History was written, as Brighton & Hove Albion punched their ticket to the Women’s FA Cup Final for the first time in the club's history. In a match that will be talked about for generations on the South Coast, the Seagulls overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat Liverpool in a breathtaking 3–2 thriller.
The winner, arriving in the 95th minute, sparked scenes of unbridled joy at Prenton Park, ending a decade-long wait for the club to reach the showpiece event at Wembley.
The Match: A Comeback for the Ages
Liverpool appeared to have one foot in the final after a dominant first half. The Reds raced into a 2–0 lead before the break, capitalizing on set-pieces and clinical finishing that left Brighton stunned.
However, the second half saw a tactical masterclass from Dario Vidošić. Brighton emerged with a completely different intensity, chipping away at the lead until the game was balanced on a knife-edge heading into stoppage time.
The Hero: With the clock ticking toward extra time, Nadine Noordam etched her name into Brighton folklore. In the 95th minute, she met a whipped-in cross at the back post to fire home the winner, completing one of the most famous comebacks in the tournament's history.
Tactical Shift: Vidošić’s decision to move Fran Kirby into a more central role in the second half proved inspired, as she played a part in all three goals to orchestrate the turnaround.Road to the Final: The Giant Killers
Brighton’s journey to the 2026 final has been anything but easy. This isn't just a "lucky" run; they have systematically dismantled some of the biggest names in the English game:
Quarter-Final: Stunned 14-time winners Arsenal with a 2–0 victory.
Fifth Round: Navigated a tricky away tie against West Ham.Semi-Final: Overcame a two-goal deficit against Liverpool.
Match Facts & Stats
| Category | Liverpool | Brighton |
| Final Score | 2 | 3 |
| Match-Winner | - | Nadine Noordam (95') |
| Venue | Prenton Park | - |
| Next Stop | - | Wembley Stadium |
The Final Challenge: Wembley Awaits
Brighton’s first-ever FA Cup Final appearance will take place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
Regardless of who they face, Brighton will enter the final as the ultimate underdog—a role they have clearly embraced throughout this historic campaign.
A New Chapter
For a club that reached the semi-finals back in 1976 and hasn't been back to this stage since, today’s victory is a testament to the massive investment and growth of Brighton’s women’s program. The "Seagulls" aren't just making up the numbers anymore; they are officially a force to be feared.