| Scottish League Cup (group stage) | |
| Year: | 2023–24 |
| Country: | Scotland |
| Dates: | 15 July 2023 – 30 July 2023 |
| Num Teams: | 40 |
| Matches: | 80 |
| Goals: | 241 |
| Scoring Leader: | Simon Murray (6 goals) |
| Prev Season: | 2022–23 |
| Next Season: | 2024–25 |
The 2023–24 Scottish League Cup group stage was played from 15 to 30 July 2023.[1] A total of 40 teams competed in the group stage. The winners of each of the eight groups, as well as the three best runners-up progressed to the second round (last 16) of the 2023–24 Scottish League Cup.
The competition begins with eight groups of five teams; with each team playing one match only against each other team in the group, either home or away, for a total of two home and two away matches.[2] The five clubs initially competing in the UEFA Champions League (Celtic and Rangers), Europa League (Aberdeen) and Europa Conference League (Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian) qualifying rounds receive a bye to the second round. The group stage consists of 40 teams: all remaining teams that competed across the SPFL in 2022–23, the 2022–23 Highland Football League champions (Brechin City) and 2022–23 Lowland Football League champions (The Spartans). Unlike previous seasons where the remaining group stage spot was given to the runners-up of the Highland League or Lowland League, Cowdenbeath – who finished 15th in the Lowland League, having been relegated from Scottish League Two in 2022 – accepted an invitation to participate.[2]
The winners of each of the eight groups, as well as the three best runners-up, will progress to the second round (last 16). At this stage, the competition reverts to the traditional knock-out format. The three group winners with the highest points total and the European entrants will be seeded.
The traditional point system of awarding three points for a win and one point for a draw is used; however, for each group stage match that finishes in a draw, a penalty shoot-out takes place, with the winner being awarded a bonus point.[3]
The draw for the group stage took place on 8 June 2023 and was broadcast live on Viaplay & the SPFL YouTube channel.[2]
The teams were seeded according to their final league positions in 2022–23 and drawn into eight groups, with each group comprising one team from each pot.
Teams in Bold qualified for the second round.
Source:[2]