The 2026/27 edition of the Carabao Cup has officially begun, and every match from the opening round will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The final fixture of this opening stage pits two Devon rivals against each other: Plymouth Argyle will welcome Exeter City on Monday night at 8 p.m. for a classic local derby that promises plenty of excitement for fans of both clubs.
While the Plymouth‑Exeter showdown caps the first round, the action doesn’t stop there. 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. Those top‑flight teams will join the competition at that point, adding a fresh wave of quality and intensity.
So far, the opening round has already delivered a wealth of drama, goal‑mouth moments and tightly contested battles across the three lower divisions. Clubs from the Championship, League One and League Two have all vied fiercely for a place in the next stage. Notably, the three clubs that were relegated from the Premier League last season—West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley—have each secured progression, demonstrating that they remain competitive despite the drop. Additionally, three League Two sides—Crewe Alexandra, Fleetwood Town and Shrewsbury Town—have managed to punch their tickets through, showing that the magic of cup football can produce surprising outcomes.
For supporters who missed any of the live action, Sky Sports offers a comprehensive highlights package that can be accessed online. Subscribers can stream every match via Sky Sports+, with the full suite of games available through the Sky Sports mobile app and the official website.
Those who prefer a contract‑free viewing experience can still enjoy the competition by downloading the Sky Sports App, which provides a convenient way to stay up‑to‑date on the go. If you’re unable to sit in front of a television, you won’t be left out of the conversation.
Sky Sports runs a dedicated first‑round blog on Saturdays, delivering live commentary, key moments and analysis as the games unfold. Throughout the tournament, additional live blogs will keep fans informed of every twist and turn, ensuring that the excitement of the Carabao Cup remains accessible to everyone, regardless of how they choose to follow it. Looking ahead, the tournament will continue to unfold over the course of the season. The second round is slated for the week beginning 24 August, when the eleven Premier League clubs that are not involved in European competition will make their entry.
Later on, 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—will join at the third‑round stage, raising the stakes even further. For a complete overview of the first‑round draw and the full schedule, fans can consult Sky Sports’ dedicated Carabao Cup page. Below is a quick reference of the key dates that have been announced so far: - Round 1: Friday 7 August – Monday 10 August - Round 2: week commencing 24 August - Round 3: week commencing 7 September and week commencing 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 Beyond the matches themselves, Sky Sports is also running a Super 6 competition that gives fans the chance to win a share of a £250,000 prize pool.
Entry to this contest is free, offering an extra incentive for supporters to stay engaged with the tournament. In summary, the Carabao Cup’s opening week delivers a blend of local rivalry, underdog triumphs and the promise of big‑club drama on the horizon. Whether you’re watching live on Sky Sports, catching up on highlights, reading the live blogs, or participating in the Super 6, there are plenty of ways to be part of the action as the competition progresses toward its March finale.