Carabao Cup

Here we explore the competition’s rich history and look ahead to the 2025–26 season.

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Carabao Cup: Full History & List of Winners

Origins & Format

• The competition began as the Football League Cup in 1960–61, established to boost match attendances and replace the Southern Professional Floodlit Cup

• Initially, the final was contested over two legs; from 1967, it became a one-off final at Wembley.

• Since its inception, it has been open to all 92 professional clubs across the top four tiers of English football.

• European qualification (to UEFA competition) began in the late 1960s, increasing the tournament’s appeal.

• Named Carabao Cup since 2017–18 season due to sponsorship.

Records & Highlights

• Most successful club: Liverpool, with 10 titles

• Other top winners:

  • Manchester City: 8 titles

  • Manchester United: 6

  • Chelsea: 5

  • Aston Villa: 5

• Noteworthy victors: Clubs outside the top tier have occasionally triumphed—Norwich City (1962), QPR (1967), Swindon Town (1969), Sheffield Wednesday (1991).

• Recent winners:

  • 2023–24: Liverpool (10th title)

  • 2024–25: Newcastle United defeated Liverpool 2-1 in the final, claiming their first-ever League Cup

Final Winners By Year (Recent & Historical Highlights)

The full list spans over six decades, but here’s a snapshot:

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2025–26 Carabao Cup: Format & Review

Competition Format & Changes

• The 2025–26 season marks the 66th edition of the EFL/Carabao Cup.

• A preliminary round has been reintroduced—the first time since 2011–12—with four teams (Barnet, Oldham, Accrington Stanley, Newport County) battling in two regionalised ties to secure a spot in Round One

• This change was driven by the need to accommodate nine Premier League clubs involved in European competitions, ensuring they enter the competition smoothly from Round Three

• The first-round draw took place on 26 June, with preliminary matches scheduled for the week commencing 4 August

• Round Three is set across two weeks in mid-September, followed by fourth round in late October, quarter-finals in December, semi-finals in Jan–Feb, and the final at Wembley on 22 March 2026

Defending Champions & Key Fixtures

• Newcastle United enter as defending champions, having ended a 70-year silverware drought by defeating Liverpool in the 2025 final

• The third-round draw features several high-profile fixtures:

  • Newcastle vs Bradford City at St. James’ Park

  • Liverpool vs Southampton

  • Manchester City at Huddersfield Town

  • Arsenal at Port Vale

  • Chelsea at Lincoln City

  • Tottenham vs Doncaster Rovers

  • Notably, Manchester United do not participate this season

Contenders & Predictions

• According to latest BetMGM odds, the favourites are:

  • Liverpool (+500)

  • Manchester City (+600)

  • Arsenal (+800)

  • Chelsea (+800)

  • Newcastle United (+900)

• Analysts note Liverpool’s depth and recent success give them a slight edge, while City, Arsenal, and Chelsea also have strong claims

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Summary

• The Carabao Cup has evolved since its 1960 inception into a prestigious mid-season knockout competition open to 92 clubs.

• Liverpool remain the most successful club (10 wins), while Newcastle United recently won their first Cup in 2025.

• The 2025–26 edition introduces a new preliminary round to ease fixture congestion and allow European clubs to enter later.

• Newcastle are defending champions, with high-stakes third-round fixtures already drawn.

• Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea are among the top contenders—but with Newcastle in the mix, the competition promises to be fierce.