Carabao Cup 2026/27 first round draw confirmed with 70 clubs learning their opponents

The Carabao Cup 2026/27 first round draw has been completed, with 70 clubs now knowing their opponents for the opening weekend of competitive English football on 7–9 August 2026.

Sixty-eight EFL clubs make up the bulk of the field, split into a regionalised Northern and Southern section. The remaining two spots will be filled by the winners of two preliminary ties: Tranmere Rovers host Rochdale on 1 August, while Crawley Town face York City on 3 August. Those preliminary rounds are necessary because nine Premier League clubs are committed to European competition, altering the entry points across the draw.

Premier League sides not involved in Europe will enter at the second round, scheduled for the week commencing 24 August, while clubs in European competition join at the third round in September. The competition’s showpiece final is set for Sunday, 21 March 2027.

The draw comes on EFL Fixture Release Day, the same occasion on which relegated sides West Ham and Wolves discovered their Championship schedules for the coming season.

Manchester City are the defending champions, having beaten Arsenal at Wembley thanks to two goals from Nico O’Reilly in the most recent final.

The full schedule of rounds for the 2026/27 Carabao Cup is as follows:

Round One: Weekend of 7–9 August 2026

Round Two: w/c 24 August 2026

Round Three: w/c 7 September and w/c 14 September 2026

Round Four: w/c 26 October 2026

Round Five: w/c 14 December 2026

Semi-Final First Leg: w/c 11 January 2027

Semi-Final Second Leg: w/c 1 February 2027

Final: Sunday, 21 March 2027