Luton Town, the defending champions who captured their second EFL Trophy in the 2025-2026 season, have been placed in a group with Ipswich Town U21s, Colchester United, and Peterborough United. Peterborough previously made history in 2025 by becoming the first club to successfully retain the title. Last season, Luton secured their trophy victory by defeating Stockport County 3-1 at Wembley.
Sheffield Wednesday returns to the competition following a two-year absence from the Championship. Henrik Pedersen leads his squad against Sunderland U21s, Salford, and Accrington Stanley. Meanwhile, Oxford United faces Tottenham Hotspur U21s, Cheltenham, and Exeter City following their relegation. Leicester City, another relegated side, joins the tournament for the first time since the 2008-2009 season. Under new manager Russell Martin, the Foxes will contend with Fulham U21s, Stevenage, and Walsall.
Newly promoted York City is set to play Newcastle United U21s, Bradford City, and Rotherham. Rochdale, winners of the National League play-offs, will meet Liverpool U21s, Huddersfield, and Doncaster Rovers. Manchester City U21s are matched with Port Vale, Chesterfield, and Mansfield, while Manchester United has opted out of this year’s tournament.
The competition features 64 clubs organized into groups of four, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the knockout rounds.
