The 2026/27 edition of the Carabao Cup has kicked off with its second‑round fixtures now being broadcast live on Sky Sports, giving fans a front‑row seat to the early drama of England's premier knockout competition. This Thursday, Sky will showcase two compelling matches: Chelsea will host Luton Town at Stamford Bridge, while League One side AFC Wimbledon travel to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham. Both games start at the same time, 7:45 p.m. BST, unless a specific fixture notice indicates a different kickoff.
The stakes are clear for each club. The victor of the Chelsea‑Luton encounter will earn the right to face Leeds United in the third round, adding another high‑profile clash to their calendar.
Meanwhile, the winner of the Fulham‑Wimbledon tie will be drawn against West Ham United, meaning a Premier League heavyweight awaits the successful side. These match‑ups illustrate how the Carabao Cup provides lower‑league teams with the opportunity to test themselves against top‑flight opposition, while also giving bigger clubs a chance to rotate squads and integrate emerging talent. So far, the tournament has already produced a remarkable 74 goals across the first twenty matches, underscoring the attacking intent that often characterises this competition. Fans who missed any of the early action can catch up on all the highlights through Sky Sports’ dedicated highlight reel, which compiles the most exciting moments, goals, and key incidents from each game.
For those who prefer a more immersive experience, the Sky Sports app and the Sky Sports website both stream the live matches via Sky Sports+, meaning you can watch from a mobile device, tablet, or computer without needing a traditional television set. If you don’t have a Sky contract, you can still enjoy the Carabao Cup by downloading the free Sky Sports app.
The app provides access to live streams, match statistics, and real‑time commentary, ensuring you stay informed even when you’re on the go. In addition, Sky’s editorial team will be publishing a detailed first‑round blog on Saturday, followed by a series of live blogs throughout the competition. These written updates are perfect for viewers who can’t watch the games live but want to follow the narrative, key incidents, and tactical shifts as they happen. Looking ahead, the tournament’s schedule is laid out clearly on Sky Sports’ website, where you can view the full first‑round draw and upcoming fixtures.
The second round is set for the week commencing 24 August, with subsequent rounds spaced throughout the season: - Round three: weeks of 7 September and 14 September - Round four: week of 26 October - Round five: week of 14 December - Semi‑final first leg: week of 11 January - Semi‑final second leg: week of 1 February - Final: Sunday, 21 March These dates provide a roadmap for clubs and supporters alike, illustrating how the Carabao Cup runs in parallel with league commitments and European competitions. Notably, nine Premier League clubs that are also competing in Europe—Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Brighton, Sunderland, and Crystal Palace—will enter the tournament at the third‑round stage, adding an extra layer of excitement as the competition intensifies.
Beyond the on‑field action, Sky Sports is also promoting its Super 6 fantasy game, where participants can assemble a squad of six players from the Carabao Cup matches for a chance to win a share of a £1 million prize pool. Entry is free, and the game runs alongside each round, offering fans an interactive way to engage with the tournament while testing their knowledge of player form and tactical setups.
In summary, the Carabao Cup’s second round promises a blend of high‑stakes football, opportunities for lower‑league clubs to shine, and plenty of entertainment for viewers. Whether you’re watching Chelsea’s clash with Luton, cheering on Fulham as they host Wimbledon, or following the tournament’s progress through Sky’s streaming platforms and live blogs, there’s ample reason to stay tuned. The competition’s schedule, prize‑winning potential, and the chance to witness emerging talent make it a must‑watch event throughout the 2026/27 season.