All About the Carabao Cup: Your Quick Guide

If you follow English football, chances are you've heard of the Carabao Cup. It’s the league cup run by the EFL and sits beside the Premier League and FA Cup in the domestic calendar. While it doesn’t always get the biggest TV slots, it still delivers drama, giant‑killing upsets and a chance for clubs to win silverware.

First held in 1960 as the Football League Cup, the competition has gone through several sponsors – from Milk to Coca‑Cola – before landing with Carabao in 2017. The name may change, but the knockout format stays the same: a straight elimination tournament that ends with a final at Wembley.

How the Competition Works

The Carabao Cup starts early in August and features all 92 clubs from the Premier League and English Football League. The first two rounds are regionalised (North and South) to cut down travel costs for lower‑league sides. Premier League teams not involved in Europe join in the third round, while those playing in European competitions wait until the fourth round.

Each tie is a single match – no home-and-away legs – except for the early rounds where games can go straight to penalties if they finish level after 90 minutes. That one‑off nature creates plenty of surprises; smaller clubs often knock out big names, hoping a cup run boosts their morale and finances.

Recent Highlights & What’s Happening Now

The past few seasons have shown why the Carabao Cup stays interesting. In 2022‑23, Liverpool lifted the trophy with a 1‑0 win over Chelsea, thanks to an early goal from Mohamed Salah. The following year, Manchester United claimed their first League Cup since 2017, beating Newcastle United on penalties after a 3‑3 thriller.

Fans love the competition because it offers younger players a chance to shine. Managers often rotate squads, giving academy prospects game time they might not get in the league. That’s why you’ll see future stars make their debuts at Wembley. If you’re planning to watch this season, keep an eye on clubs like Brentford and Southampton – they’ve shown they can pull off upsets against top‑flight teams. Also watch the quarter‑finals for possible “David vs Goliath” matchups that could decide who reaches the final.

Ticket prices are usually lower than a Premier League game, making it an affordable way to experience live football at big stadiums. Many clubs also stream early rounds on their official websites or social media channels, so you don’t have to miss the action even if you can’t travel.

In short, the Carabao Cup may sit behind the Premier League in hype, but it delivers genuine excitement. Whether you’re a die‑hard fan chasing every trophy or a casual viewer looking for a quick thrill, the league cup gives you drama, goals and the occasional underdog story that keeps English football fresh.