Carabao Cup Final 2026: Key Details and Ticket Information
The 2026 Carabao Cup finalists are on the verge of being confirmed, with the showpiece event scheduled for March this year. As the first major domestic trophy of the English football season, the Carabao Cup offers top teams a chance to secure early silverware at a packed Wembley Stadium, setting the tone for their campaigns.
London Derby Decides Final Spot
This year's final will feature London representation, as Arsenal and Chelsea face off in a highly anticipated semi-final second leg on Tuesday night. The Gunners hold a narrow 3-2 advantage from the first leg at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago, putting them in a strong position to advance. The winner will earn a coveted place at Wembley, with both clubs eager to kick-start their seasons with trophy success.
In the other semi-final, Manchester City lead Newcastle United 2-0 ahead of Wednesday night's second leg at the Etihad Stadium. City are firm favourites to progress, but Newcastle, as the current holders, are expected to mount a spirited challenge. The final promises to be a memorable occasion, with a £100,000 cash prize awarded to the victors, adding extra incentive for the competing teams.
When is the 2026 Carabao Cup Final?
The 2025/26 Carabao Cup final is set to take place on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Wembley Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:30pm GMT, and the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, Now TV, and the Sky Go app, consistent with the tournament's coverage so far.
This year's final follows a similar pattern to last season's event, which was held on March 16, also on a Sunday. Historically, the final often occurred in February, but the date has shifted due to the increasingly congested football calendar. The expansion of the Champions League to an eight-match league phase is cited as a key factor in pushing back the Carabao Cup semi-finals and final.
If Arsenal reach the final, it would mark their first appearance at Wembley since winning the Community Shield against Manchester City in 2023. Their last League Cup final was in the 2017/18 season, where they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City. Chelsea, meanwhile, last appeared in the final in the 2023/24 season, losing 1-0 to Liverpool in extra time under manager Mauricio Pochettino.
How to Purchase Tickets for the Final
Ticket distribution for the 2026 Carabao Cup final will primarily favour the two finalists, which will be either Arsenal or Chelsea against Manchester City or Newcastle United. Based on last season's allocations, each competing club is expected to receive approximately 30,000 tickets, though demand is likely to be extremely high once the finalists are confirmed.
Official club channels are the most reliable way to secure tickets. Fans should monitor the official websites and ticketing platforms of the participating clubs for updates on availability and sales. This method often offers the best value and ensures authenticity.
Additional options include hospitality packages available directly from Wembley Stadium. Enquiries can be made through the official Wembley Stadium website, with tickets going on sale after the finalists are announced. It is advisable to check official sources first, such as club platforms or the Carabao Cup website, before considering secondary partner sites to avoid potential issues with pricing or legitimacy.
As the semi-finals conclude, football enthusiasts are advised to stay informed through official channels for the latest ticket news and final arrangements.
