Brighton reach first Women's FA Cup final after dramatic Liverpool win in 2026

Brighton reached their first Women's FA Cup final with a 3-2 comeback victory over Liverpool, setting up a clash with Chelsea or Manchester City on May 31.

One victory away from history Brighton are just one match away from claiming their first major trophy. The men’s team have lifted lower-league titles and competed in the Premier League, even reaching the 1983 FA Cup final, but the women’s side has yet to add a significant prize to the club’s cabinets. That could change after Brighton secured a dramatic 3-2 extra-time win over Liverpool to book their place in the Women’s FA Cup final. Nadine Noordam’s composed finish in the 95th minute sealed the victory, leaving the Brighton squad one step from Wembley glory. ## Noordam’s dream becomes reality Substitute Nadine Noordam admitted she still can’t believe the moment after scoring the decisive goal. "I still can’t believe it. It feels like a dream," Noordam told BBC Radio 5 Live. "We go to Wembley. If I say it out loud, it sounds a bit crazy." Her late winner not only sent Brighton to their first ever Women’s FA Cup final but also set up a showdown with either Chelsea or Manchester City on May 31. The victory marked a historic achievement for a club making its first major final appearance. ## Liverpool lead fades in stunning comeback Brighton arrived at Liverpool’s St Helens stadium on a six-game unbeaten run and as favorites, but their Wembley dreams nearly vanished after falling 2-0 behind within 22 minutes. Manuela Vanegas pulled one back before halftime, and Madison Haley equalized after the break to restore parity. The Seagulls showed incredible resilience, dominating possession and creating chances in the second half. Former England defender Anita Asante praised their intensity, noting how they stuck to the task despite a difficult start. ## Manager senses destiny in the final moments Brighton’s boss Dario Vidosic revealed he felt victory was inevitable during a crucial free-kick in the dying seconds. "I didn’t even think about extra time, even though it was so close to it. It just felt like the momentum, how dominant we were, that the goal was bound to come," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. The set-piece proved decisive, with Noordam’s calm finish sealing a place at Wembley. Ex-England midfielder Fara Williams hailed the comeback as a testament to Brighton’s belief. ## From hunters to hunted in fine form The Liverpool victory was the latest in a string of impressive performances from Brighton this season. After a tough spell early in 2026, including the passing of Vidosic’s father Rado, the Seagulls have found their rhythm. They followed their FA Cup quarter-final win over Arsenal with a league victory against eventual champions Manchester City and earned draws against Manchester United and Arsenal. Brighton are now on a seven-game unbeaten run, with Vidosic suggesting they may now be the team others chase rather than the pursuer. ## Pressure mounts for final against elite rivals Brighton’s recent success has elevated their status in the WSL, but the manager acknowledged the challenge ahead. "They have had fantastic games against top teams this season. It will be very difficult, we saw what it was like in opening 10 minutes here against Liverpool," Williams noted. A win against Tottenham on the final day could see Brighton finish with 29 points, their highest total yet. Now, they face either Chelsea or Manchester City in the final, knowing the stakes couldn’t be higher. ## Brighton’s future shines beyond the pitch Brighton’s rise on the field is matched by progress off it, with the women’s team moving into the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre in 2021 following an £8.5m investment. The club recently unveiled plans for Europe’s first purpose-built women’s football stadium next to Amex Stadium, a £75m to 85m project with an initial capacity of 10,000. Zoe Johnson, managing director of women and girls’ football at Brighton, stated, "We hope this is just the start in England and in Europe. We want to be able to learn from clubs in America and to do even better for female athletes."