The Carabao Cup returns for the 2026/27 campaign, and this time every second‑round fixture will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. This stage marks the entry of the eleven Premier League clubs that are not juggling European commitments, creating a slate of enticing match‑ups before the remaining nine top‑flight sides join the competition in the third round.
Among the fixtures, fans will witness a familiar showdown as Nottingham Forest travel to Leeds United on Tuesday. Oliver Glasner’s Forest side are eager to avenge a narrow league defeat they suffered at the City Ground just three days earlier, setting the stage for a high‑stakes encounter between two clubs seeking redemption. Wednesday’s agenda features two intriguing narratives.
In the north, Newcastle United will host West Bromwich Albion at St James’ Park, hoping to secure their first victory under new manager Matthias Jaissle. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur aim to bounce back from a bruising 3‑0 loss to Brentford, hosting Championship side Charlton Athletic, who have been quick off the mark in the early rounds and are looking to continue their giant‑killing run.
The same evening, veteran manager David Moyes will make his first return to Deepdale since his departure from Preston North End in 2002, this time leading Everton in a clash that promises plenty of nostalgic intrigue. Later, Chelsea will welcome Luton Town to Stamford Bridge, while Fulham will face AFC Wimbledon in a double‑header on Thursday, offering fans a full day of football action. All games are scheduled to kick off at 7.45 pm BST unless otherwise noted, and viewers can stream the Carabao Cup without a long‑term contract by downloading the Sky Sports app.
This flexible viewing option ensures that supporters can keep up with the drama, goals, and surprise moments that define the early stages of the tournament. The first round saw clubs from the Championship, League One and League Two battle for a place in the second round, delivering plenty of excitement and memorable moments. Highlights from those opening fixtures are available for on‑demand viewing, allowing fans to catch up on any action they missed. Sky Sports subscribers can watch the live matches via Sky Sports+, with the option to stream through the Sky Sports app or the official website.
For those who are away from a television, a dedicated first‑round blog will be published on Saturday, complemented by live blogs throughout the competition to keep fans informed of every twist and turn. The tournament will continue to unfold over the course of the season.
The second‑round fixtures are slated for the week commencing 24 August, after which the nine Premier League clubs involved in European competition—Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Brighton, Sunderland and Crystal Palace—will enter at the third‑round stage. Key dates for the remainder of the Carabao Cup are as follows: - 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 take part in the Super 6 competition for a chance to win a share of a £250,000 prize pool, with free entry available to all participants. This added incentive adds an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling cup run. Overall, the second round of the Carabao Cup promises a blend of Premier League quality, Championship grit, and the occasional upset that makes knockout football so compelling.
Whether you’re tuning in via Sky Sports, streaming on your mobile device, or following the live blogs, there’s plenty to look forward to as the competition heats up and clubs vie for a coveted place in the later stages of England’s historic league cup.