The Carabao Cup has kicked off its 2026/27 campaign, and every fixture from the second round is being broadcast live on Sky Sports, offering fans a front‑row seat to the early drama of England's premier knockout competition. On Thursday, two of the most anticipated matches will be on the schedule: Chelsea will welcome Luton Town at Stamford Bridge, while League One side AFC Wimbledon travel to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham. These games represent the final two fixtures of the second‑round slate and promise plenty of excitement for supporters of both clubs. The stakes are clear.
The victor of the Chelsea‑Luton encounter will earn the right to host Leeds United in the third round, adding another high‑profile clash to the tournament’s calendar. Meanwhile, the winner of the Fulham versus Wimbledon tie will go on to meet West Ham United, ensuring that a Premier League heavyweight will be on the horizon for the successful side.
All matches are slated to kick off at 7:45 p.m. BST unless a different start time is announced. For viewers who prefer streaming, Sky Sports offers a contract‑free option through its dedicated app.
By downloading the Sky Sports App, fans can watch the Carabao Cup live on mobile devices, tablets, or computers without being tied to a long‑term subscription. Existing Sky Sports customers also have the flexibility to access the games via Sky Sports+, which streams the matches through the Sky Sports website and the app, providing an alternative to traditional television viewing. The competition has already delivered a remarkable goal‑fest, with 74 goals recorded across the first 20 matches. This prolific scoring rate underscores the open, attacking nature of the tournament, where lower‑league clubs often seize the opportunity to challenge top‑flight teams.
For those who miss the live action, Sky Sports has compiled a comprehensive highlights reel that can be viewed online, ensuring that every spectacular strike, crucial save, and dramatic moment is captured for later enjoyment. Beyond the live broadcasts, Sky Sports maintains a robust digital presence throughout the cup run.
A dedicated first‑round blog was launched on Saturday, offering match‑by‑match updates, tactical analysis, and player interviews. As the competition progresses, additional live blogs will be posted, providing real‑time commentary and insights for fans who cannot watch the games on screen. This multi‑platform approach guarantees that supporters can stay informed about the tournament’s developments regardless of their preferred medium.
Looking ahead, the Carabao Cup will continue to unfold over several weeks, with the second round scheduled for the week commencing 24 August. The tournament’s structure is designed to gradually integrate the Premier League clubs that are also competing in European competitions. Nine such teams—Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion, Sunderland, and Crystal Palace—will join the fray in the third round, adding further depth and intrigue to the draw. Key dates for the remainder of the competition are as follows: - **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 Fans can view the complete first‑round draw and the full schedule on the Sky Sports website, which provides detailed information on match venues, kickoff times, and broadcasting channels.
In addition to the sporting action, Sky Sports is running a promotional "Super 6" competition, giving participants a chance to win a £1 million prize. Entry to the Super 6 is free, encouraging widespread participation from the tournament’s audience.
In summary, the Carabao Cup’s second round offers a blend of high‑stakes matchups, abundant goal‑scoring, and accessible viewing options across multiple platforms. Whether you are cheering from the stands, watching on television, or following the live blogs online, the competition promises plenty of excitement as clubs vie for a coveted place in the later stages of England’s beloved knockout cup.