2026 Adobe Women's FA Cup final: Why was Wembley pitch covered in black lines for Manchester City's showdown with Brighton

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Brighton & Hove Albion took part in their first Adobe Women's FA Cup final on Sunday as they faced Women's Super League champions Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.

Shaw heads Man City ahead in FA Cup final

Video credit: TNT Sports

The Seagulls got the better of both Arsenal and Liverpool to book a trip to Wembley, coming from two goals down to beat The Reds 3-2 to set up a meeting with Manchester City.

Their appearance in the domestic cup showpiece marks what has been a significant upturn in fortunes for a Brighton side who finished the Women's Super League campaign in seventh place.

The south coast side beat City in the league in April as a Madison Haley brace combined with a Kiko Seike second-half strike saw Brighton claim a 3-2 home victory.

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However, Sunday's final was a far tougher proposition as Brighton sought to get the better of a City side in search of their fourth FA Cup success.

And confidence was high in the City ranks after Women's Super League Golden Boot winner Bunny Shaw, who put the champions ahead shortly before the break, put pen to paper on a new deal despite reports of a potential summer exit.

Fans, though, will have noticed a series of black lines across the Wembley pitch for Sunday's clash.

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Video credit: TNT Sports

A total of four black lines from touchline to touchline were spotted across the turf prior to kick-off.

That is because it proved a busy weekend at Wembley Stadium, which hosted the Challenge Cup final in rugby league on Saturday afternoon.

Wigan Warriors breezed past Hull KR 40-10 in the capital as The Riversiders lifted the trophy for the 22nd time in their history.

Unfortunately, there was not enough time to change the turf for Sunday's game, with Wembley ground-staff forced to do everything in their power to ensure the lines were covered as best as possible.

Not only were black lines clearly visible, but the faint outline of the Betfred logo, the betting company that sponsors the Challenge Cup, could also be seen by eagle-eyed viewers.

The pitch did not disturb Man City who clinch a historic domestic double after sealing an emphatic 4-0 win over Brighton on Sunday.

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Adobe Women's FA Cup