Liverpool Women two wins away from FA Cup glory in 2026

Liverpool Women are two victories away from winning their first Women's FA Cup after overcoming tough challenges this season.

Current season struggles Liverpool's Women's Super League campaign did not go as planned, leaving the team in a difficult position. As they prepare to face Brighton in the Women's FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday at 12:15 BST, the Reds sit second from bottom in the WSL with just one match remaining. They have managed only four victories in 21 league games so far. Recent setbacks followed the summer appointment of Gareth Taylor, which led to recruitment complications after key players left the club. ## Late resurgence in the league All four of Liverpool's WSL wins came after the new year, following the arrival of several players in January. These additions helped the team climb away from relegation danger. With a revitalized squad, they now aim to reach their fourth Women's FA Cup final. Liverpool previously suffered three consecutive trophy final losses between 1994 and 1996, including their first as Knowsley United. Manager Taylor says the club wants to reward supporters by reaching Wembley. ## Players express ambitions and pride Top scorer Beata Olsson told the media: "It's an aspiration of the club. Playing for Liverpool, you always want to get titles. We've had a tough season in many ways, but this type of ending would be incredible. A lot of people talked about us as performing poorly and that we didn't really have what it takes. I can agree with that in parts, but now I don't hear so many people saying that. We really trusted ourselves and this would be a way to prove it even more." ## Season's early struggles Liverpool began the campaign poorly, collecting only two points from their first 10 WSL matches. The departure of key player Olivia Smith to Arsenal for a record £1m fee, along with vice-captain Taylor Hinds moving to the same club, left gaps in the squad. With Taylor appointed just four weeks before the season started, the club faced recruitment delays and made three deadline-day signings. Injuries to striker Sophie Roman Haug and midfielder Marie Hobinger further weakened their lineup. ## Tragedy and resilience The club also dealt with the sudden deaths of former manager Matt Beard and kit man Jonathan Humble, while men's team forward Diogo Jota passed away during the summer. Taylor explained: "It was difficult in the first part of the season. There's no doubts we encountered a lot on and off the pitch. The FA Cup run is something that's really inspiring for everyone because you don't always get rewards in football." Football isn't fair, life isn't fair — it doesn't work that way. But this group of players have behaved exceptionally well in the difficult moments. They have really stood together as a team and that is what has got us to this point." ## January arrivals spark revival The arrival of new players in January played a major role in Liverpool's turnaround. Midfielder Denise O'Sullivan has impressed since joining, making 11 appearances, while Alice Bergstrom scored three goals in her first three matches. On-loan goalkeeper Jennifer Falk, already popular with fans, started the memorable 3-2 victory over Everton in March. Taylor believes increased competition for places has lifted everyone's performances. ## Team mentality shift Denise O'Sullivan said: "The club has been through a rollercoaster season, with some tough times. I think bringing players in to add depth and strengthen the team has made an impact. Everyone's contributing to the success. The mentality of the team has changed. Every game we're going into now, we're looking to win and we're settling for nothing less." ## Potential trophy impact Liverpool last won a trophy four years ago, claiming the Women's Championship title in 2022. They have never won the Women's FA Cup despite winning back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014. O'Sullivan said: "It would mean a lot. It's an amazing club with a lot of history and I think Liverpool should be up there, winning trophies. That's what we want to do, so to be in a semi-final of the FA Cup is a credit to everyone who has got us there. We will give it everything." ## Dreaming of Wembley glory Beata Olsson believes playing cup finals at Wembley is where Liverpool belong. She added: "Looking at our season right now, and if we could end it in that way, it sends a really good signal for next year. We already have a good feeling that we can do so much more next year. But ending it like that would be a really cool thing." ## Brighton stand in the way On the other side of the draw, WSL powerhouse Chelsea face league champions Manchester City. Liverpool manager Gareth Taylor warns his team not to underestimate Brighton, who have gone six games unbeaten and gained strong momentum. Brighton earned impressive draws with Manchester United and Arsenal, beat Manchester City 3-2, and defeated Arsenal 2-0 in the FA Cup quarter-finals. Taylor said: "There's three teams alongside us who are all dreaming the same thing. Our form has been really good and our games against Brighton have been tight. We know we're really close. We are two games away from lifting a trophy."