Middlesbrough opened their Carabao Cup campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Wrexham, thanks to a debut goal from their new signing, Lankshear. The 21-year-old, who arrived from Tottenham for a reported £10 million in the summer transfer window, made an immediate impact by finding the net in the 61st minute. His strike came after a well‑timed cross from Leo Castledine that was turned into his path by Jeremy Sarmiento.
Lankshear controlled the ball with his first touch and unleashed a crisp first‑time volley that curled into the far corner, giving the Boro a deserved lead. The match began with both sides probing for an early advantage. Middlesbrough came close in the seventh minute when Adilson Malanda nudged a Sebastian Berhalter cross toward goal, only for Wrexham keeper Danny Ward to produce a reflex save at point‑blank range.
Wrexham replied shortly after, with Danny Imray missing a decent chance after Callum Doyle’s delivery, and Sam Smith later blasting a low effort into the legs of Sol Brynn after a clever run by Nathan Broadhead. The first half ended without a breakthrough, though Lankshear had already tested the woodwork with a curling effort that sailed just over the bar. The second half saw the decisive moment.
Castledine’s header from Sarmiento’s cross found Lankshear, who swiveled and struck a perfect volley that left the Wrexham goalkeeper stranded. Middlesbrough pressed for a second goal, and Morgan Whittaker’s low drive struck the post in the dying minutes, but the visitors could not find an equaliser. The win marked a successful start to the season for Boro and highlighted Lankshear’s potential as a key attacking asset.
In the other first‑round fixtures, Wolverhampton Wanderers delivered a comfortable 3-0 triumph over League Two side Port Vale. All three goals arrived before halftime, with Adam Armstrong, Andre and Fer Lopez each finding the net to put the Wolves in control.
The match also featured the return of club legend Raul Jimenez, who re‑joined the team after three seasons at Fulham. Jimenez entered as a late substitute and fired a powerful shot that narrowly missed, but his presence added excitement for the 21,360 fans at Molineux. The win secured Wolves a place in the next round of the competition. Stevenage also progressed after a dramatic 2-1 victory against Wycombe.
New signing Josh Magennis, who arrived from Exeter during the summer, headed the decisive goal in stoppage time. The winning header came from a corner delivered by Phoenix Patterson, and it arrived at the far post just as the referee blew for added time.
The match had been a seesaw affair: Wycombe took the lead in the 27th minute through Dan Kemp, who capitalised on a momentary lapse in the home defence and slotted a low drive past the keeper. Stevenage responded before the break when Ewan Henderson curled a right‑footed finish from just outside the six‑yard box after a precise cross from Silko Thomas. The visitors continued to threaten, with Kemp rattling the bar from the edge of the area just before the interval. The second half saw Wycombe dominate possession but struggle to break down a disciplined Stevenage defence.
Emre Tezgel, introduced for Cauley Woodrow, attempted to meet a Thomas cross but was denied by Stevenage captain Carl Piergianni. The deadlock was finally broken when Magennis rose above his marker and headed home the winner, sending the Stevenage supporters into jubilation and securing their place in the second round. These opening‑round matches underscore the excitement of the 2026/27 Carabao Cup, where clubs from the Championship, League One and League Two compete for a coveted spot in the later stages. All first‑round ties are broadcast live on Sky Sports, offering fans the chance to watch every goal as the competition unfolds.
The tournament also provides a platform for new signings like Lankshear and Magennis to make an immediate impression, while established stars such as Jimenez add a touch of glamour. Beyond the on‑field action, the Carabao Cup continues to engage supporters through interactive experiences. Viewers can stream matches via the Sky Sports app, and the network encourages the use of Chrome for an optimal video player experience.
Additionally, fans have the opportunity to participate in the Super 6 competition, with a grand prize of £250,000 up for grabs, all at no cost to enter. As the season progresses, Middlesbrough will look to build on Lankshear’s promising debut, hoping his goal‑scoring instincts translate into a sustained threat throughout the campaign. Wolves aim to maintain their momentum and push deeper into the tournament, while Stevenage will seek to ride the wave of their dramatic win to further cup success.
The early rounds have set the tone for a thrilling cup run, and supporters across the country can anticipate more memorable moments as the competition advances toward its climax.