Heart of Midlothian’s New Chapter
In a fresh chapter for Heart of Midlothian, newly appointed manager Derek McInnes is set to lead his squad into the group stage of the 2025-26 League Cup, where they will compete against a range of teams including Dunfermline, helmed by the experienced Neil Lennon. The concise draw pairs Hearts with Hamilton, Dumbarton, and Stirling Albion, all vying for a spot in the knockout stages.
Group Stage Highlights
Hearts will also be contending in Group E alongside Dunfermline. Other groups feature notable matchups, such as Group H, where Kilmarnock, fresh from the Scottish Premiership, will go head-to-head with newcomers Livingston, as well as Kelty Hearts, East Fife, and Brora Rangers. Meanwhile, in Group D, Ayr United, guided by Scott Brown, will look to make an impact against St Mirren, the only team from the prior season’s top six to reach this stage.
Exempt Clubs and Tournament Structure
It’s worth noting that several prominent clubs including Celtic, Rangers, Hibernian, Dundee United, and Aberdeen have earned exemptions from this group phase due to their commitments in European competitions.
A total of forty teams are in the draw, spanning tiers from the Premiership down to Bonnyrigg Rose of the Lowland League, Highland League champions Brora Rangers, and their runners-up Brechin City. The tournament’s matches kick off on July 12 and 13, with subsequent rounds scheduled throughout July. The top team from each group, along with the three best runners-up, will advance to the Round of 16, which takes place on the weekend of August 16 and 17. This cohort will be joined by the larger clubs engaged in Europe.
Key Dates for the League Cup
The league cup’s key dates include:
- Quarter-finals: September 20 and 21
- Semi-finals: November 1 and 2
- Grand finale: Hampden Park on December 14
Last season, Celtic triumphed in the League Cup, defeating their rivals Rangers in a tense penalty shootout, securing a 5-4 victory after a nail-biting final.
