The Carabao Cup will welcome Chelsea, Tottenham, and other Premier League teams into the competition in the second round after the tournament kicks off over the weekend.

The Blues will headline the draw after missing out on European qualification last season, with Xabi Alonso aiming to set the tone in his bid for debut-season silverware. After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, London rivals Spurs are also looking forward to their participation.

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Before the draw, 68 EFL sides will aim to advance through the first round without setbacks. Notably, Rochdale and Crawley Town have already competed in a preliminary round to secure their places in this opening stage.

Key matches in the first round, scheduled from Thursday to Monday, include West Ham’s clash with Portsmouth, a Devon derby between Plymouth and Exeter, and a Championship promotion-chasing encounter at the Riverside Stadium as Middlesbrough hosts Wrexham.

The second round will maintain a regional format, with the draw divided into southern and northern sections.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Carabao Cup second-round draw:

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When is the Carabao Cup second-round draw?

The Carabao Cup second-round draw is set to occur on Monday, 10 August, live on Sky Sports Main Event during the broadcast of Plymouth vs Exeter—the final match of the first round.

The exact timing of the draw has not been announced yet, but if it follows last year’s schedule, it will likely take place around 7:20pm in the lead-up to the match.

Which Premier League sides enter the competition?

Eight top-flight teams will join the Carabao Cup for the second round:

What is the first-round draw?

Northern section

• Mansfield vs Sheffield United

• Stockport vs Doncaster Rovers

• Sheffield Wednesday vs Bolton

• Fleetwood vs Chesterfield

Southern section

• Bristol Rovers vs Peterborough

• Colchester vs Southampton

• Swansea City vs Birmingham

What are the ball numbers?

Ball numbers are yet to be confirmed and will be disclosed in due course.

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When are the Carabao Cup fixtures being played?

The schedule for the Carabao Cup has been established 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