Round One
The Carabao Cup opens the 2026/27 EFL season across the first weekend of August.
League Cup
EFL Cup 2026/27 Dates
EFL Cup 2026/27 dates and Carabao Cup round schedule from Round One to the 2027 final at Wembley.
At a glance
Core dates and planning notes
- Round One
- Weekend of August 7-9, 2026
- Premier League entry
- Round Two or Round Three
- Semi-finals
- Weeks of January 11 and February 1, 2027
- Final
- Sunday, March 21, 2027 at Wembley
Timeline
Date map
Round Two
Premier League clubs not involved in UEFA competitions enter the League Cup at this stage.
Round Three
The third round is split across two midweek slots, with UEFA clubs entering the competition.
Round Four
The fourth round lands after the autumn UEFA and international windows.
Round Five
The quarter-final stage arrives before the Christmas Premier League run.
Semi-final first legs
The two-legged semi-finals begin in January.
Semi-final second legs
The second legs decide the two Wembley finalists.
Final
The EFL Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, March 21, 2027 at Wembley Stadium.
Guide
How this fits the 2026/27 season
Why the EFL Cup changes fixture planning
The EFL Cup is mostly played in midweek slots, so it can move Premier League preparation around European dates, broadcast picks and short recovery windows.
When Premier League clubs enter
Premier League clubs outside UEFA competitions enter in Round Two. Clubs playing in UEFA competitions enter in Round Three, which is split across two September weeks.
What happens if matches are level
Rounds up to and including the quarter-finals go straight to penalties after 90 minutes. Semi-finals and the final include extra time before penalties if needed.
Related calendars
More football calendar pages
Season overview
Football Calendar 2026/27 Key Dates
Scan the dates that shape the club season: league starts, UEFA nights, international windows and cup finals.
English cupFA Cup 2026/27 Dates
Follow the Emirates FA Cup round dates from August qualifying to the Wembley final.
Club seasonPremier League 2026/27 Calendar
Track the first post-World-Cup Premier League season, from opening weekend to final day.
European nightsChampions League 2026/27 Dates
Follow UEFA dates from qualifying in July to the final at Estadio Metropolitano.
National teamsInternational Breaks 2026/27 Calendar
Map the FIFA release windows that interrupt the club season after World Cup 2026.
FAQ
Common questions
When does the EFL Cup 2026/27 start?
The EFL Cup, also known as the Carabao Cup, starts with Round One on the weekend of August 7-9, 2026.
When do Premier League clubs enter the EFL Cup 2026/27?
Premier League clubs not in UEFA competitions enter in Round Two, while Premier League clubs involved in UEFA competitions enter in Round Three.
When is the 2027 EFL Cup final?
The EFL Cup 2026/27 final is scheduled for Sunday, March 21, 2027 at Wembley Stadium.