The Carabao Cup returns for the 2026/27 campaign, and Sky Sports will broadcast every second‑round fixture live for fans across the country. This week’s action features two high‑profile match‑ups on Thursday evening.
First, Chelsea welcome Luton Town to Stamford Bridge, while in the other game League One side AFC Wimbledon travel to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham. Both contests kick off at 7:45 p.m.
BST, unless a different start time is announced. The stakes are clear: the victor of the Chelsea‑Luton clash will earn a home tie against Leeds United in the third round, while the winner of the Fulham‑Wimbledon encounter will go on to meet West Ham United. These fixtures form part of a broader schedule that sees the Carabao Cup progressing through several stages over the coming months.
Sky Sports has made it simple for viewers to follow the tournament without being tied to a long‑term contract. Fans can stream the matches via the Sky Sports app, which is available for download on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. Existing Sky Sports customers also have the option to watch the games on Sky Sports+ through the website or the dedicated app, ensuring that the action is accessible whether you’re at home or on the move.
The competition has already produced a remarkable amount of excitement. In the first round and the early part of the second round, a total of 74 goals have been scored across 20 matches, highlighting the attacking intent that characterises this cup.
For those who miss the live broadcast, comprehensive highlight reels are posted promptly on Sky Sports’ online platform, allowing supporters to catch up on every crucial moment. In addition to live video coverage, Sky Sports provides a suite of written content for fans who prefer a textual recap. A detailed first‑round blog was published on Saturday, and the network will continue to update its live blogs throughout the tournament, offering minute‑by‑minute commentary, key statistics, and expert analysis. This multi‑channel approach ensures that even if you cannot sit in front of a television, you can stay fully informed about the competition’s progress.
Looking ahead, the second‑round fixtures are scheduled for the week commencing 24 August. The tournament’s structure then sees the nine Premier League clubs that are competing in European competitions—Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Brighton, Sunderland and Crystal Palace—enter the fray in the third round. This infusion of top‑flight talent typically raises the level of competition and adds further intrigue to the knockout format.
For a complete overview of the Carabao Cup’s first‑round draw and the full schedule of upcoming matches, fans can visit Sky Sports’ dedicated tournament page. The key dates for the remainder of the competition 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 Beyond the on‑field drama, Sky Sports is also promoting its Super 6 game, where participants can enter for free for a chance to win a £1 million prize. This interactive element adds an extra layer of excitement for viewers who enjoy testing their football knowledge alongside the live action. In summary, the Carabao Cup’s second round offers a blend of Premier League glamour and lower‑league determination, all available to watch live on Sky Sports.
Whether you’re cheering for Chelsea’s quest to advance, Luton’s hopes of a giant‑killing, Fulham’s desire to progress, or Wimbledon’s ambition to cause an upset, the tournament promises thrilling football, abundant goals, and plenty of storylines to follow throughout the season.