The Carabao Cup returns for the 2026/27 campaign, and every fixture in the second round will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. This week’s action features two high‑profile clashes that fans can tune into on Thursday evening.
First, Chelsea will welcome Luton Town at Stamford Bridge, while a lower‑league showdown sees League One side AFC Wimbledon travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham. Both matches 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 encounter will earn the right to host Leeds United in the third round, adding another Premier League test to their cup journey. Meanwhile, the winner of the Fulham‑Wimbledon tie will go on to meet West Ham United, offering a chance for the London clubs to continue their pursuit of silverware. Sky Sports is making it easy for viewers to follow the drama. Subscribers can watch the live action on the Sky Sports+ channel, and the matches are also available through the Sky Sports app and the network’s website, meaning you can stream the games on a phone, tablet, or computer without needing a traditional TV set.
For those who prefer not to commit to a contract, Sky offers a pay‑as‑you‑go streaming option, and the Sky Sports App can be downloaded directly to your device for instant access. So far, the tournament has produced a remarkable 74 goals across 20 matches, underscoring the attacking intent that often characterises this competition. The early rounds have delivered plenty of excitement, with underdogs challenging top‑flight clubs and plenty of memorable moments. If you miss any of the live action, you can catch up on all the highlights through Sky Sports’ dedicated highlight reel, which aggregates the most thrilling goals, saves, and key incidents from each game.
For fans who cannot sit in front of a screen at match time, Sky Sports provides comprehensive written coverage. A detailed first‑round blog went live on Saturday, and the network continues to publish live blogs throughout the competition, offering minute‑by‑minute updates, tactical analysis, and post‑match reactions. These written reports ensure that even without a visual feed, supporters can stay fully informed about the progress of their favourite teams.
Looking ahead, the tournament’s schedule is laid out clearly. Round two runs during the week commencing 24 August, followed by the third round in early September (the weeks of 7 September and 14 September). The fourth round is slated for the week of 26 October, and the fifth round will take place the week of 14 December. The semi‑finals are split into two legs, with the first leg scheduled for the week of 11 January and the second leg for the week of 1 February.
The climax of the competition, the final, is set for Sunday, 21 March. An additional point of interest for football enthusiasts is the entry of nine Premier League clubs that are also competing in European competitions. Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Brighton, Sunderland, and Crystal Palace will all join the Carabao Cup at the third‑round stage, adding further depth and intrigue to the draw.
Fans can also engage with Sky Sports’ interactive Super 6 game, a free‑to‑enter competition that offers a chance to win a £1 million prize. By correctly predicting the outcomes of six selected matches each week, participants can accumulate points and climb the leaderboard for a shot at the top prize.
In summary, the Carabao Cup’s second round delivers two compelling fixtures on Thursday night, both available live on Sky Sports. Whether you’re cheering for a Premier League giant like Chelsea or supporting a determined lower‑division side such as Wimbledon, there’s plenty of football to enjoy. With streaming options, highlight packages, live blogs, and an exciting schedule that runs through to the March final, the tournament promises a season full of goals, upsets, and memorable moments for fans across the UK and beyond.