The EFL Cup 2025/26 quarter-finals are scheduled for the week of December 16, featuring matchups between Premier League heavyweights and resilient lower-tier teams. Cardiff City will host Chelsea, while Manchester City faces Brentford and Newcastle takes on Fulham. Arsenal rounds out the ties against Crystal Palace.
The draw for the EFL Cup quarter-finals has produced a series of compelling fixtures, set to take place across three days in mid-December 2025. All matches will be broadcast on Sky Sports channels, with select games also available on ITV.
On Tuesday, December 16, Cardiff City will welcome Chelsea to Cardiff at 20:00 GMT, broadcast on Sky Sports Football. The Welsh side advanced after a 2-1 victory over Wrexham in the fourth round on October 28.
The following day, Wednesday, December 17, sees Manchester City hosting Brentford at 19:30 GMT on Sky Sports Football. Brentford progressed with a 5-0 win over Grimsby Town. Later that evening at 20:15 GMT, Newcastle United faces Fulham on Sky Sports Main Event and ITV; Fulham overcame Wycombe Wanderers 1-1 (5-4 on penalties) in the previous round, while Newcastle beat Tottenham 2-0.
The quarter-finals conclude on Tuesday, December 23, with Arsenal taking on Crystal Palace at 20:00 GMT, available on Sky Sports Football and ITV. Arsenal secured their spot with a 2-0 defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, and Crystal Palace stunned Liverpool 3-0 to advance.
These ties highlight the cup's tradition of upsets, as seen in the fourth round where lower-league teams like Grimsby and Wrexham pushed through earlier stages before falling. The winners will progress to the semi-finals in January and February 2026, with the final at Wembley on March 22.
