Wales has witnessed a historic moment in the Carabao Cup as three Welsh clubs – Wrexham, Cardiff City, and Swansea – advance to the fourth round, marking the first time in the competition’s 65-year history that Wales has boasted three representatives at this stage. The League Cup, as it was originally known, began in 1960. Previously, Wales had only once had more than one side in the last 16, that being Swansea City and Wrexham in the 1976-77 season.
So, history has been made in 2025-26, meaning three Welsh clubs will watch with interest when the fourth-round draw is made.
How They Got There
Swansea were the first Welsh side to reach round four after a spectacular late comeback gave Alan Sheehan’s side victory over Premier League Nottingham Forest last week. The Swans have also seen off Crawley Town and Plymouth Argyle in this year’s competition.
Cardiff joined their south Wales rivals in taking a Premier League scalp on Tuesday as goals from Joel Colwill and Callum Robinson helped Brian Barry-Murphy’s team to a 2-1 victory at Burnley. The Bluebirds, who have lost only one game all season, had previously knocked out Swindon Town and Cheltenham Town.
Wrexham are through to round four for the first time since 1977-78 after a 2-0 triumph over Reading on Tuesday, with Nathan Broadhead scoring both goals at the Stok Cae Ras. Phil Parkinson’s team have also overcome two Championship rivals, Hull City and Preston North End, during their run.
How Far Can They Go?
Of Wales’ four EFL clubs, Swansea enjoyed the best League Cup run of all, when Michael Laudrup’s team lifted the trophy in 2012-13 thanks to victory over Bradford City at Wembley. Swansea have reached round four eight times in total, with Cardiff getting that far on six occasions and Wrexham at this stage for the fourth time. Newport County’s only visit to the last 16 was in 2020-21, when they were beaten on penalties by Newcastle United. Wrexham have twice reached the quarter-finals, most recently in 1977-78, while Cardiff’s best run came in 2011-12, when Malky Mackay’s team famously pushed Liverpool all the way in the final at Wembley only to lose out in a penalty shootout. Should any of the Welsh sides win their next tie in this year’s competition, Wembley would be only two rounds away.
When is the Carabao Cup fourth-round draw?
Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham will find out who they will play next when the fourth round draw is made at around 22:00 BST on Wednesday, following Arsenal’s televised third-round tie at Port Vale. There are seven Premier League sides in the hat so far – Liverpool, Chelsea, Brighton, Crystal Palace, Brentford, Fulham and Wolves – along with Wycombe Wanderers, of League One, and League Two club Grimsby Town, who knocked out Manchester United in round two. As well as the Arsenal tie, Manchester City are in action on Wednesday at Huddersfield Town, while Newcastle United host Bradford City and Tottenham Hotspur are at home to Doncaster Rovers. There is a decent chance, therefore, that Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham could face heavyweight opposition as they look to reach the quarter-finals. There is also the possibility, of course, of a Carabao Cup Welsh derby.
Key Draw Details:
* Draw Time: Approximately 22:00 BST on Wednesday
* Potential Opponents: Includes Premier League giants like Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City, alongside League One and League Two teams.
* Welsh Derby Possibility: The chance of a local rivalry adds excitement to the draw.