The Carabao Cup third-round draw is set for Wednesday, August 26, 2026, featuring some of the biggest clubs in English football.
Why it matters: The third round is a key stage in the Carabao Cup, marking the entry of top Premier League clubs who qualified for European competitions. This round could see potential upsets as lower-ranked teams face off against heavyweights.
The draw will include 32 clubs: 23 second-round winners and nine Premier League clubs in UEFA competitions.
Notable teams entering at this stage include Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City.
Fans can expect thrilling matchups as the stakes rise in this knockout competition.
Driving the news: The draw will take place at approximately 10:30pm BST, following the second-round tie between Preston North End and Everton. This timing has raised logistical challenges due to overlapping European fixtures.
The EFL has had to adapt the draw after European fixtures complicated scheduling, leading to a unique setup.
The draw will occur before all second-round matches are completed, with Chelsea vs Luton and Fulham vs AFC Wimbledon scheduled for Thursday night.
Eight Premier League teams will compete in the Champions League or Europa League, complicating the draw process.
State of play: The EFL has implemented new conditions to prevent European clubs from facing each other in the third round.
Clubs such as Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United are in the Champions League.
Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, and Sunderland are participating in the Europa League.
Brighton may qualify for the Conference League, but that competition's start will not clash with the Carabao Cup.
The big picture: This year's Carabao Cup presents an exciting opportunity for lower-tier teams to challenge established Premier League sides.
The knockout format allows for potential giant killings, especially in the early rounds where underdogs often thrive.
The third round fixtures will take place over two weeks, starting the week of September 7, 2026.
Teams hope to secure a path to European competition through their league performances and the Carabao Cup.
What they're saying: The EFL's adjustments to the draw have been met with mixed reactions from clubs and fans.
"The new conditions aim to maintain competitive integrity during the draw," an EFL spokesperson said.
Fans are eager to see how the changes will affect matchups and the potential for exciting matches.
Some clubs have expressed concern about the logistical challenges posed by the overlapping schedules.
By the numbers: Key statistics surrounding the upcoming draw highlight its significance.
32 clubs will participate in the third round, with the draw featuring 23 second-round winners.
Eight Premier League teams are involved in European competitions this season, complicating the draw.
Fixtures are set to begin on September 7, 2026, and continue through September 14, 2026.
What's next: Fans can tune in to watch the draw live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available for those unable to access traditional broadcasts.
The preliminary draw will occur at around 7:20pm UK time to determine home or away status for European qualifiers.
The main draw will follow at approximately 10:15pm UK time, providing exciting matchups for fans.
For those outside the UK, coverage will be available on platforms like PARAMOUNT+ and the official EFL YouTube channel.