The 2026/27 edition of the Carabao Cup has returned, and every first‑round match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The final fixture of this opening round will see a local rivalry unfold in Devon, as Plymouth Argyle welcome Exeter City to their ground on Monday night at 8 p.m. The excitement doesn’t end with the match itself. From 7 p.m.
onward, the draw for the second round will be conducted, setting the stage for the entry of the eleven Premier League clubs that are not competing in European tournaments next season. These clubs will join the competition in the next stage, adding a fresh wave of high‑profile opposition. So far, the first‑round schedule has delivered plenty of drama, attacking flair and goal‑mouth moments as teams from the Championship, League One and League Two battled for a place in the next round. The early fixtures have already produced a mix of upsets and expected results, showcasing the depth and competitiveness of English football outside the top flight.
Among the clubs that have already secured progression are three that were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the previous campaign – West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley. All three have navigated the opening round successfully and will be looking to build momentum as they aim for a deep cup run.
In addition, three sides from League Two have earned their tickets to the second round: Crewe Alexandra, Fleetwood Town and Shrewsbury Town. Their achievements underline the cup’s reputation for giving lower‑league teams a chance to test themselves against higher‑ranked opposition. For fans who missed any of the live action, a comprehensive highlights package is available online.
Sky Sports subscribers can re‑watch every goal, key moment and post‑match interview through the Sky Sports+ service, which is accessible via the dedicated Sky Sports app and the network’s website. This on‑demand option ensures that supporters can catch up at their convenience, whether they prefer a desktop, tablet or mobile device. If you do not have a traditional TV contract, you can still stream the Carabao Cup without committing to a long‑term agreement.
Simply download the Sky Sports app, sign up for the free streaming tier, and you’ll be able to follow the tournament live wherever you are. The platform also offers a range of supplementary content, such as a dedicated first‑round blog published on Saturday, plus a series of live‑text blogs that will run throughout the competition, keeping you updated with minute‑by‑minute commentary, statistics and tactical insights.
Looking ahead, the tournament will continue to unfold over the course of the season. Round two is scheduled for the week commencing 24 August, when the eleven Premier League clubs not involved in European competition will join the fray. The three Premier League teams that are competing in Europe – Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion, Sunderland and Crystal Palace – will make their entry at the third‑round stage. Below is a quick reference of the key dates for each stage of the 2026/27 Carabao Cup: - Round 1: Friday 7 August – Monday 10 August - Round 2: week commencing 24 August - Round 3: weeks commencing 7 September and 14 September - Round 4: week commencing 26 October - Round 5: week commencing 14 December - Semi‑final first leg: week commencing 11 January - Semi‑final second leg: week commencing 1 February - Final: Sunday 21 March These dates give clubs and supporters a clear roadmap of when the competition will intensify, culminating in the grand final in March.
Beyond the matches themselves, Sky Sports is running a Super 6 competition that offers fans a chance to win a share of a £250,000 prize pool. Entry to the Super 6 is free, and participants can submit predictions for each round’s results, adding an extra layer of engagement for the audience. In summary, the Carabao Cup’s opening week promises plenty of footballing action, from a thrilling Devon derby to the anticipation of the second‑round draw and the arrival of top‑flight clubs. Whether you watch live on television, stream via the Sky Sports app, or follow the detailed blogs and highlights online, there are numerous ways to stay connected to every twist and turn of England’s beloved knockout competition.