The EFL Trophy draw has set the stage for an exciting tournament as holders Luton Town prepare to defend their title. They are placed in a group alongside Ipswich Town U21s, Colchester United, and Peterborough United, who notably became the first team to successfully defend the trophy in 2025.

Last season, Luton Town triumphed over fellow 'Hatters' Stockport County with a score of 3-1 at Wembley, solidifying their position as a formidable contender in this year's competition.

In addition to Luton, other notable teams include:

• Sheffield Wednesday, returning to the tournament under new ownership, grouped with Sunderland U21s, Salford, and Accrington Stanley.
• Oxford United, relegated from the Championship, facing off against Tottenham Hotspur U21s, Cheltenham, and Exeter City.
• Leicester City, also relegated from the Championship, will compete for the first time since their last spell in the third tier in 2008-2009, going up against Fulham U21s, Stevenage, and Walsall.
• York City, returning to the English Football League as National League champions, will play against Newcastle United U21s, Bradford City, and Rotherham.
• Rochdale, winners of the National League play-offs, will take on Liverpool U21s, Huddersfield, and Doncaster Rovers.

The tournament features 64 clubs divided into groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout phase. Manchester City U21s will also compete in a challenging group alongside Port Vale, Chesterfield, and Mansfield.