A date at Wembley for the EFL Cup final is set in stone, and it is a heavyweight one: Manchester City vs Arsenal. City booked their place with a 3-1 win over Newcastle in the second leg to complete a 5-1 aggregate semi-final victory. Arsenal, meanwhile, edged Chelsea 1-0 at the Emirates on Tuesday night to seal a 4-2 aggregate win.
The EFL Cup final (also known as the League Cup and the Carabao Cup) is England’s first major domestic final of the season, and with the run-in at the corner, it arrives with real pressure on both benches.
EFL Cup final details: date, stadium, and kick-off time
The EFL Cup final will be played at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Kick-off time has been widely reported as still to be confirmed, though broadcasters are expected to confirm a slot closer to the match.
How to watch the EFL Cup final
UK broadcast details for the Carabao Cup final typically involve Sky Sports, with free-to-air coverage also expected via ITV/ITVX according to early reporting.
How Arsenal reached the EFL Cup final
Arsenal’s route to the EFL Cup final was pretty seamless. They brushed aside Brighton & Hove Albion in the fourth round and defeated Wolves in the third round. Arsenal won the first leg of the semis 3-2 taking a goal advantage into the second leg and then finished the job with a late Kai Havertz winner against Chelsea to win 1-0 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate.
How Man City reached the EFL Cup final
Man City’s run to the final is not less impressive. They secured four wins out of four going into the final. Man City won 2-0 in the semi-final first leg against Newcastle United courtesy of Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki strikes. City struck three times in the first half of the semi-final second leg against Newcastle, with Omar Marmoush scoring twice, on the way to a 3-1 win and 5-1 aggregate victory.
The quality in both teams has thus added to the enthusiasm that comes with this final.
EFL Cup final history: what this trophy represents
The EFL Cup final has a distinct place in English football. It is a major trophy, a route into Europe in many seasons, and often a momentum-shifter for the run-in.
For the records, Liverpool are the most successful club in EFL Cup history with 10 titles. Newcastle won in 2025, Liverpool won in 2024 and 2022, and Manchester United won in 2023. Whereas, City won the Cup thrice in a row between 2018-2021.
What to expect from the EFL Cup final
This EFL Cup final, while it may look not so significant, it might be the start of a good season for either side, who are still in contention for the Premier League trophy.
Also, Man City have recent trophy muscle in this competition. They have made a habit of reaching Wembley in the League Cup era and tend to treat this trophy as a serious target, not an afterthought. Arsenal have the sharper urgency. They are leading the Premier League and now have a direct route to a major trophy at Wembley, which changes the tone of their season.
Who are the favourites?
Calling a clear favorite for the EFL Cup final would be bold and presumptuous. City have the experience and attacking depth to blow finals open. Arsenal have the structure and form to make City uncomfortable for long periods. One way or another, the EFL Cup final is set up to be decisive. Not just for a trophy, but for how both clubs are judged when the season reaches its finish line.
