In English football, few domestic competitions carry the weight or tradition of the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup (also known as the EFL Cup). These two tournaments are integral to the football calendar and offer silverware, glory, and sometimes even a route into European football. However, many fans and observers often question how these two cups compare — and, more importantly, which one truly matters more in modern football?

TLDR: The FA Cup is older, more prestigious, and historically significant, attracting more fanfare and attention — especially from the big clubs. The Carabao Cup, while younger and often seen as less prestigious, offers an earlier opportunity for silverware and is more likely to be used as a platform to test youth players. Both competitions serve different purposes and are valued differently depending on the clubs involved. Ultimately, the FA Cup generally holds more weight in terms of legacy and tradition.

The Origins and History

The biggest difference between the two competitions begins with their history. The FA Cup, established in 1871, is the oldest national football competition in the world. Its long-standing history and iconic moments — from giant-killings to dramatic finals at Wembley — have made it a hallmark of English football culture.

In comparison, the Carabao Cup was founded in 1960 as the Football League Cup. It was introduced as a secondary competition to give lower-league clubs additional competitive opportunities and to capitalize on the growing interest in midweek football matches. Over time, it’s had various sponsors, with Carabao — a Thai energy drink company — being the most recent name attached.

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Structure and Format

Another critical difference lies in how the two competitions are structured.

  • FA Cup: Open to over 700 clubs from the Premier League down to Level 10 of the English football pyramid. That includes amateur and semi-professional sides, making it rich with “David vs Goliath” matchups.
  • Carabao Cup: Limited to 92 teams — the 20 from the Premier League and the 72 from the English Football League (Championship, League One, and League Two).

The FA Cup involves several qualifying rounds, followed by the First Round Proper, where League One and League Two teams enter. Premier League and Championship clubs join in the Third Round. In contrast, Premier League clubs not involved in European competitions enter the Carabao Cup in the Second Round, with those in Europe joining in the Third Round.

When They’re Played

The Carabao Cup is scheduled much earlier in the season, with the final typically held in late February. This makes it the first piece of domestic silverware available each season.

On the other hand, the FA Cup final is a more grandiose affair and traditionally concludes the English football season in May. It’s a marquee event with worldwide viewership and is often played at the iconic Wembley Stadium.

Prestige and Importance

When it comes to measuring prestige, the FA Cup is the clear winner. Winning the FA Cup is considered a huge achievement, akin to the league title in many ways. The competition has a storied history that includes some of the biggest moments in English football — from last-minute goals to underdog triumphs.

While winning the Carabao Cup is still a recognized accomplishment, it is often thought of as a “lesser” trophy, particularly by top clubs. Nevertheless, it’s frequently used as a platform to inject momentum into a season or to give younger players valuable experience in pressure-filled environments.

José Mourinho, while at Chelsea and Manchester United, considered it a “confidence-winning cup” — a stepping stone that often precedes further silverware.

European Qualification

Both competitions are linked to European spots, but again, there are differences.

  • FA Cup: The winner secures a place in the UEFA Europa League (unless they’ve already qualified via the league, in which case the spot goes further down the league table).
  • Carabao Cup: The winner earns qualification to the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round.

Due to the difference in competitions, the FA Cup offers a more prestigious route into Europe. That said, for mid-table clubs not guaranteed European football via the league, the Carabao Cup can be a valuable path into continental competition.

Lineups and Team Strategies

The way clubs approach each competition also highlights their perceived importance. In the Carabao Cup, it’s not uncommon to see teams field weakened sides, often packing their starting lineup with reserve and youth players — especially in the early rounds. The emphasis is on development and rotation.

The FA Cup also sees rotation early on, but as the rounds progress — especially the later stages — clubs tend to field much stronger XIs. Managers, players, and fans generally assign more weight to winning the FA Cup and approach it with greater seriousness.

The Trophy Cabinet: Who’s Dominated?

  • FA Cup: Arsenal lead the pack with 14 wins, followed closely by Manchester United. Numerous underdog teams have also etched their names into folklore by lifting the trophy.
  • Carabao Cup: Liverpool hold the most titles with 9 wins, reflecting a trend toward big clubs utilizing the trophy as a source of momentum early in the season.

Which Cup Matters More?

The answer largely depends on who you ask.

To traditionalists and football romantics, the FA Cup is the embodiment of English football’s enduring magic. Its long history, massive participation, and iconic final make it a standout competition. It holds cultural value that extends far beyond the trophy itself.

For modern strategists and managers, the Carabao Cup is a practical tool — a chance to bolster squad mood, experiment with tactics, and pick up early silverware. While it doesn’t hold the same esteem, it remains a valuable objective, particularly for clubs not fighting in Europe or chasing the Premier League title.

Conclusion

While both competitions have their unique charm and importance, the FA Cup continues to stand as the more prestigious and historic tournament. The Carabao Cup, despite being seen as less significant, provides a critical platform for development and early success. In the grand tapestry of English football, they both offer valuable threads — one steeped in tradition, the other in opportunity.

FAQ: Carabao Cup vs FA Cup

  • Q: Which competition is older?
    A: The FA Cup is older, dating back to 1871. The Carabao Cup began in 1960.
  • Q: Do both cups offer a route into European competition?
    A: Yes. FA Cup winners qualify for the UEFA Europa League; Carabao Cup winners qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round.
  • Q: Which competition do big clubs take more seriously?
    A: Generally, clubs prioritize the FA Cup more highly, especially in later rounds. The Carabao Cup is more likely to feature rotated squads.
  • Q: Who holds the most FA Cup wins?
    A: Arsenal, with 14 titles.
  • Q: Why do some fans consider the FA Cup more prestigious?
    A: Its long history, open-entry format involving amateur clubs, and iconic finals add to its revered status.
  • Q: Can a lower league team win either competition?
    A: Technically yes, but lower league teams have more opportunity and history of success in the FA Cup due to its broader structure and size.
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