Visible rugby lines and faint advertising markings remained on the Wembley Stadium pitch during the Women's FA Cup final on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
Ground staff lacked sufficient time to relay the surface after a rugby league tournament.
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The scheduling conflict arose because Wigan Warriors played Hull KR at the north London venue for the Challenge Cup title just prior to the soccer showpiece.
The Challenge Cup final has been a traditional fixture at Wembley since 1929, while the women's domestic soccer finale has called the stadium home since 2015.
According to the Independent, stadium staff managed the pitch conditions without a full surface replacement. The grid markings remained visible for the soccer match.
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The situation forced players from both Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion to navigate the dual lines during the final match of the women's domestic season.
The match features first-time finalists Brighton against Women's Super League champions Manchester City.
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Manchester City is pursuing its fourth overall title in the competition, having last won the tournament in 2020.
