The much‑anticipated Carabao Cup has kicked off the 2026/27 campaign, and every first‑round fixture will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, giving fans a front‑row seat to the early drama of England’s secondary knockout tournament. The opening round will wrap up with a classic Devon showdown as Plymouth Argyle travel to face Exeter City on Monday night, with kickoff slated for 8 p.m. This local rivalry promises to deliver the kind of intensity and passion that only a derby can produce, and it will be the final first‑round match before the competition moves into its next phase.
Meanwhile, the draw for the second round will be conducted live during the pre‑match build‑up, starting at 7 p.m. This draw is particularly significant because it will introduce the eleven Premier League clubs that are not competing in European tournaments next season.
Those clubs will join the winners from the first round, raising the stakes and the quality of opposition as the cup progresses. So far, the first‑round schedule has already produced a wealth of excitement, with a mixture of Championship, League One and League Two teams battling for a coveted place in the next stage. The matches have been packed with goals, surprise twists, and the kind of gritty performances that make cup football so compelling. Among the clubs that have already secured progression are the three sides that were relegated from the Premier League last season – West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley.
Their early victories demonstrate that they are keen to bounce back quickly and use the cup as a platform to rebuild confidence. In addition, three League Two outfits – Crewe Alexandra, Fleetwood Town and Shrewsbury Town – have also punched their tickets to the second round, showcasing the depth and unpredictability of the competition. For those who missed any of the action, a comprehensive highlights reel is available online, allowing supporters to relive the most thrilling moments from each match.
Sky Sports subscribers can also stream the games via Sky Sports+, which is accessible through the Sky Sports mobile app and the official website, ensuring that fans can watch on a variety of devices without being tied to a traditional television set. If you prefer not to commit to a long‑term contract, Sky Sports offers a flexible, no‑contract streaming option that lets you tune in to the Carabao Cup whenever you like. Simply download the Sky Sports App, log in with your account, and you’ll have instant access to live coverage, replays, and exclusive analysis.
For viewers who can’t be in front of a screen at match time, Sky Sports will maintain a dedicated first‑round blog on Saturday, providing minute‑by‑minute updates, key statistics, and expert commentary. Additional live blogs will be published throughout the tournament, ensuring that you stay informed about every twist and turn, no matter where you are.
Looking ahead, the competition will continue to unfold over the course of the season. Round two is scheduled for the week commencing 24 August, giving the newly entered Premier League clubs a chance to test themselves against lower‑league opposition.
The third round, which will see the nine Premier League sides that are competing in Europe – Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion, Sunderland and Crystal Palace – join the fray, is set for the weeks beginning 7 September and 14 September. The full first‑round draw and complete schedule are available on the Sky Sports website, where you can also find detailed information about match venues, kickoff times, and broadcast channels. Key dates to remember: - Round 1: Friday 7 August – Monday 10 August - Round 2: week of 24 August - Round 3: weeks of 7 September and 14 September - Round 4: week of 26 October - Round 5: week of 14 December - Semi‑final first leg: week of 11 January - Semi‑final second leg: week of 1 February - Final: Sunday 21 March Fans can also try their luck in the Super 6 competition, which offers a chance to win a share of a £250,000 prize pool. Entry is free, and participants can submit their predictions for each round’s outcomes, adding an extra layer of excitement to the tournament.
In summary, the Carabao Cup’s return promises a packed calendar of thrilling fixtures, from gritty lower‑league battles to high‑profile clashes involving England’s biggest clubs. With extensive live coverage, on‑demand streaming, and interactive features like Super 6, Sky Sports ensures that supporters have every tool they need to follow the cup from the first whistle to the final celebration.