On Sunday, Brighton will feature in their first-ever Women's FA Cup final, facing Manchester City as they aim to secure the club’s maiden major trophy. Neither the men’s nor women’s teams have achieved such a feat before. It promises to be a historic day for the Seagulls, who will undoubtedly enter as underdogs, but there are many reasons to believe they can pull off a surprise at Wembley.

Brighton’s journey to the final has been remarkable. Their 2-1 victory over West Ham in February’s round of 16 came during a tough period both on and off the pitch. April’s 2-0 triumph over Arsenal in the quarter-final was a defining moment, not only because of the shock it caused but also for the confidence it inspired. The semi-final comeback win over Liverpool, where they overturned a 2-0 deficit, was equally unforgettable.

Now comes the ultimate test. Under the iconic Wembley arch on Sunday, Brighton will face Man City, newly crowned Women's Super League champions. Since Dario Vidosic took charge last season, encounters between the two have been closely contested, with all four meetings decided by just one goal. Watching how this one-off final unfolds will be fascinating.

While City are clear favourites, Brighton have several reasons to believe they can stun the champions. Here are six key ones…

Togetherness

This season has tested Brighton’s resilience like never before. In late January, tragic news arrived that Rado Vidosic, father of head coach Dario and Brighton’s head of women’s and girls’ coaching, had passed away. It was a huge emotional blow, particularly for Dario, who returned to Australia to be with his family. The team understandably struggled in the weeks that followed, managing just one win in five matches.

“It was an incredibly tough period for everyone — the players, the staff, especially with Dario away and us hearing about Rado’s passing,” said Maisie Symonds, Brighton’s 23-year-old captain. “Many of us adored Rado. We were playing well but missing out on results. We had to take each day as it came and stick together as a group.”

The Seagulls’ unity has been evident in recent months. They’ve lost only once in their last seven games, with that defeat coming on the final WSL day when nothing major was at stake. Having been through so much, the chance to play at Wembley feels like a reward for their perseverance. When adversity strikes in the final, they know they can rely on each other.

“I can’t think of a better way to honour Rado than by playing at Wembley the way he would have wanted,” said Symonds.

Recent success

Brighton’s form at the business end of the season has been outstanding. Their FA Cup quarter-final win over Arsenal was huge, while a 1-1 league draw against the Gunners later showcased their depth, as multiple changes to the starting XI did not disrupt their rhythm. However, the standout result came in late April when they beat Man City 3-2.

Had City won, they might have clinched the WSL title on home soil the following week against Liverpool. Instead, Brighton spoiled the party and briefly reopened the title race, even helping City later by holding Arsenal to a draw ten days after.

Brighton’s pressing and movement were exceptional in that victory, unsettling City’s defence and exposing spaces behind the full-backs. City goalkeeper Khiara Keating later highlighted Brighton’s pressing as one of their biggest strengths, while winger Lauren Hemp called them “a very hard team to beat.”

“They play great football, but also have a strong mentality,” Hemp added. “They’re tough in duels, very physical, and have some brilliant players — Fran Kirby being one. I’ve played with her for England and she’s massive for them.”

Though Sunday’s final will be a different contest, that April result gives Brighton genuine belief. City will have learned from their defeat, but the Seagulls know they can match them when it matters most.

Turning performances into results

Before their FA Cup quarter-final victory over Arsenal, Brighton had endured a mixed spell with just two wins in seven matches, including a loss to relegation-battling West Ham and a goalless draw with Liverpool. That win over Arsenal, however, proved a turning point.

“It’s all coming together — our playing style, the way we approach games, and the team culture,” Fran Kirby told the Argus after their subsequent win against Man City.

Symonds echoed the sentiment: “After the Arsenal game, it felt like we had momentum. The way we executed the plan gave us belief that we could beat anyone. The second half of the season became so exciting because we felt we had underperformed earlier, and that win changed everything.”

That confidence and rhythm have carried Brighton into the FA Cup final, giving them the conviction that they can overcome even the strongest opposition.

Difference-makers in attack

While Brighton’s squad may not boast the same star power as City’s, their players have been performing at a high level. Recruitment under Vidosic has been intelligent, ensuring every signing fits the system perfectly. This cohesion has allowed multiple players to flourish.

After Michelle Agyemang suffered an ACL injury in October, Kiko Seike stepped up impressively, scoring 11 goals in 25 matches. Madison Haley has been crucial in pressing and decision-making, while Fran Kirby’s class and Symonds’ leadership have added further quality.

Even those outside the starting XI have made significant contributions. Fuka Tsunoda, for instance, scored a superb goal in her second league start during a 1-1 draw with Arsenal, showcasing Brighton’s squad depth.

“Seven new players came in, and you could still see the same patterns and style,” Symonds explained. “That’s how Dario wants us to play — it’s become part of our culture.”

Defensive improvement

Vidosic’s attacking philosophy is well known, but his work on Brighton’s defence has been equally impressive. The team has conceded only 28 goals in 22 WSL games this season, a significant improvement from 41 last year.

At the back, experience and youth blend perfectly. Moeka Minami, who lifted the Asian Cup with Japan earlier this year, anchors the defence alongside 23-year-old Australian Charlize Rule. Behind them stands Chiamaka Nnadozie, arguably the best goalkeeper in the WSL this season. The 25-year-old Nigerian has shown maturity beyond her years and will be vital on Sunday.

Brighton may not have global stars like Khadija Shaw, Vivianne Miedema, or Alex Greenwood, but they possess players capable of defining the final at both ends of the pitch.

Fran Kirby’s leadership

Kirby’s influence on Brighton extends far beyond her goals and assists — though she has plenty of those too. She registered two assists in the win over Man City, two more in the Arsenal quarter-final, and contributed a goal and assist against West Ham earlier in the competition. Her leadership and composure have been just as vital.

Vidosic has repeatedly praised Kirby’s impact. “She helps us immensely — not just with her play, but with leadership, experience, and calmness,” he said earlier this year. “She sets the standard for others. When she’s missing, you can feel the difference.”

With many of Brighton’s players making their Wembley debut and experiencing their first major final, Kirby’s leadership will be crucial. Her guidance and game-changing ability could be the key if Brighton are to shock Man City once again.