The 2026/27 edition of the Carabao Cup has kicked off, and every match in the second round will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, giving fans an uninterrupted view of the early drama in England's premier knockout competition. On Thursday, Sky will feature two high‑profile fixtures: Chelsea will welcome Luton Town at Stamford Bridge, while a clash between League One side AFC Wimbledon and Premier League outfit Fulham will take place at Craven Cottage.
These two encounters represent the final pair of games in the second‑round schedule, and both carry significant implications for the clubs involved. Chelsea’s encounter with Luton Town is more than a simple opening‑round tie; the winner will earn the right to host Leeds United in the third round, adding an extra layer of incentive to secure a home advantage against a strong Championship side. Meanwhile, the Fulham versus Wimbledon match is a classic David‑vers‑Goliath storyline. The victor will travel to face West Ham United, meaning that a win for either side could set up a compelling showdown against a club with a rich European pedigree.
All of the second‑round fixtures are slated to kick off at 7:45 pm British Summer Time, unless a specific match is announced with a different start time. For supporters who prefer streaming, Sky Sports offers a contract‑free option through its dedicated app, allowing viewers to watch the Carabao Cup action on mobile devices, tablets, or computers without committing to a long‑term subscription.
The Sky Sports App can be downloaded directly from the App Store or Google Play, providing a seamless way to stay connected to the tournament. The competition has already delivered a wealth of excitement, with 74 goals scored across the first 20 matches, underscoring the attacking intent that characterises the early stages of the cup. Fans can revisit every highlight by visiting Sky Sports’ dedicated highlights page, where full‑length clips and condensed recaps are available for on‑demand viewing.
In addition to live broadcasts, Sky Sports customers have the flexibility to watch matches via Sky Sports+ on the Sky Sports website, ensuring that the action is accessible whether you are at home or on the move. For those moments when you cannot be in front of a television, Sky Sports maintains a comprehensive first‑round blog that updates readers with minute‑by‑minute commentary, key moments, and tactical insights. Throughout the tournament, a series of live blogs will continue to deliver real‑time updates, making it easy to follow every twist and turn even without a live video feed. Looking ahead, the tournament will progress steadily throughout the season.
Round two is scheduled for the week commencing 24 August, followed by the third round in early September (weeks of 7 September and 14 September). The fourth round will arrive in late October, and the fifth round is set for mid‑December. The semi‑finals will be contested over two legs, with the first leg taking place in the week of 11 January and the return leg in the week of 1 February.
The culmination of the competition will be the final, which is slated for Sunday, 21 March, promising a grand showcase of English football talent. It is also worth noting that nine Premier League clubs currently competing in European competitions—Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Brighton, Sunderland, and Crystal Palace—will join the Carabao Cup at the third‑round stage.
Their entry will raise the stakes and intensify the competition, as lower‑league sides will have the opportunity to test themselves against some of the continent’s most formidable teams. For fans eager to explore the full first‑round draw and the complete schedule, Sky Sports provides a detailed overview on its website, complete with dates, kick‑off times, and broadcasting information. Additionally, Sky encourages viewers to engage with its Super 6 game, a free‑to‑enter contest that offers a chance to win a £1 million prize, adding an extra layer of excitement to the cup journey.
In summary, the Carabao Cup’s second round offers a blend of top‑flight clashes and underdog narratives, all available live on Sky Sports. Whether you are watching Chelsea battle Luton or witnessing Fulham take on Wimbledon, the matches promise high‑energy football, the possibility of surprising outcomes, and a clear pathway toward the later stages of one of England’s most beloved knockout tournaments.