Carabao Cup draw: Start time, ball numbers and how to watch on TV for second-round matches

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

The Blues are the headline act entering the fold after their failure to qualify for Europe last term, with Xabi Alonso hoping to set the tone in his bid for debut-season silverware. After only just avoiding relegation in 2025/26, London rivals Spurs are also in the draw, as are the likes of Newcastle and Leeds.

Thirty-eight EFL sides came through the first round, with all three sides who were relegated from the Premier League last season triumphing, as West Ham beat fellow Championship side Portsmouth 3-1, Wolves produced a first-half blitz to down Port Vale 3-0 and Burnley required penalties to scrape past Notts County.

The second round will remain regionalised, with the draw split into southern and northern sections, and the ties will be played in the week commencing 24 August.

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

When is the Carabao Cup second-round draw?

The Carabao Cup second-round draw will take place on Monday 10 August live on Sky Sports Main Event, during the broadcast of Plymouth vs Exeter – the last game of the first round.

It will take place during the build-up of the match at approximately 7:20pm BST.

Carabao Cup ball numbers

Northern section

Southern section

Which Premier League sides enter the competition?

There are eight top-flight teams entering the Carabao Cup in the second round:

When are the Carabao Cup fixtures being played?

The round dates for the Carabao Cup have been confirmed as the following: