League: EPL Sport: Soccer Country: England Category: Playoffs

EFL season kicks off with promotion battles and cup excitement

CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 2:53 PM

Last updated Aug 12, 2026

EFL season kicks off with promotion battles and cup excitement

Summary

The English Football League (EFL) season begins with key matches set for August 14 and 15. The EFL features 72 clubs across the Championship, League One, and League Two, each pursuing varied ambitions. The promotion race in the Championship will be particularly intense, as teams aim for a spot in the Premier League. The Carabao Cup is also on the horizon, starting the week of August 24, and will involve lower-league clubs seeking upsets. Upcoming fixtures include Wolves facing Blackburn Rovers on August 14 and EFL League One and League Two matches on August 15.

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Key Details

•EFL Championship matches start August 14, beginning with Wolves vs. Blackburn Rovers.
•League One and League Two fixtures are scheduled for August 15.
•The Carabao Cup begins the week of August 24 for non-European teams.
•Three clubs were relegated to the Championship at the end of last season: West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Burnley.
•The EFL's structure allows clubs to move between tiers, impacting their financial and competitive futures.

Latest Updates

2:53 PMCBS Sports — What makes the English Football League special? Giant-killings, Wembley dreams and the Carabao Cup

What they're saying

"
New to English soccer after the World Cup? From the promotion race to cupsets, here's your guide to the world below the Premier League
— CBS Sportsby Chuck Booth

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