Carabao Cup Penalty Rules: Second Round 2026
With the Carabao Cup Second Round taking place this week, knowing what happens if a tie is level after 90 minutes is especially important. Most Second Round fixtures are being played on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 August 2026, with two additional ties on Thursday 27 August. Whether you’re taking advantage of the latest free bets or simply following your club, the key rule is simple: Second 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 Second 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 – 25-27 August | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Third Round | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Fourth Round | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Quarter-finals | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Semi-final (second leg only) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Final | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
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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. 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
Understanding the competition format can help you choose the right betting market.
For example:
- Match Result markets are settled after 90 minutes only.
- Team to Qualify markets include the outcome of penalty shootouts.
- Live betting opportunities often increase when knockout ties approach penalties.
- Many bookmakers also offer Method of Qualification and Penalty Shootout markets for Carabao Cup fixtures.
Knowing whether a match can go to extra time is especially important before placing knockout bets.
