Carabao Cup 2025-26 Quarter-Finals: Full List of Qualified Teams and Fixtures
The Carabao Cup 2025-26 has reached its most exciting stage yet as the competition enters the quarter-finals. Eight clubs have confirmed their places after a thrilling round of matches, setting up an intriguing set of fixtures for the week commencing 15 December 2025.
Among the teams are six Premier League sides, one Championship contender, and a lone League One representative, all aiming to move one step closer to lifting the trophy at Wembley Stadium in March 2026.
The Eight Teams Qualified for the Carabao Cup Quarter-Finals
After an action-packed fourth round, these are the teams that have made it to the last eight of the 2025-26 Carabao Cup:
- Arsenal Football Team (Premier League)
- Crystal Palace Football Team (Premier League)
- Cardiff City Football Club (League One)
- Chelsea Football Club (Premier League)
- Newcastle United Football Club (Premier League)
- Fulham Football Club (Premier League)
- Manchester City Football Club (Premier League)
- Brentford Football Club (Premier League)
Cardiff City stand out as the only non-Premier League team left in the competition, representing League One in this season’s quarter-finals.
Carabao Cup 2025-26 Quarter-Final Fixtures
The draw for the quarter-finals has created several exciting matchups. All matches are scheduled to be played in the week beginning 15 December 2025, with exact dates and kick-off times to be confirmed.
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| Date (Week Commencing) | Home Team | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| 15 December 2025 | Arsenal | Crystal Palace |
| 15 December 2025 | Cardiff City | Chelsea |
| 15 December 2025 | Newcastle United | Fulham |
| 15 December 2025 | Manchester City | Brentford |
The home teams were drawn first, giving them the advantage of hosting their opponents in front of their home fans.
What to Expect in the Quarter-Finals
The 2025-26 Carabao Cup quarter-finals promise intense battles between clubs of varying levels and ambitions:
- Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: A London derby with both sides in fine form. Arsenal’s youthful depth will be tested against a Palace side eager for a cup upset.
- Cardiff City vs Chelsea: A classic underdog story. Cardiff, the only League One team left, will relish hosting Premier League giants Chelsea.
- Newcastle United vs Fulham: Defending champions Newcastle continue their quest for back-to-back titles against a strong Fulham side.
- Manchester City vs Brentford: Pep Guardiola’s men remain favourites, but Brentford’s attacking style could make this a thrilling contest.
These fixtures combine local rivalries, potential upsets, and heavyweight clashes, setting up an exciting week of cup football.
Key Competition Dates
The EFL has confirmed the schedule for the remainder of the 2025-26 Carabao Cup:
- Quarter-Finals: Week commencing 15 December 2025
- Semi-Final First Leg: Week commencing 12 January 2026
- Semi-Final Second Leg: Week commencing 2 February 2026
- Final: Sunday, 22 March 2026, at Wembley Stadium
These dates mean the teams will face a congested winter schedule, balancing league and cup duties in what is always a defining part of the season.
Why the Quarter-Finals Matter
This stage of the Carabao Cup often defines momentum for teams chasing silverware. For top Premier League clubs like Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Newcastle, it offers a chance to rotate squads while staying competitive.
Meanwhile, for clubs like Brentford, Fulham, and Crystal Palace, this round presents a rare opportunity to reach the semi-finals of a major domestic competition. For Cardiff City, it’s a dream run that could see them face one of England’s biggest clubs on the national stage.
Road to Wembley
As the competition heads toward its final stages, every match carries extra weight. The Carabao Cup final will be held on 22 March 2026 at Wembley Stadium, a stage that has crowned England’s cup champions for decades.
For the remaining eight sides, lifting the trophy not only brings prestige but also a potential route into European football next season.
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FAQs
Q1. When will the Carabao Cup quarter-final matches be played?
A: All quarter-final matches are scheduled for the week commencing 15 December 2025.
Q2. Which teams have qualified for the Carabao Cup 2025-26 quarter-finals?
A: Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Cardiff City, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Fulham, Manchester City, and Brentford.
Q3. Are there any non-Premier League teams in the quarter-finals?
A: Yes, Cardiff City are the only League One side remaining in the competition.
Q4. Who are the defending champions of the Carabao Cup?
A: Newcastle United are the reigning champions, having won last season’s final.
Q5. When is the Carabao Cup Final 2026?
A: The final will be played on Sunday, 22 March 2026, at Wembley Stadium.
Also Read- Chelsea Survive Late Wolves Comeback To Win 4-3 In Carabao Cup Thriller
