The official draw for the Fourth Round of the 2025-26 EFL Cup, widely known as the Carabao Cup, has been unveiled, setting the stage for a series of intriguing and high-stakes encounters across English football. Premier League giants Newcastle United are set to host Tottenham Hotspur in one of the most anticipated fixtures, promising a compelling clash between two top-flight contenders.
Liverpool will also feature prominently, welcoming fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace to Anfield. Elsewhere, Arsenal will prepare to face Brighton & Hove Albion, while Wolverhampton Wanderers are scheduled for an exciting encounter against Chelsea, ensuring a robust representation of Premier League teams vying for advancement.
Adding to the tournament’s narrative of potential cup upsets, Grimsby Town, who famously eliminated Manchester United in an earlier round, will continue their journey by hosting Championship side Brentford. This highlights the unpredictable nature of the competition, where lower-league teams can challenge and overcome established giants. Another impressive display saw a club from the fourth tier of English football successfully knock out Sheffield Wednesday from the Championship framework.
Further matchups include 2013 EFL Cup champions Swansea City, currently in the second tier, who face a formidable challenge as they make an away trip to confront Premier League titans Manchester City. The draw also features a notable Welsh derby, with Wrexham set to go head-to-head against Cardiff City. Rounding out the fixtures, Wycombe Wanderers, a team from League One, will test their mettle against top-flight club Fulham.
Looking ahead, the Fourth Round matches of the 2025-26 EFL Cup are scheduled to take place on October 27, 2025. The tournament will then progress to the quarter-finals, featuring the last eight teams, on December 15, 2025. The semi-finals are planned to be contested over two legs, with the first leg on January 12, 2026, and the decisive second leg in early February 2026. The prestigious final, where the champion will be crowned, is set for March 22, 2026.
The complete Fourth Round draw includes: Arsenal vs. Brighton & Hove Albion, Grimsby Town vs. Brentford, Swansea City vs. Manchester City, Newcastle United vs. Tottenham Hotspur, Wrexham vs. Cardiff City, Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace, Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Chelsea, and Wycombe Wanderers vs. Fulham.
