," but all indications point to his departure after that final match [7].
