EFL kick-off dates confirmed for 2026/27 season

A general view of LNER Stadium, home of Lincoln City, showing the GBM Stand prior to the EFL Sky Bet League One match between Lincoln City and Huddersfield Town at LNER Stadium, Lincoln.
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The EFL start dates for the 2026/27 season have been confirmed, with round one of the Carabao Cup set to kick off the new campaign, before the Sky Bet Championship, Sky Bet League One and Sky Bet League Two begin the following weekend.

The 2026/27 season will see round one of the Carabao Cup take place over the weekend of 7-9 August, with the League action set to start a week later over the weekend of 14-16 August. The Vertu Trophy will begin in the week commencing 21 September.

Confirmed 2026/27 season start dates:

Carabao Cup7-9 August 2026
Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two14-16 August 2026
Vertu Trophy21 September 2026