The 2026/27 Carabao Cup has officially returned, and every first‑round fixture will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The weekend’s action will culminate in a classic Devon showdown on Monday evening, when Plymouth Argyle welcome Exeter City to their ground for a decisive match at 8:00 p.m. As the final first‑round game wraps up, the focus will shift to the second‑round draw, which is scheduled to take place during the build‑up to the Plymouth‑Exeter clash, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
This draw will determine the opponents for the eleven Premier League clubs that are not involved in European competition next season, as they prepare to enter the tournament at the second‑round stage. The opening round has already delivered a wealth of excitement, with clubs from the Championship, League One and League Two battling for a place in the next phase. Fans have been treated to dramatic moments, high‑scoring affairs and plenty of tension as lower‑league sides sought to upset higher‑ranked opponents and secure a coveted spot in the later rounds. Among the notable stories from the first round, three clubs that were relegated from the Premier League—West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley—have all successfully navigated their early‑round fixtures and earned progression.
In addition, three League Two teams—Crewe Alexandra, Fleetwood Town and Shrewsbury Town—have also punched their tickets to the second round, demonstrating the depth and unpredictability that makes the Carabao Cup such a beloved competition. For those who missed any of the action, a comprehensive highlights reel is available online, allowing supporters to relive the key moments, goals and turning points from each match. Sky Sports subscribers can also watch the live games via Sky Sports+, which streams through the Sky Sports app and the network’s website, offering flexible viewing options for fans on the go.
If you prefer not to commit to a long‑term contract, Sky Sports offers a contract‑free streaming option, making it easy to tune in for the Cup without a lengthy commitment. Simply download the Sky Sports app to your device, log in with your subscription details, and you’ll have immediate access to every Carabao Cup match as it happens. For viewers who cannot be in front of a television, Sky Sports provides extensive written coverage as well. A dedicated first‑round blog will be published on Saturday, featuring live updates, match reports and analysis.
Throughout the competition, additional live blogs will keep fans informed of every twist and turn, ensuring that even those away from a screen can stay up‑to‑date with the tournament’s progress. Looking ahead, the competition will continue to unfold over the coming months. Round two is slated to begin in the week commencing 24 August, followed by the third round in early September.
The schedule is as follows: - 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 The three Premier League clubs that are competing in Europe—Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United—along with Arsenal’s fellow top‑flight sides Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Brighton, Sunderland and Crystal Palace, will all enter the tournament at the third‑round stage, adding even more star power and intrigue to the competition. Fans can view the complete first‑round draw and detailed schedule on the Sky Sports website, where they will also find information on ticketing, venue details and broadcast times. In addition, Sky Sports runs a “Super 6” game‑play competition, giving participants a chance to win a share of a £250,000 prize pool.
Entry to the Super 6 is free, providing an extra incentive for supporters to engage with the Cup’s excitement. Overall, the Carabao Cup’s opening week has set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling season of knockout football. From the underdog stories of League Two clubs earning their place, to the high‑profile Premier League sides preparing to join the fray, the tournament offers a blend of drama, opportunity and pure footballing entertainment. Whether you’re watching live on television, streaming via the app, or following the action through written blogs, there are plenty of ways to stay connected to the competition as it progresses toward the March final.