Holders Newcastle Face Man City in 2026 Carabao Cup Semifinal Draw

The draw for the Carabao Cup semifinals is set. It was conducted on Wednesday night. Chelsea, Manchester City, and holders Newcastle United have all progressed. They now know their potential paths to Wembley Stadium.

Chelsea will face the winner of the delayed Arsenal versus Crystal Palace quarterfinal. Meanwhile, Newcastle’s reward for a dramatic win is a tough tie against Manchester City. The two-legged semifinals will be played in early 2026.

Path to Wembley Pits Champions Against Holders

Newcastle secured their semifinal place with a last-gasp win over Fulham. Teenager Lewis Miley scored a stoppage-time winner. This kept their defense of the trophy alive. According to Reuters, the draw then set up a heavyweight clash.

Manchester City advanced with a 2-0 victory over Brentford. A stunning strike from Rayan Cherki set them on their way. Pep Guardiola’s side has a storied history in this competition. They won it four years in a row but haven’t lifted it since 2021.

The other semifinal features Chelsea. They beat Cardiff City 3-1 on Tuesday. Their opponent will be decided next week. Arsenal and Palace have a delayed quarterfinal at the Emirates Stadium.

Fixture Schedule and Broader Tournament Implications

The semifinal format remains two legs. The first legs are scheduled for January 2026. The return fixtures will follow in early February. This setup maintains the competition’s long-standing tradition.

The final is slated for March 22, 2026, at Wembley. For Newcastle, it is a chance to win consecutive League Cups. For Manchester City, it represents an opportunity to reclaim a trophy they once dominated.

For Chelsea, a semifinal offers a shot at early silverware for their project. An all-London clash against Arsenal would add significant spice. The delayed quarterfinal now carries immense weight for both North London clubs.

The 2026 Carabao Cup semifinal draw has created two compelling storylines. The clash between holders Newcastle and powerhouse Manchester City is the standout tie. It promises high drama on the road to Wembley next year.

Info at your fingertips

When are the Carabao Cup semifinals being played?

The two-legged semifinals are scheduled for January and February 2026. The exact dates will be confirmed by the football authorities closer to the time.

Who are the current Carabao Cup holders?

Newcastle United are the defending champions. They won the 2025 final and are now in the semifinals to try and retain their title.

Why haven’t Arsenal played their quarterfinal yet?

The Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace quarterfinal was postponed due to scheduling conflicts. It is now set to be played next week to determine who faces Chelsea.

How many times have Manchester City won this cup?

Manchester City have won the Carabao Cup eight times. Their most recent victory was in 2021, having won four consecutive titles from 2018 to 2021.

Where will the 2026 Carabao Cup final be held?

The final is scheduled to be played at Wembley Stadium in London. It is set for March 22, 2026, as confirmed by the competition’s fixture list.