This Mother's Day, a sold-out Ashton Gate hosted another major event in women's sport - the League Cup Final, which kicked off at 2.15 pm live on BBC One and Sky Sport to a record-breaking crowd of 21,619 people.
Bristol has been chosen for yet another legendary moment in women's sport: the first final in domestic football of 2026. This is one of the most exciting occasions of women's pro football, and it's happening in Bristol - and I have front row tickets. Although, as a Gunner, I was miffed that Arsenal missed out on this meet-up, I was very excited to see Chelsea and Manchester United's sides up close, as they both have had such huge seasons. No matter the team, I will never pass up an opportunity to support women's football or see some of our beloved Lionesses up close.
The WSL has reported that this League Cup Final saw over a 70% increase in tickets sold in the opening 48 hours compared to previous years. The impact the Lionesses had last July, when England made history in becoming the first team to lift back-to-back European trophies in Switzerland, is not stopping.
Chelsea vs. Manchester United
From the outset, this match was going to be very interesting as both squads had a lot to prove, and both were playing with incomplete sides as all have lost key players to international duty in the Asia Cup, and injury. United had a difficult task from the first whistle as Chelsea had beaten them in the last 10/12 WSL meetings and United have never lifted the League Cup (the only teams to have lifted it are Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal).
Chelsea dominated the first 20 minutes with 76% possession. Despite this, United fought hard and tested Chelsea/England keeper Hannah Hampton throughout the match.
But ultimately, for the third time, Manchester United lost a domestic cup final to Chelsea, although they fought hard. The fact that United made it to the final is huge, as they beat out reigning 2024/2025 Champions League champions Arsenal in the semi-final. This victory is huge for Chelsea, who have faced significant criticism since falling behind in the Women's Super League table, bringing into question whether or not they will qualify for next season's Champions League. From the team that secured the domestic treble last season, Chelsea's position proves how much can change so fast in football.
Through the pouring rain in Bristol shone England's Lionesses. Lauren James scored the first goal 19 minutes into the final, and Aggie Beever-Jones secured Chelsea's victory in the second half.
In the stands, I was struck by the collision of cultures in women's football. Families flooded the stands, and we were surrounded by young girls hoping the players would come over and sign their shirts and programmes. Yet behind us, United and Chelsea fans were hurling chants at each other, bringing passion across football. For the first time in the WSL, alcoholic drinks are allowed into the seats of some of the stands, so there were a few incidents of people stumbling down steps. Yet people apologised if they accidentally swore in front of us, and everyone supported both teams despite their loyalty to their clubs. The atmosphere was one of politeness and respect, and my friend, who had only attended men's matches, was taken aback by this new atmosphere.
In the second half, the sun shone down, drying up the clogged pitch and soaked fans, although the conditions remained difficult. There was heartbreak for Chelsea defender Natalie Bjorn, who made her return to the field after a hamstring injury that kept her out of the game from December to February, but was helped off only five minutes later, sustaining a non-contact injury to her leg and leaving in tears. Chelsea rallied to finish the job, which they did with poise and precision.
After facing criticism for not dedicating enough resources to their women's team, Manchester United increased their squad value in the winter window by £700,000, reaching £2 million for the first time over the Christmas break. No other women's team has recorded such a drastic increase. This new investment was evident in the squad we saw in this final, although they could not score, United pushed Chelsea to produce their best performance in recent weeks.
This League Cup is the last time teams who have qualified for the UEFA Champions League will compete due to format changes, so this final is the last in which the very best teams from that Women's Super League (WSL) season will play.
What's next?
Under the WSL are two domestic treble trophies: the Women's Super League Trophy and the League Cup, the third in the treble being the FA Cup. See my article below that covers the 2025/2026 WSL season so far.
Rachael Fay
The team at the top of the WSL scoresheet then lifts the Women’s Super League trophy. This 2025/2026 WSL season ends the weekend of Friday, 21 May, but Manchester City will likely lift the trophy as they are 15 points ahead of Manchester United, who are sitting in second place as of the time of publication.
This was the first time United made it to the League Cup final - we can expect big things from the club in the future. Both Chelsea and Manchester United have a quick turnaround and are returning to the WSL on Wednesday, 18 March, playing Brighton and West Ham respectively.
Other big matches soon in 2026
International
The qualifiers for next year's World Cup, hosted by Brazil, are happening throughout March and April. For the Lionesses, the most exciting confrontation is the England vs Spain match, which Wembley is hosting on 14th April.
Later in the year, Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and AFC Women's Asian Cup will be taking place across March and April during the International break. For England, there are no knockout international matches scheduled for our Lionesses in 2026.
Club-level
The WSL season ends in May, although we can be confident Manchester City will win. After that, the biggest upcoming matches are the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals that will be taking place throughout March and April, with the first-leg fixtures:
- Wolfsburg vs OL Lyonesses @VfL Wolfsburg Arena, 24th March, 5.45 pm
- Arsenal vs Chelsea @the Emirates, 24th March, 8 pm
- Real Madrid vs Barcelona @Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano, 25th March, 6.45 pm
- Man Utd vs Bayern München @Old Trafford, 25th March, 8 pm
And the second leg fixtures:
- Bayern München vs Man Utd @Fußball Arena München, 1st April, 6.45 pm
- Chelsea vs Arsenal @Stamford Bridge, 1st April, 8 pm
- Barcelona vs Real Madrid @Camp Nou, 2nd April, 6.45 pm
- OL Lyonnes vs Wolfsburg @OL Stadium, 2nd April, 8 pm
These fixtures will be covered by Disney+ and some by the BBC. The Champions League Final is scheduled for 23rd May, held in Oslo. The new WSL season will kick off in September, with Manchester City being crowned WSL champions this season.
What an incredible start to domestic football in 2026 - where will Chelsea go next?
Featured image: Instagram / Chelsea FCW
