Last updated: 30/10/2025
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. The competition is now down to its final eight teams, with the quarter-final draw revealing several enticing match-ups.
From Arsenal’s confident progression to Newcastle United’s statement victory over Tottenham Hotspur, the road to Wembley is heating up. 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.
Carabao Cup Results 2025
| Team | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | 4 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 5 | +8 |
| Newcastle United | 3 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 4 | +5 |
| Arsenal | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 5 | +2 |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 2 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| Manchester United | 1 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 9 | +1 |
| Crystal Palace | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Bolton Wanderers | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | +4 |
| Stoke City | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 |
| Sheffield Wednesday | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | +4 |
| Preston North End | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 |
| Leicester City | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 5 | +1 |
| Everton | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 |
| Wolverhampton Wanderers | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 |
| Blackpool | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 |
| Fleetwood Town | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 |
| Walsall | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | +1 |
| Barnsley | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 |
| Cambridge United | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Wrexham | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Barrow | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brentford | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 6 | −4 |
| Southampton | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | −1 |
| Chelsea | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Brighton & Hove Albion | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | −1 |
| Aston Villa | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | −1 |
| Middlesbrough | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | −5 |
| Sheffield United | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | −1 |
| Derby County | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Blackburn Rovers | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | −1 |
| Doncaster Rovers | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | −3 |
| Rotherham United | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | −1 |
| Grimsby Town | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | −4 |
| Harrogate Town | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | −5 |
| Tranmere Rovers | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | −4 |
| Shrewsbury Town | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | −2 |
| Huddersfield Town | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | −1 |
| Burnley | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | −2 |
| Nottingham Forest | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Salford City | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | −2 |
| Sutton United | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Bradford City | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fulham | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| West Ham United | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | −2 |
Carabao Cup quarter-final draw
The Carabao Cup quarter-final draw took place following the completion of the Fourth Round. The ties will be played during the week commencing Monday 15th December 2025.
Quarter-final fixtures:
- Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
- Cardiff City vs Chelsea
- Manchester City vs Brentford
- Newcastle United vs Fulham
With League One side Cardiff City the only lower-league club left in the competition, they’ll relish the challenge of hosting Chelsea in front of a passionate home crowd. Meanwhile, Arsenal face a London derby with Crystal Palace, and Manchester City’s tie against Brentford promises attacking football at its finest. Defending champions Newcastle will aim to continue their strong run as they host Fulham at St James’ Park.
The road ahead
The winners of these fixtures will progress to the semi-finals in January 2026, played over two legs, before the final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 22nd March 2026. With only a few steps remaining before a shot at silverware, every minute counts as teams look to secure their place in the capital.
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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