The English Football League (EFL) has confirmed a format change to the Carabao Cup for the 2025/2026 season, introducing a preliminary round for the first time.
This new round will feature four teams and aims to reduce the total number of clubs entering the first official round of the competition. As a result, clubs participating in European competitions will begin their Carabao Cup campaigns from the third round.
The preliminary fixtures will see National League promotion winners Barnet and Oldham Athletic take on the two lowest-ranked sides from League Two, Accrington Stanley and Newport County.
According to the EFL, Barnet will play Newport County, while Oldham Athletic will face Accrington Stanley.
Additionally, the draw for the Carabao Cup first round will take place on June 26.
