QPR stadium announced as venue for the FA Women's National League Cup Final 2026

The FA Women’s National League Cup is an annual competition open to the 72 teams in the WNL and 16 Professional Game Academies. This season, the competition saw a format change with all teams competing in a group stage before the 22 group winners, along with the 10 best runners-up, progressed to the Cup Knockout Stage. The remaining 12 runners-up with the 10 best third-placed teams entered the Plate Knockout Stage, with the Plate Final set to be hosted the day after the FA Women’s National League Cup Final, on Sunday 29th March.

This past weekend saw Plymouth Argyle beat Burnley 4-1 to become the first team to secure their place in this year’s FA Women’s National League Cup Final. Despite being a goal down to the current Northern Premier Division league leaders, Phoebie Poole and Tianna Teisar’s braces helped Plymouth Argyle emphatically overcome the deficit. The Greens will now face either West Bromwich Albion or AFC Bournemouth in the 34th edition of the Cup Final, where there is guaranteed to be a new name ingrained into the trophy at MATRADE Loftus Road on Saturday 28 March.

Nottingham Forest took the victory beating Stoke City 3-1 in last year’s FA Women’s National League Cup Final, held at Walsall FC’s Poundland Bescot Stadium. Former Stoke City turned Plymouth Argyle manager Marie Hourihan has reached a second consecutive Cup Final, giving herself a second bite of the cherry. This year’s Cup Final will showcase the most talented coaching staff and players within the Women’s National League and celebrate the two best teams of this year’s competition with a trophy at stake.

Sue Hough MBE, Chair of the FA Women’s National League Board said: “The FA Women’s National League Cup Final is always a monumental occasion where drama unfolds, talent rises, and seasons are defined. This year, we plan to create a memorable and inclusive fan experience to showcase everything the FA Women’s National League has to offer. These types of big fixtures help build the profile and shape the future direction of the league, and we are very excited to be hosting this year’s final at MATRADE Loftus Road. We thank Queens Park Rangers for all their help in making this possible.”

Christian Nourry, Queens Park Rangers CEO further commented: “We are delighted to have the backing of the Football Association to provide MATRADE Loftus Road as this year’s FA WNL Cup Final host stadium. We are very excited to be welcoming this year’s finalists to our stadium and helping contribute to fans memorable experience of the game.

“Our club has always been committed to creating moments for people in our local community to connect with and be inspired by.”

To decide the second finalist, West Bromwich Albion will be hosting AFC Bournemouth in the rescheduled semi-final at Alexander Stadium on 8th February 2026.

Tickets for the Final will go on sale once both finalists have been confirmed, with the ticket link to be shared on FA Women’s National League social channels.