EFL Cup Semi-Final Draw Revealed as Newcastle Face Manchester City and Chelsea Await London Rivals

EFL Cup Semi-Final Draw Confirmed After Quarter-Final Night

The 2025-26 EFL Cup, also known as the Carabao Cup, took another dramatic turn on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, as the draw for the semi-finals was made shortly after this week’s quarter-final action concluded. Following the completion of key ties, fans now know the full matchups for the final four teams still standing in this season’s competition.

The semi-final draw in full is as follows:

Newcastle United vs Manchester City

Chelsea vs Arsenal or Crystal Palace

This draw sets up two intriguing paths to the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium in March 2026, with all four sides aiming to lift one of England’s most prestigious domestic trophies.

Defending Champions Face Champions in First Semi

Defending champions Newcastle United — who reached the semi-final stage by edging out Fulham 2-1 thanks to a dramatic late goal — were drawn against Manchester City, a club with a rich history in the competition and multiple Carabao Cups to their name. City secured their place with a convincing 2-0 win over Brentford on the same night, rounding off a strong performance that saw goals from key attacking players.

This tie promises to be one of the standout clashes in the semi-finals. Newcastle, bolstered by their cup-winning experience from last season, will host the first leg at St. James’ Park in the week beginning 12 January 2026, before traveling to the Etihad Stadium for the second leg in the week commencing 2 February 2026. Both clubs will be under pressure in what is expected to be a tactical and physical battle over two legs.

London Rivalry to Decide Second Finalist

The other semi-final tie promises its own drama as Chelsea will face either Arsenal or Crystal Palace. Chelsea booked their spot in the last four with a strong 3-1 victory over Cardiff City in their quarter-final fixture.

At present, Arsenal and Crystal Palace have not yet played their quarter-final tie, which has been rescheduled to Tuesday, 23 December 2025 due to Palace’s involvement in European competition. Once that result is known, the identity of Chelsea’s opponent in the semi-final will be confirmed.

Like Newcastle’s clash with City, this semi-final will be played over two legs in January and early February 2026, with the first match at Stamford Bridge and the return leg at the Emirates Stadium or Selhurst Park depending on who progresses.

Looking Ahead to Wembley

The draw sets up a compelling final four. Newcastle and Manchester City represent two of the most in-form clubs in English football this season, each with ambitions for silverware and strong league campaigns. Chelsea, meanwhile, await the outcome of the Gunners-Palace tie, with Arsenal traditionally strong competitors and Palace capable of springing a surprise.

Both semi-final ties are scheduled for first-leg matches in the week commencing 12 January 2026 and second legs in the week beginning 2 February 2026, with the Carabao Cup final set for Sunday, 22 March 2026 at Wembley.