Clubs from League One and League Two have learnt their fate for the upcoming edition of the 2026/27 EFL Trophy.
Luton Town head into this season’s competition as the defending champions having secured a 3-1 victory over Stockport County at Wembley Stadium in April. This was despite the Hatters losing their Round of 16 tie against Swindon Town in January, although they were given a reprieve after Ian Holloway’s side were thrown out of the competition for fielding two ineligible players.
The Group Stage draw was made earlier today for the 48 teams competing from the third and fourth tier. They will be joined by 16 Premier League academies, which will not include Manchester United for the first time in eight years.
The Red Devils have opted not to participate due to their return to the UEFA Youth League and operating on a smaller squad at under-18 and 21 level. This decision also includes the National League Cup.
Northern Section
Group A
Sheffield Wednesday
Salford City
Accrington Stanley
Group B
Blackpool
Wigan Athletic
Crewe Alexandra
Group C
Bradford City
York City
Rotherham United
Group D
Mansfield Town
Chesterfield
Port Vale
Group E
Stockport County
Tranmere Rovers
Shrewsbury Town
Group F
Burton Albion
Notts County
Grimsby Town
Group G
Barnsley
Oldham Athletic
Fleetwood Town
Group H
Huddersfield Town
Doncaster Rovers
Rochdale
Ball Numbers For Premier League Academies
1 – Aston Villa U21
2 – Everton U21
3 – Leeds United U21
4 – Liverpool U21
5 – Manchester City U21
6 – Newcastle United U21
7 – Nottingham Forest U21
8 – Sunderland U21
Southern Section
Group A
Oxford United
Cheltenham Town
Exeter City
Group B
Leicester City
Walsall
Stevenage
Group C
Reading
Bristol Rovers
Wycombe Wanderers
Group D
Luton Town
Peterborough United
Colchester United
Group E
Plymouth Argyle
Swindon Town
Newport County
Group F
AFC Wimbledon
Leyton Orient
Barnet
Group G
Cambridge United
Gillingham
Northampton Town
Group H
Bromley
Crawley Town
Milton Keynes Dons
Ball Numbers For Premier League Academies
1 – Arsenal U21
2 – Brentford U21
3 – Brighton & Hove Albion U21
4 – Chelsea U21
5 – Crystal Palace U21
6 – Fulham U21
7 – Ipswich Town U21
8 – Tottenham Hotspur U21
2026/27 Competition Dates
Group Stage: From early September
Round of 32: w/c 7th December
Round of 16: w/c 11th January
Quarter Finals: w/c 15th February
Semi Finals: w/c 8th March
Final: Sunday, 11th April
