Carabao Cup Penalty Rules: Fourth Round 2026
With the Carabao Cup Fourth Round taking place this week, knowing what happens if a tie is level after 90 minutes is especially important. Most Fourth Round fixtures are being played on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 October 2026, with one additional tie on Thursday 29 October. Whether you’re taking advantage of the latest free bets or simply following your club, the key rule is simple: Fourth Round matches go straight to penalties if the score is level after 90 minutes. There is no extra time.
Does the Carabao Cup go straight to penalties?
Yes. In the Carabao Cup Fourth Round, teams go straight to penalties if the score is level after 90 minutes. The same rule applies from the First Round through to the Quarter-finals: there is no extra time during these rounds.
Carabao Cup extra time rules by round
| Round | Extra time? | Penalties? |
|---|---|---|
| First Round | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Second Round | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Third Round | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Fourth Round – 27-29 October | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Quarter-finals | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Semi-final (first leg) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Semi-final (second leg only) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Final | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
The EFL again used a Preliminary Round in 2026/27 because nine Premier League clubs qualified for UEFA competitions. Those nine clubs entered the Carabao Cup in Round Three, while the other Premier League sides entered in Round Two.
Planning to back your favourite team? Check out today’s best free bet offers before the next Carabao Cup fixtures.
Why is there no extra time in the early rounds?
The EFL removed extra time from the early rounds to reduce player workload and ease fixture congestion. With Championship, League One and League Two clubs already playing a demanding domestic schedule, going straight to penalties helps avoid unnecessary fatigue while keeping the competition moving efficiently.
When does extra time return?
Extra time is only used in the second leg of the semi-finals and the final. In the semi-finals, if the aggregate score is level after 90 minutes of the second leg:
- 30 minutes of extra time are played.
- If the teams still cannot be separated, the tie is decided by penalties.
The Carabao Cup Final follows the traditional knockout format. If the score is level after 90 minutes at Wembley:
- 30 minutes of extra time are played.
- If the scores remain level, a penalty shootout determines the winner.
How many substitutions are allowed?
Under the official EFL Cup regulations, clubs may:
- name up to nine substitutes on the bench;
- use up to five substitutions during normal time;
- make those changes across three substitution opportunities (half-time does not count as one of the three windows).
If a semi-final second leg or the final goes to extra time, each team is allowed:
- one additional substitution;
- one extra substitution opportunity during extra time.
Why these rules matter for betting
Under the official EFL Cup regulations, clubs may:
- name up to nine substitutes on the bench;
- use up to five substitutions during normal time;
- make those changes across three substitution opportunities (half-time does not count as one of the three windows).
If a semi-final second leg or the final goes to extra time, each team is allowed:
- one additional substitution;
one extra substitution opportunity during extra time.
Carabao Best Cup Odds Comparing
The smarter angle may be choosing a market that suits the tie rather than simply backing every outsider. Here are four compact reference prices from the fourth-round slate.
Compare 90 minute results with ‘to qualify’ prices, then check line-ups before kick off. The latter market includes penalties and answers a different question.
