The Carabao Cup first round draw for the 2026‑27 season has been made, and 70 clubs now know their opening opponents. But for many fans, the competition remains a blur of midweek fixtures, early‑round upsets and a trophy that often feels like a consolation prize. Here is everything you need to know about England's secondary cup competition, from its structure to its significance.
The Carabao Cup is the current name for the English Football League Cup, a knockout tournament open to all 92 clubs in the Premier League and the English Football League (the Championship, League One and League Two). It has been sponsored by the Thai energy drink company Carabao since 2017; previously it was known as the EFL Cup, the Capital One Cup, the Milk Cup and others. The competition consists of seven rounds: the first two rounds involve teams from the lower divisions, then Premier League clubs enter in the second or third round depending on whether they are playing in European competitions that season. Ties are single‑leg until the semi‑finals, which are played over two legs. The final is held at Wembley Stadium in February or March.
“A guide to England's secondary cup competition.”
The tournament was first played in 1960–61 as the Football League Cup, created to give English clubs a second domestic trophy and to provide a mid‑season fixture for floodlit matches. It has traditionally been seen as less prestigious than the FA Cup, but it offers a route to European qualification: the winner earns a place in the UEFA Europa Conference League (from 2026‑27, the UEFA Europa League). For smaller clubs, a cup run can bring financial rewards and a chance to face top‑flight opposition. The current holders are Manchester City, who beat Arsenal 2‑1 in the 2025–26 final with goals from Nico O'Reilly.
For UK readers, the Carabao Cup matters because it affects the calendar of every professional club in England. The first round, which begins in August, involves teams from League One, League Two and the Premier League's bottom tier (those not in Europe). The 2026‑27 first round draw, made on 25 June 2026, includes ties such as Leicester City vs Northampton Town, West Ham vs Portsmouth, and Middlesbrough vs Wrexham. Preliminary rounds are also required: Tranmere Rovers play Rochdale on 1 August, and York City face Crawley Town on 3 August, with the winners advancing to the first round. For fans, the cup offers a chance to see their team play against sides they rarely meet in league competition, and for lower‑league clubs it can be a vital source of revenue and exposure.
Q: When do Carabao Cup matches take place? The first two rounds are scheduled for August, with the earlier rounds played midweek. Premier League clubs that are not in European competition enter in the second round; those in Europe join in the third round, which is usually held in late September or October. The final is played in February or March at Wembley.
Q: How can I follow my club in the Carabao Cup? You can follow your club on the BBC Sport website and app. By selecting your club from the list on the BBC Sport page and hitting the 'Follow' button (or using the bell icon on the app), you will receive news, fixtures, results and analysis specific to your team throughout the competition.
Q: What happens if a match is drawn? In the Carabao Cup, drawn matches go straight to a penalty shootout after 90 minutes – there are no extra‑time periods until the semi‑finals. This rule, introduced in 2018, is designed to reduce fixture congestion.
The first round ties will take place in August 2026, with the preliminary winners joining the main draw. The full schedule for later rounds will be announced after each stage is completed. One thing is certain: the Carabao Cup will continue to provide drama, giant‑killings and a fast‑track to Wembley for clubs of all sizes.