Match Officials: Darren England to referee Chelsea vs Manchester City (FA Cup Final) | OneFootball

The Football Association have announced the match officials to oversee this year’s FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester City.

Chelsea’s road to the 2026 Final has served as a vital lifeline to the Stamford Bridge club in an otherwise turbulent season, which recently saw the departure of head coach Liam Rosenior and the appointment of interim boss Calum McFarlane.

The Londoners have navigated a diverse set of challenges by securing victories against Charlton Athletic, Hull City, Wrexham, and Port Vale before meeting Leeds United at the semi-final stage.

In the last-four at Wembley, it was the club’s vice-captain Enzo Fernández who proved to be the hero, heading home from a Pedro Neto cross in the 23rd minute to secure a 1-0 win and book the Blues’ appearance in their 17th FA Cup Final seeking a ninth title.

As for Manchester City, they have become the first side to reach four consecutive FA Cup finals, as part of a relentless pursuit for a second domestic treble under Pep Guardiola. Their journey has featured wins over Exeter City, Salford City, Newcastle United, and Liverpool.

The semi-finals saw City face a spirited Southampton that took the lead through Finn Azaz. However, late strikes from Jeremy Doku and a long-range effort from Nico Gonzalez overturned the deficit.

And ahead of the meeting between Chelsea and Manchester City, the Football Association have now announced the list of match officials to oversee proceedings at Wembley Stadium!

Match Referee

The Football Association have handed the prestigious role of match referee for the 2026 FA Cup Final to Darren England of the Sheffield & Hallamshire FA, in what will be his 28th game across competitions this season.

The 40-year-old has overseen fixtures in the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and UEFA Europa League qualification, issuing a total of 115 yellow cards in his 27 outings so far, three second yellow card dismissals, and five penalties awarded.

Manchester City are among England’s most frequently officiated teams in his professional refereeing career, having come across Pep Guardiola’s side on 13 previous occasions across competitions, with the Sky Blues losing just one of those such fixtures and drawing one.

In games officiated by Darren England, City have received a total of 15 yellow cards, one straight red card, and received six penalties in their favour from the Doncaster-born match referee.

This season, England has officiated Manchester City four times – all of which have come in the Premier League; a 2-1 away defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, a 0-1 win at Brentford, a 0-3 win on the road at Crystal Palace, and a 2-2 home draw against Nottingham Forest.

Assistant Referees

Accompanying Darren England at Wembley Stadium this weekend on the pitch will be Tim Wood of the Gloucestershire FA, and Akil Howson of the Leicestershire & Rutland FA – appointed into the roles of assistant referees.

Standing as the match’s reserve assistant referee will be Steve Meredith of the Nottinghamshire FA.

Video Assistant Referees

Overseeing Chelsea against Manchester City from the VAR Hub this weekend will be Peter Bankes of the Liverpool FA in the role of Video Assistant Referee, with Nick Hopton of the Derbyshire FA as Assistant Video Assistant Referee.

Fourth Official

Standing between the two dugouts and managing proceedings between Chelsea’s Callum McFarlane and Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola will be fourth official Sam Barrott of the West Riding FA.