The Football Association has officially confirmed that Darren England will referee the Emirates FA Cup Final 2026. The showpiece match is set for Saturday, 16 May 2026, with kick-off at 3:00 PM BST at Wembley Stadium.
This represents a major career milestone for the 40-year-old Premier League referee, who was born on 23 December 1985 and has risen steadily through the ranks.
Who is Darren England?
Darren England has been a Premier League referee since his promotion in August 2020. He became a FIFA-listed international referee in 2022 and is widely regarded as one of England’s most reliable and consistent officials.
He regularly features in high-profile Premier League fixtures, Carabao Cup matches, and FA Cup ties. England is known for his calm decision-making, fitness, and effective use of VAR — qualities that will be tested in football’s oldest domestic cup final.
FA Cup Final 2026: Chelsea vs Manchester City
The final pits Chelsea against Manchester City in what promises to be an exciting clash between two of English football’s biggest clubs. Both teams have shown strong form throughout the 2025/26 season, making this a mouth-watering encounter for fans.
Darren England will be supported by a full team of officials, including assistant referees and VAR, though the complete crew details are expected to follow soon.