Southampton will look to extend their remarkable unbeaten run to 21 official matches when they face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium this weekend. The Saints have not lost in their last 20 official games across all competitions, a streak that has seen them rise from Championship underdogs to FA Cup semi-finalists.
The match, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2026, will spot Southampton grab on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side, which advanced to the semi-finals with a 4-0 victory over Liverpool in the quarter-finals. Southampton earned their place by defeating Arsenal 1-0 in a giant-killing performance that saw them become the only Championship team to reach this stage of the competition.
Central to Southampton’s recent success has been the performances of Japanese midfielder Matsuki Kusei, who has become a key figure in Russell Martin’s side since joining from FC Tokyo in the summer of 2023. The 23-year-old has featured prominently in Southampton’s unbeaten run, contributing with goals, assists, and tireless work-rate in midfield.
“He’s been outstanding for us,” Martin said in a pre-match press conference. “His energy, his intelligence on the ball, and his willingness to do the dirty work have been vital to what we’ve achieved. He embodies everything we’re trying to build at this club.”
Southampton’s unbeaten streak includes victories over Premier League opposition in the FA Cup, having beaten Coventry City and Arsenal en route to the semi-finals. Their run also encompasses Championship matches where they have secured automatic promotion to the Premier League for next season.
The semi-final represents a significant opportunity for Southampton to add silverware to what has already been a historic season. A victory would see them reach the FA Cup final for the first time since 1976, when they last appeared in the competition’s showpiece event.
Manchester City, meanwhile, are pursuing an unprecedented quadruple this season, having already won the Premier League and advanced in the Champions League. The Citizens have scored 108 goals in all competitions this season, averaging over three goals per game.
Despite the gulf in resources and recent form between the two sides, Southampton will take confidence from their defensive organization and ability to grind out results. They have kept 12 clean sheets in their last 20 matches, showing resilience that has become a hallmark of Martin’s tenure.
The match kicks off at 5:15 PM local time at Wembley Stadium (12:15 PM ET / 4:15 PM UTC). It will be broadcast live in the United States on ESPN and streamed internationally via various platforms depending on regional rights holders.
For Southampton, the semi-final presents a chance to validate their remarkable season with a trophy. For Matsuki Kusei, it represents an opportunity to showcase his talents on one of English football’s biggest stages against one of the world’s best teams.
The winner of this semi-final will face either Chelsea or Leeds United in the FA Cup final on Saturday, May 17, 2026, at Wembley Stadium. Chelsea advanced by defeating Port Vale 7-0 in the quarter-finals, while Leeds progressed after beating West Ham United in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.
As the countdown to kick-off continues, Southampton will aim to extend their unbeaten run to 21 matches and take one step closer to achieving what would be one of the greatest FA Cup runs in the club’s storied history.
What’s next for Southampton? The winner of this semi-final will advance to the FA Cup final on May 17. Share your predictions for the match in the comments below and let us know if you believe the Saints can continue their remarkable run.
