FA Cup Final 2026: Betfair and Midnite Reveal Why the Tournament Still Captivates Bettors Despite Skepticism

The FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City is just hours away, but the tournament’s legacy continues to spark debate. While some critics argue the competition has lost its charm, industry insiders from Betfair and Midnite insist the tournament’s magic remains alive and well for bettors.

In an exclusive Bookies Corner feature, James Mackie, Flutter Entertainment’s PR Executive at Betfair, and Ben Cullen, Midnite’s Head of Risk, shared insights into how the tournament continues to draw engagement despite skepticism.

James Mackie emphasized that the FA Cup’s value is still evident among Betfair punters, particularly during televised matches. He noted, “Yes, the FA Cup’s value is still appreciated by Betfair punters, especially televised matches. We see more engagement around fixtures where there are big cup upsets or matches that go to extra time that grab bettors’ attention.”

During the 2025/26 FA Cup, over £170 million was traded on the Betfair exchange, with 38 matches exceeding £1 million in trading volume. This underscores the tournament’s enduring appeal, even as some fans question its relevance.

Ben Cullen from Midnite added, “No, the FA Cup is still a major competition. In some of the earlier rounds, we have a much larger count of games. It provides a different sort of atmosphere too, with minnows facing up against major English sides looking to make their mark.” He highlighted the tournament’s unique ability to deliver underdog stories that captivate bettors.

Looking back at the season, Manchester City emerged as early favorites at 9/2, reflecting their dominance in recent years. However, Aston Villa attracted significant attention, capturing 23% of early betting money despite being priced at 19/1. Their early exit against Newcastle in the fourth round added to the tournament’s unpredictability.

Mismatched fixtures, such as Manchester City vs. Salford and Chelsea vs. Port Vale, also drew heavy trading volumes. James Mackie explained, “Generally, the smaller teams taking on the big dogs in English football does provide interest, and shorter prices can attract more money and speculation on the winning margin.” For instance, Mansfield’s run to the fifth round, including a £5.5 million match against Arsenal, showcased the tournament’s ability to defy expectations.

The standout moment of the season was Macclesfield’s 15/1 victory over Crystal Palace, a giant killing that captivated bettors. Midnite had Macclesfield priced at 7/1 to win the tie and 11/1 to win in the 90th minute. Other notable upsets included Southampton’s elimination of Arsenal and Port Vale’s win over Sunderland.

As the final approaches, Manchester City leads the betting at 4/5, with 71% of trading volume backing them to win their eighth FA Cup. Chelsea, priced at 7/2, remains the underdog. Ben Cullen noted, “It’s very much a favourites game with the punters massively favouring Manchester City.” Meanwhile, Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer are key players to watch, with Haaland’s form in the Premier League and Palmer’s quiet season adding intrigue.

Beyond the final, the Premier League remains a battleground, with Arsenal currently favored to lift the trophy. However, Manchester City’s depth and quality suggest they could challenge until the final whistle.