The latest EFL Trophy, now officially branded as the Vertu Trophy, is underway for the 2025/26 season. The competition features 48 clubs from EFL League One and League Two, alongside 16 Under-21 academy teams from Premier League and Championship clubs[4]. Matches have started, and current live scores, results, and upcoming fixtures are being tracked on dedicated sports platforms[5].
The EFL Trophy’s format begins with 16 geographically split groups of four teams each; every group includes at least one academy side. The top two teams from each group progress to the knockout stages, with ties remaining regionalized until the semi-final stage. The final is scheduled for late March or early April and takes place at Wembley Stadium[4]. During the group phase, if matches end in a draw after 90 minutes, teams settle the result with immediate penalties for bonus points[4].
Peterborough United are the reigning champions, having defeated Birmingham City 2–0 in the 2025 final at Wembley[4]. This win made Peterborough United, alongside Bristol City, the most successful clubs in EFL Trophy history, with three titles apiece[4]. The most recent final before this saw Peterborough beat Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 in 2024[2].
Several football news outlets are closely following the competition. Expect regular updates on scores, standings, and club news, as well as reports on standout performances—especially from younger academy players participating as part of Premier League and Championship U21 teams[2][8]. Current standings in both northern and southern group stages, including detailed group results, are available through major sports media[6][7].