The EFL Cup, officially known as the Carabao Cup, is one of the most important domestic football competitions in England. Played every season alongside league play, the tournament gives clubs across the English Football League system a direct path to silverware, European qualification, and a final at Wembley Stadium.
What Is the EFL Cup?
The EFL Cup is a knockout football competition featuring 92 professional clubs from England’s top four divisions:
- Premier League
- Championship
- League One
- League Two
The competition is organized by the English Football League (EFL) and has been held annually since 1960.
Why Is It Called the Carabao Cup?
The tournament’s official name changes depending on sponsorship. Since 2017, it has been branded as the Carabao Cup, named after Thai energy drink company Carabao.
Over the years, fans may also recognize it by former names such as:
- League Cup
- Milk Cup
- Coca-Cola Cup
- Capital One Cup
Despite the branding, the structure and purpose of the competition remain the same.
How Does the EFL Cup Work?
The EFL Cup uses a single-elimination knockout format, designed to move quickly through rounds during the busy football calendar.
Key Format Rules
- Most rounds are single-leg matches
- Earlier rounds may skip extra time and go straight to penalties
- Semifinals are played over two legs
- The final is held at Wembley Stadium
Premier League clubs involved in European competitions typically enter the tournament in later rounds.
When Is the EFL Cup Played?
- Start: August
- Final: February or early March
The EFL Cup is the first major domestic trophy available each season in English football.
Why Is the EFL Cup Important?
While often viewed as secondary to the Premier League and FA Cup, the EFL Cup still carries significant value:
- Offers realistic silverware for mid-table and smaller clubs
- Allows big clubs to rotate squads and develop young players
- Winner earns qualification for European competition (usually the UEFA Conference League)
- Provides high-profile matches and a Wembley final
For many clubs, it represents the most attainable trophy of the season.
EFL Cup vs FA Cup: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | EFL Cup | FA Cup |
|---|---|---|
| Organizer | English Football League | The Football Association |
| Eligible Teams | 92 professional clubs | Clubs across all levels |
| Start of Competition | August | August |
| Final Venue | Wembley Stadium | Wembley Stadium |
| Prestige | Moderate | Very high |
The FA Cup is considered more historic, while the EFL Cup is faster-paced and more tactical in squad usage.
Most Successful Club in EFL Cup History
The most decorated club in the competition is Liverpool FC, who have won the trophy 10 times, making them the tournament’s all-time leaders.
EFL Cup Summary
The EFL Cup (Carabao Cup) is a fast-moving, knockout competition that plays a key role in English football. It gives clubs across the professional pyramid a chance at:
- Domestic silverware
- European qualification
- A prestigious Wembley final
While sometimes overshadowed by the Premier League and FA Cup, the EFL Cup remains one of the most competitive and unpredictable tournaments in England.