What Is 2016 FA Women's Cup Final

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 FA Women's Cup Final was held on May 14, 2016, at Wembley Stadium, where Arsenal defeated Chelsea 1-0 to win their 14th title. Katie McCabe scored the decisive goal in the 46th minute.

Key Facts

The match took place on May 14, 2016, at Wembley Stadium in London
Arsenal won 1-0 against Chelsea to claim their 14th Women's Cup title
Katie McCabe scored the winning goal in the 46th minute
Attendance was a record 30,710, the highest in the tournament's history
This was the first Women's Cup Final held at Wembley after a sponsorship rebrand

Overview

The 2016 FA Women's Cup Final marked a historic moment in English women's football, held on May 14, 2016, at Wembley Stadium. It was the first final of the competition to be played at the iconic venue following a rebranding from the FA Women's Cup to the Women's FA Cup.

Contested between Arsenal Ladies and Chelsea Ladies, the match delivered high drama and a record-breaking crowd. Arsenal emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, securing their 14th title in the tournament’s history and cementing their legacy as the most successful club in the competition.

Arsenal claimed their 14th Women's Cup title, extending their record as the most decorated team in the tournament’s history.
Katie McCabe scored the only goal of the match in the 46th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to drive the ball into the net.
The final was played in front of 30,710 spectators, setting a new attendance record for any Women's FA Cup Final.
This was the first final held at Wembley Stadium since the Football Association moved the game to the national stadium to boost visibility.
The match marked the debut of the newly rebranded Women's FA Cup, reflecting a broader push to professionalize and promote women’s football.

Key Match Details

The final showcased tactical discipline and high-level performances from both teams, with Arsenal edging out a strong Chelsea side. The match was notable for its intensity and the significance of the venue, symbolizing the growing stature of women’s football in England.

Final Score: Arsenal 1–0 Chelsea – a tightly contested match decided by a single goal.
Date: May 14, 2016 – a Saturday afternoon kick-off at 12:30 PM BST.
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London – first time hosting the Women's FA Cup Final.
Attendance: 30,710 – a record crowd for the competition, surpassing previous finals.
Man of the Match: Katie McCabe – recognized for her goal and relentless performance on the wing.
Referee: Helen Byrne – officiated her first Women's FA Cup Final at Wembley.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key aspects of the 2016 final with previous editions to highlight its significance.

Aspect	2016 Final	Previous Final (2015)	Historical Context
Venue	Wembley Stadium	Wembley Stadium	First final at Wembley since 2015; previously held at various grounds.
Attendance	30,710	24,582	Record crowd, up 25% from 2015.
Winning Team	Arsenal	Chelsea	Arsenal reclaimed the title after Chelsea won in 2015.
Score	1–0	1–0 (AET)	Both finals were decided by narrow margins.
Goal Scorer	Katie McCabe (46')	Eniola Aluko (60')	McCabe’s goal was the earliest final goal compared to Aluko’s in 2015.

The 2016 final distinguished itself not only through the venue and attendance but also in the symbolic shift toward greater investment in women’s football. By hosting the final at Wembley and broadcasting it widely, the FA signaled a commitment to elevating the women's game to equal prominence with the men's.

Why It Matters

The 2016 FA Women's Cup Final was a landmark moment for women's sports in the UK, demonstrating increased public interest and institutional support. It helped catalyze further growth in attendance, media coverage, and sponsorship for women’s football.

The match highlighted the rising popularity of women’s football, with record TV viewership on BT Sport.
Wembley hosting the final elevated the prestige of the women’s game to a national level.
Arsenal’s victory reinforced their status as a dominant force in English women’s football history.
The record attendance proved that women’s matches could draw large, engaged crowds.
It paved the way for future commercial investments and broadcasting deals in the Women's Super League.
The final served as a model for gender equality in sports event organization and promotion.

Overall, the 2016 FA Women's Cup Final was more than a sporting contest—it was a cultural milestone that advanced the visibility and legitimacy of women’s football in England and beyond.