Manchester City confirm Rodri return for FA Cup final against Chelsea

Manchester City and Chelsea have confirmed their starting lineups for the FA Cup final at Wembley on 16 May 2026. Manchester City, chasing a second domestic trophy after winning the Carabao Cup earlier in the 2025-26 season, have fielded a near full-strength squad. This represents five changes from their previous 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace.

A key development for Manchester City is the return of Rodri to the starting lineup for the first time in five matches. The Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder, considered the club’s most influential player, had been ruled out of recent games. Pep Guardiola provided an update on Rodri’s condition the day prior, leaving his availability unknown until the final confirmation.

Manchester City’s starting lineup features James Trafford, Matheus Nunes, Abdukodir Khusanov, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Antoine Semenyo, Omar Marmoush, Jeremy Doku, and Erling Haaland. Gianluippo Donnarumma, Ruben Dias, Hugo Reijnders, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte, Mateo Kovacic, Rayan Cherki, Savinho, and Phil Foden are listed as substitutes.

Players dropping to the bench for Manchester City include Gianluippo Donnarumma, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Phil Foden, and Savinho. Josko Gvardiol is not in the Manchester City squad for this match, despite starting against Crystal Palace.

Chelsea are attempting to salvage their 2025-26 season, which has been characterised as a "train wreck," in this showpiece final. The FA Cup final remains a significant occasion at Wembley Stadium for both clubs.