The 2025/26 EFL Cup is about to go down to the final four with the first semi-finals in a major English competition of the season.
Newcastle thrashed Arsenal to reach a final they won last season against Liverpool, who knocked out Tottenham in the semi-finals.
The holders are hoping to close in on a successful title defence when they face Premier League rivals Fulham in the quarter-finals this time.
Here are all the details on how to watch the draw for the 2025/26 EFL Cup semi-finals, including date, time, TV channel and live streams.
Carabao Cup: When is the draw for the EFL Cup semi finals?
The draw will take place on Wednesday, December 17 after the quarter-final between the Magpies and the Cottagers.
What time is the EFL Cup semi final draw?
The game at St James’ Park kicks off at 20:15 GMT (15:15 ET / 12:15 PT) and will go straight to penalties if the scoreline is level after 90 minutes.
That means the draw is likely to take place shortly after 22:00 GMT (17:00 ET / 14:00 PT), depending on added time and whether spot kicks are required.
EFL Cup: What channel is the Carabao Cup draw on?
The draw will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event, which is broadcasting live games in the Carabo Cup in the UK.
Via Now TV, Sky Sports costs £14.99 for a day membership, £28 a month for a 12-month membership or £34.99 a month with no contract.
🏆 Jamie Gittens’ strike for @ChelseaFC against Wolves has been voted as the #CarabaoCup Goal of the Round for Round Four! 🚀#EFL pic.twitter.com/r83L8he0qA
— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) December 15, 2025
Carabao Cup draw stream online
Streaming is available on a vast variety of devices via the Sky GO app.
Sky Sports memberships include access to all 12 live Sky Sports channels and Sky Sports+, which offers live streams and a dedicated channel.
EFL Cup dates 2025/26: When are the Carabao Cup semi finals?
The matches take place in January and February, with the final in March.
EFL Cup semi final first leg
January 12, 2026
EFL Cup semi final second leg
February 2, 2026
EFL Cup final
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Do EFL Cup semi final ties go to extra time, replays and penalties?
Should they finish level after 90 minutes, EFL Cup ties go straight to penalties until the semi-finals, which take place over two legs.
If the scoreline is level after the second leg, extra time and – if necessary – penalties are used to separate teams.
The final is a one-off match at Wembley Stadium, with extra time and penalties used if required.
Liverpool beat Chelsea 11-10 on penalties in the 2021/22 final and edged the same fixture after extra time in 2023/24 through Virgil van Dijk’s 118th-minute winner.
EFL Cup quarter-final draw: Fixtures, schedule, TV channels
Here are the quarter-final fixtures and how to watch. All times are GMT.
Tuesday, December 16
Cardiff City vs Chelsea (20:00, Sky Sports Football)
Wednesday, December 17
Manchester City vs Brentford (19:30, Sky Sports Football)
Newcastle vs Fulham (20:15, Sky Sports Main Event and ITV)
Tuesday, December 23
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace (20:00, Sky Sports Football and ITV)
Do the EFL Cup winners qualify for Europe?
The EFL Cup winners receive a place in the play-off stage of the UEFA Conference League unless they qualify through another route for European competition.
Newcastle were an example of the rule in action in 2024/25, instead qualifying for the Champions League through their league position.
That meant their Conference League play-off place went to the next-highest ranked team who had not qualified for European competition via their league position.
