The Carabao Cup has kicked off its 2026/27 campaign, and Sky Sports is broadcasting every single second‑round fixture live for fans across the country. This Thursday’s schedule features two high‑profile clashes: Chelsea will welcome Luton Town at Stamford Bridge, while League One side AFC Wimbledon travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham in the competition’s final two second‑round matches. Both games are slated to begin at 7:45 p.m. BST, unless a specific notice indicates a different kick‑off time.
The stakes are clear: the victor of the Chelsea‑Luton encounter will earn the right to host Leeds United in the third round, while the winner of the Fulham‑Wimbledon tie will go on to meet West Ham United. The Carabao Cup, England’s premier domestic knockout tournament for clubs in the top four tiers, has already delivered a staggering 74 goals across the first twenty matches of the season, underscoring the competition’s reputation for attacking flair and surprise results.
Supporters who miss the live action can still stay up‑to‑date by following the dedicated first‑round blog on Saturday, as well as a series of live‑blog updates that will run throughout the tournament. For Sky Sports subscribers, the matches are available via Sky Sports+, the Sky Sports app, and the Sky Sports website, providing flexible viewing options whether you’re at home, on a mobile device, or away from a television set. If you prefer not to commit to a contract, you can also stream the Carabao Cup through Sky’s free‑to‑use streaming service, which requires only a simple app download.
Looking ahead, the competition’s schedule continues to unfold over the coming months. Round two is set for the week commencing 24 August, followed by the third round during the weeks of 7 September and 14 September.
The fourth round will be played the week of 26 October, and the fifth round the week of 14 December. The semi‑finals are split into two legs, with the first leg taking place the week of 11 January and the second leg the week of 1 February.
The grand finale is slated for Sunday, 21 March, when the two remaining clubs will battle for the trophy. An additional point of interest is the entry of the 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 quality to the draw. Fans can review the full first‑round draw and the complete schedule on Sky Sports’ dedicated Carabao Cup page, which also provides links to match highlights, post‑game analysis, and exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content.
For those looking to add a little extra excitement to the tournament, Sky Sports is running a Super 6 competition, giving participants a free entry for a chance to win a £1 million prize. In summary, Thursday’s double‑header offers a perfect snapshot of what makes the Carabao Cup such a beloved fixture in the English football calendar: top‑flight clubs testing their squads against lower‑division opposition, the promise of dramatic knockout football, and a wealth of viewing options to suit every fan’s lifestyle. Whether you’re cheering for Chelsea’s quest to progress, rooting for Fulham’s ambition to advance, or simply enjoying the prospect of more goals and memorable moments, Sky Sports has you covered with comprehensive live coverage, streaming flexibility, and a suite of interactive features to keep the excitement alive throughout the season.