EFL, Carabao Cup and Vertu Trophy dates for 2025/26 | OneFootball

The 2024/25 EFL season has drawn to a close and, although fans and players alike will now enjoy a well-earned rest, Playmaker is here to talk you through when next season's fixtures will be released, and when the Carabao Cup and Vertu Trophy draws will be made.

When will the 2025/26 EFL fixtures be shared?

Fixture release day for the Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two will take place on Thursday 26 June (midday).

When does the 2025/26 season start?

The 2025/26 season will kick off over the weekends of 1-3 August in League One and League Two and 8-10 August in the Championship.

When will the Carabao Cup and Vertu Trophy draws be made?

The same day - Thursday 26 June - as the EFL fixtures are announced. The draws for the Vertu Trophy Group Stage (2:30pm) and the first round (4:30pm) of the Carabao Cup will take place live on Sky Sports News.

EFL key dates 2025/26

Championship, L1 and L2

26 June 2025 at 12:00pm: EFL fixtures released 1-3 August 2025: League One and League Two start 8-10 August 2025: Championship starts 2-3 May 2026: Last weekend of regular season 23 May 2026: Championship play-off final 24 May 2026: League One play-off final 25 May 2026: League Two play-off final

Carabao Cup

26 June 2025: First Round draw w/c 11 August 2025: First Round 22 March 2026: Final

Vertu Trophy

26 June 2025: Group stage draw w/c 1 September 2025: Matchday One 12 April 2026: Final