The 2026/27 edition of the Carabao Cup has kicked off, and the excitement is already building as every first‑round fixture will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Tonight, Bristol City welcome Walsall to their ground for the opening clash of the tournament, marking the start of a series of knockout matches that will see clubs from across the English football pyramid compete for the coveted trophy. The inaugural round will wrap up with a classic Devon derby on Monday night, when Plymouth Argyle host Exeter City at 8 p.m. This local rivalry adds an extra layer of drama to an already thrilling schedule, giving fans a taste of the intensity that the Carabao Cup is known for.
Following the conclusion of the first round, the draw for the second round will be conducted at 7 p.m., just before the final first‑round games finish. At that point, the eleven Premier League clubs that are not involved in European competition next season will enter the fray, joining the winners from the opening stage. This infusion of top‑flight talent will raise the stakes and provide lower‑league sides with the chance to test themselves against some of the country’s best teams.
So far, the early ties have delivered plenty of drama, high‑octane action, and a healthy tally of goals. Clubs from the Championship, League One and League Two have all been eager to secure a place in the next round, and the results have reflected that hunger. Notably, three clubs that were relegated from the Premier League last season—West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley—have all progressed, demonstrating that they remain competitive despite their recent demotion. In addition, three League Two outfits—Crewe Alexandra, Fleetwood Town and Shrewsbury Town—have also booked their tickets to the second round, proving that the magic of cup football can produce surprising storylines.
For supporters who want to relive the key moments, a comprehensive highlights reel is available online. Sky Sports subscribers can also watch the live matches via Sky Sports+, which streams through the Sky Sports app and the network’s website. Those who prefer a contract‑free viewing experience can simply download the Sky Sports App and enjoy the action on the go.
If you’re unable to sit in front of a television, Sky Sports has ensured that you won’t miss a beat. A dedicated first‑round blog will be published on Saturday, offering live updates, match reports and analysis.
Throughout the competition, additional live blogs will keep fans informed of every twist and turn, from early‑round upsets to the eventual showdown in the final. The Carabao Cup will continue to unfold over the course of the season. Round two is slated for the week commencing 24 August, giving the first‑round victors a short but intense preparation period before they face the Premier League entrants not involved in Europe.
The three clubs that are competing in European tournaments—Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion, Sunderland and Crystal Palace—will join the competition at the third‑round stage, adding another layer of prestige and competition. Below is a quick reference guide to the tournament’s schedule: - **Round One:** Friday 7 August – Monday 10 August - **Round Two:** Week commencing 24 August - **Round Three:** Weeks commencing 7 September and 14 September - **Round Four:** Week commencing 26 October - **Round Five:** Week commencing 14 December - **Semi‑Final First Leg:** Week commencing 11 January - **Semi‑Final Second Leg:** Week commencing 1 February - **Final:** Sunday 21 March Fans can also take part in the Super 6 competition, a free‑entry game that offers a chance to win a share of a £250,000 prize pool. Participation is simple: answer a series of football‑related questions correctly, and you could be one of the lucky winners. For a complete view of the first‑round draw and the full match schedule, visit Sky Sports’ dedicated Carabao Cup page.
Whether you’re a die‑hard supporter of a lower‑league side hoping for a giant‑killing, or a follower of a top‑flight club eager to add silverware to the cabinet, this season’s tournament promises excitement, unpredictability, and plenty of memorable moments. Stay tuned, follow the live blogs, and enjoy the journey from the opening whistle to the grand finale in March.