The 2025-26 Carabao Cup will feature a new preliminary round to adjust for an increased number of Premier League teams engaging in European competitions. Four clubs from lower leagues, including the two teams promoted from the National League and the bottom two from League Two, will compete in this round. The format aims to streamline early competition phases, with participating teams drawn regionally. The schedule for subsequent rounds has also been modified to accommodate these European commitments.
The 2025-26 Carabao Cup will introduce a preliminary round due to the growing number of Premier League clubs involved in European competitions.
Nine Premier League teams will have European commitments next season, necessitating a new preliminary round to streamline the competition's initial phases.
Accrington Stanley will face Oldham Athletic and Barnet will compete against Newport County in the preliminary round of the Carabao Cup.
The schedule for the Carabao Cup has been adjusted with rounds placed strategically to reduce clashes with European competition.
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