The EFL Cup, commonly referred to as the League Cup and currently known for sponsorship reasons as the Carabao Cup, is one of England’s major domestic knockout football competitions. Established in 1960, it is organised by the English Football League (EFL) and is open to clubs from the Premier League and the EFL’s three divisions.
Unlike the FA Cup, which includes hundreds of clubs from across the football pyramid, the League Cup is more streamlined and compact. Its format prioritises midweek fixtures, making it a fast-paced competition that runs from late summer through to the final in early spring. This structure has made it an important opportunity for clubs to rotate squads, develop younger players, and compete for silverware without the long seasonal grind of league football.
Despite sometimes being labelled a “secondary” cup, the League Cup carries real prestige. Winning it provides European qualification and often serves as a momentum-builder for clubs targeting further domestic or continental success.
The League Cup plays a unique role in English football. It offers a realistic trophy opportunity for a wide range of clubs, including those who may struggle to compete across multiple fronts.
The competition matters because it:
For managers, the League Cup is often used to test tactical ideas and give minutes to fringe players. For fans, it offers the chance to see academy prospects and new signings in competitive action, often at lower ticket prices than league fixtures.
London plays a central role in the League Cup every season. With a high concentration of professional clubs, the capital regularly hosts fixtures from the early rounds through to the semi-finals.
The competition culminates at Wembley Stadium, which hosts the League Cup Final. This showpiece event is one of the first major domestic finals of the English football calendar and often sets the tone for the remainder of the season.
London clubs such as Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United have all featured prominently in League Cup history, with the final frequently showcasing at least one London-based side.
League Cup matches are generally among the most accessible live football events in England.
Key ticket characteristics include:
Because many fixtures are played midweek, League Cup games attract a mix of season-ticket holders, casual fans, and families. The Wembley final, however, is a high-demand event, with tickets allocated through club ballots and official sales channels.
The League Cup receives consistent broadcast coverage in the UK and internationally, particularly from the later rounds onwards. Televised matches often focus on:
The final at Wembley is broadcast globally and attracts a large television audience, reinforcing the competition’s relevance despite its midweek-heavy schedule.