𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Gareth Bale is part of a US investment group in talks over a buyout of League One club Plymouth.

The Telegraph were first to report that the 35-year-old former Real Madrid and Wales forward was part of the group seeking to buy Argyle.

It is understood the group featuring Bale has registered an interest in buying Argyle, but the process is at a very early stage.

Also today is the Carabao Cup first-round draw, taking place this afternoon.

There will be 70 of the 72 EFL clubs entering the first round after two preliminary matches between the two sides promoted from the National League last season and the clubs who finished 21st and 22nd in League Two.

Here’s everything you need to know about the draw:

Miss the Premier League’s schedule reveal for next season? We’ve got you covered.

Here’s how 2025/26 kicks off in the top-flight:

The 2025/26 EFL season will begin on the weekend of 1-3 August in League One and League Two, and 8-10 August in the Championship. The second-tier’s fixtures take place over 33 weekends, nine midweeks and four Bank Holidays, while League One and Two’s match rounds are structured across 33 weekends, five midweeks and eight Bank Holidays and International Breaks.

The final games of the season take place on the weekend of 2/3 May 2026, before the play-offs begin:

Championship Play-Off Final – Saturday 23 May 2026

League One Play-Off Final – Sunday 24 May 2026

League Two Play-Off Final – Monday 25 May 2026

The EFL fixtures will be confirmed at midday BST on Thursday 26 June. Every Championship, League One and League Two team will have their schedule confirmed for the new campaign simultaneously.

The round one draw for the Carabao Cup will also be made later in the afternoon.

Stay tuned to find out your team’s schedule for the season.

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the EFL fixture reveal for the 2025/26 season!