Jameson Football
What is the EFL Cup vs the Carabao Cup?
What is the English Football League (EFL) Cup?
The EFL Cup, is an annual domestic football competition in England, established in 1960 to give clubs an additional opportunity to compete for silverware. It features clubs from the Premier League and the English Football League, offering the winner a place in European competition. Over the years, it has produced many memorable moments, including Liverpool’s dominance in the 1980s and the dramatic 2011 final where Birmingham City claimed their first ever major trophy in 50 years with a shock 2-1 victory over Arsenal. Liverpool are the competition’s most successful club, having won the cup a record ten times.
What’s the Difference Between EFL and Carabao Cup?
There is no difference between the two cups other than the name, which changes depending on the sponsor.
How Does the EFL Carabao Cup Work?
The Carabao Cup is one of the three major honours of the domestic football season. It features 92 teams from the top four tiers of English football: the Premier League, the Championship, League One, and League Two.
The competition is played in a straight knockout format, with single-elimination matches in each round.
- Round 1: 22 of 24 Championship clubs, along with all League 1 and League 2 clubs, enter.
- Round 2: The two remaining Championship clubs who finished 18th and 19th in the previous Premier League join the draw, alongside Premier League clubs not involved in the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League.
- Round 3: Premier League clubs competing in Europe enter, ensuring all top-flight teams are eventually involved.
Is the Carabao Cup a Major Trophy?
The Carabao Cup, or EFL Cup, is widely regarded as a major trophy that adds to the rich tapestry of English football. The prestigious tournament brings together leading clubs from the Premier League and the EFL, offering silverware and a pathway to European qualification, It’s knockout format delivers thrilling matches and memorable moments each season, making it a valued and integral part of the football calendar.