The 2026-27 EFL season commences this Saturday with Carabao Cup preliminary ties, two weeks before the league games begin. Tranmere Rovers will host Rochdale on Saturday, August 1st, to open the campaign. The following Monday, August 3rd, York City welcomes Crawley Town in the other preliminary match. These ties are necessary because, for the second consecutive season, nine Premier League teams are participating in European competitions.

Both York City and Rochdale secured dramatic promotions back to the EFL last season. York's victory over Rochdale on the final day of the National League season, thanks to a late equalizer by Josh Stones, secured their return after a decade. However, York's promotion-winning manager, Stuart Maynard, was unexpectedly sacked and replaced by former Crawley head coach Scott Lindsey.

Rochdale also experienced a thrilling promotion via the play-offs, defeating Boreham Wood after a penalty shootout. They also have a new manager, with Ian Watson taking over from Jimmy McNulty. Tranmere Rovers, having narrowly avoided relegation last season, have appointed Darrell Clarke as their new manager and signed experienced winger Tom Ince. The winners of these ties will advance to the first round proper, joining other Championship, League One, and League Two clubs.