League Cup (England) 2026/27

League England 2026 Finished

Matches

Play-offs

Round of 64

Round of 32

Season in numbers

76 Matches played

235 Goals

3.09 Scored per game

30 Home wins

33 Away wins

13 Draws

Clubs

All teams

About

The EFL Cup, currently branded as the Carabao Cup, operates as a domestic knockout tournament within the English football structure. Initiated in 1960 by Football League Secretary Alan Hardaker, the competition involves 92 clubs drawn from the Premier League and the three tiers of the English Football League. Non-league teams are excluded from participation, distinguishing it from the FA Cup which allows wider entry. The format dictates that League Two sides begin in the first round, while Premier League clubs in European competition enter later to avoid early fixtures. Rounds through to the quarter-finals are single-leg ties, with semi-finals played over two legs ending in penalties if scores are level. The final is a single match held at Wembley Stadium.

Winning the competition secures a place in the UEFA Europa Conference League. Liverpool holds the record for success with 10 titles. Manchester City won the most recent edition in 2026. The tournament is often viewed as less prestigious than the FA Cup, leading top clubs to rotate their squads. It also provides a smaller financial reward and a lower-ranked European qualification spot. The trophy has carried various sponsor names since its inception, including the Milk Cup and the Carling Cup, before settling on its current title. The competition remains organized by the English Football League as a major domestic cup event.