Last updated: 05/01/2026
The Carabao Cup is one of the 'Big 3' domestic trophies up for grabs in the English football season. Taking place just past the midway point of the season, the cup offers teams the chance to secure some early silverware.
The Carabao Cup 2025/26 has delivered another season of surprises, standout performances and unforgettable cup nights. As we enter January, the competition reaches its most intense phase yet: the semi-finals.
From Crystal Palace’s shock 3-0 win at Anfield to Chelsea’s seven-goal thriller against Wolves and Brighton’s ruthless 6-0 statement, this season’s Carabao Cup has delivered plenty of headline moments — and with the semi-finals now under way, the road to Wembley is heating up fast. For fans looking to elevate their matchday experience, Carabao Cup hospitality packages offer luxury dining, private lounges and the best seats in the house.
Buy Carabao Cup hospitalityWhy the Carabao Cup matters
Since its first edition in 1960, the Carabao Cup — officially known as the EFL Cup — has become a cornerstone of the English football season. It provides an early opportunity for silverware, showcases emerging talent and often produces shock results that capture the spirit of knockout competition.
Whether it’s a Premier League giant chasing momentum or a lower-league side daring to dream, every round delivers high-stakes drama and unforgettable moments.
What’s happened so far
Third Round
The Third Round, played in mid-September, introduced several Premier League heavyweights and quickly set the tone for the competition.
- Newcastle United cruised past Bradford City 4-1 to continue their title defence.
- Crystal Palace edged Millwall on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw.
- Brighton & Hove Albion produced a commanding 6-0 win over Barnsley.
Those victories confirmed that top-flight teams were taking the competition seriously from the outset.
Fourth Round
Late-October fixtures brought drama and upsets.
- Newcastle United defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 at St James’ Park, sealing a spot in the last eight.
- Arsenal comfortably beat Brighton 2-0, with Mikel Arteta’s side showcasing impressive squad depth.
- Crystal Palace stunned Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield, knocking out one of the pre-tournament favourites.
- Chelsea survived a thrilling 4-3 encounter with Wolves to advance.
The final eight teams were confirmed after another unforgettable round of cup football.
Quarter-Final Highlights
Played in mid-December 2025, the quarter-finals delivered tight clashes and standout performances:
- Newcastle United edged past Fulham 2-1 to continue their defence of the trophy.
- Manchester City beat Brentford 2-0 with a controlled and clinical display.
- Chelsea dispatched Cardiff City 3-1, with experienced attackers asserting themselves.
- Arsenal vs Crystal Palace ended 1-1 after normal time, with Arsenal progressing on penalties in a dramatic shoot-out.
These victories set up two high-profile semi-final ties.
Carabao Cup 2025/26 performance – latter-stage and Premier League clubs
The tables below focus on Premier League teams and clubs reaching the latter stages of the 2025/26 Carabao Cup. They do not include every team that entered the competition.
Semi-finalists (still competing)
| Team | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals for | Goals against | Goal difference | Round status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester City | 4 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 3 | +8 | Semi-finals |
| Newcastle United | 4 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 4 | +6 | Semi-finals |
| Arsenal | 3 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 4 | +4 | Semi-finals |
| Chelsea | 3 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 5 | +4 | Semi-finals |
Quarter-finalists
| Team | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals for | Goals against | Goal difference | Round eliminated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal Palace | 3 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 3 | +3 | Quarter-finals |
| Fulham | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 | Quarter-finals |
| Brentford | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 5 | −1 | Quarter-finals |
| Cardiff City | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 6 | −1 | Quarter-finals |
Premier League clubs knocked out earlier
| Team | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals for | Goals against | Goal difference | Round eliminated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | +2 | Fourth round |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | −1 | Fourth round |
| Brighton & Hove Albion | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 2 | +4 | Fourth round |
| Wolverhampton Wanderers | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | −1 | Fourth round |
| Manchester United | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 5 | −1 | Third round |
| Everton | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | −1 | Third round |
| Leicester City | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | −1 | Third round |
2025/26 Carabao Cup semi-finals
With the finalists now within reach, the semi-finals will be contested over two legs — home and away — with the winners advancing to the Final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 22 March 2026.
Semi-Final Fixtures
First Leg – mid-January 2026
- Newcastle United vs Manchester City — 13 January 2026
- Chelsea vs Arsenal — 14 January 2026
Second Leg – early February 2026
- Arsenal vs Chelsea — 3 February 2026
- Manchester City vs Newcastle United — 4 February 2026
The road ahead
With the semi-finals underway, the scoreboard and stakes only get higher. Each tie’s two-leg structure means strategic nuance, squad management and home advantage all play huge roles. A place in the Wembley final — and silverware — awaits the teams that can handle the pressure.
Experience the Carabao Cup in style
For supporters wanting to elevate their matchday, Seat Unique offers access to official Carabao Cup hospitality at major venues including Emirates Stadium, Etihad Stadium, St James’ Park and Stamford Bridge.
Enjoy exceptional food and drink, exclusive lounge access and premium views — the perfect way to experience knockout football in comfort.
Explore Carabao Cup hospitality packages with Seat Unique and be part of the journey to Wembley in style.
Buy Carabao Cup hospitalityAre you interested in attending football matches outside of the Carabao Cup? Check out the premium football tickets available to purchase through Seat Unique and secure the best seats in the stadium today!
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