Carabao Cup: Fixtures, Results & How to Follow

Want clear, no-nonsense updates on the Carabao Cup? You're in the right place. This page gives the essentials—how the competition works, where to watch, and what to expect each round. No fluff, just the facts and what fans need right now.

How the Carabao Cup works

The Carabao Cup (also called the EFL Cup) is a knockout competition for English professional clubs from the Premier League and the English Football League. Rounds are single matches; if teams draw, matches often go straight to penalties or have extra time depending on the round and the season's rules. Early rounds usually pit lower-league clubs against higher-tier opponents, which is where the biggest upsets happen. By the later rounds, top clubs field stronger lineups as they chase silverware and, in some seasons, a route into European competition.

Teams often rotate their squads here, so expect a mix of youth players, squad players, and occasional starters. That makes the Carabao Cup a great place to spot rising stars and see how managers handle squad depth during a busy season.

Fixtures, results and live updates

Fixtures are scheduled throughout the season, from early autumn rounds to the final, usually played at a neutral venue like Wembley. For quick results, look for the match time, kick-off status, and final score. If you want live minute-by-minute updates, follow our live posts on match days: lineups, key events, goal times, and penalty shootouts. We aim to post summaries straight after the whistle so you can catch up fast.

If you’re tracking a specific team, bookmark their match page or set notifications. That saves you scrolling through unrelated matches and keeps all updates in one place.

Want context on a match? Check pre-match notes: likely lineups, injury updates, and what a win or loss means for both clubs. Those short previews help you understand whether a manager is prioritising the cup or resting players for league games.

Ticket tips: early rounds at smaller grounds often sell out quickly. Buy early from club websites and watch for official resale platforms. Avoid unofficial sellers to cut the risk of scams.

Broadcast tips: TV rights change by season and region. In the UK, rights are often shared between broadcasters and streaming services. Outside the UK, rights vary—some matches appear on local sports channels or online platforms. Check local listings or our how-to-watch updates for the latest streaming details.

Quick fan checklist: 1) Check kick-off time and time zone; 2) Confirm broadcast or streaming channel; 3) Look at both teams' likely lineups; 4) Watch for penalty rules in that round; 5) Follow live updates on the match day page.

We publish match reports, reaction, and short highlights after every game. Bookmark this tag to stay on top of all Carabao Cup action—from giant-killings to the final whistle.