Following the Carabao Cup each season brings its own excitement, and this year is no different. As a fan, there’s something special about watching underdog stories unfold and top clubs battle for silverware. With the third round upon us, the competition is heating up.
Whether you’re backing your local side or one of the Premier League giants, staying updated with the latest Carabao Cup fixtures and kickoff times is an absolute must.
What Is the Carabao Cup?
The Carabao Cup, officially known as the EFL Cup, is one of the most exciting domestic knockout football tournaments in England. Each season, it brings together 92 clubs from the Premier League and the English Football League (Championship, League One and League Two).
For many fans, it’s not just a cup competition; it’s a journey filled with surprise upsets, intense matches, and memorable moments.
The format of the competition is straightforward. It starts with a preliminary round for lower-tier teams and moves through several knockout rounds, culminating in the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.
In the 2025/26 season, the tournament kicked off during the week commencing 4 August 2025 and will conclude on Sunday 22 March 2026.
Key Round Dates
- Preliminary Round: w/c 4 August 2025
- Round One: w/c 11 August 2025
- Round Two: w/c 25 August 2025
- Round Three: w/c 15 and 22 September 2025
- Round Four: w/c 27 October 2025
- Round Five (Quarter-Finals): w/c 15 December 2025
- Semi-Final First Leg: w/c 12 January 2026
- Semi-Final Second Leg: w/c 2 February 2026
- Final: Sunday 22 March 2026
For clubs not involved in European competitions, early entry into the tournament offers them the chance to gain momentum and exposure. As always, the Carabao Cup serves as a fantastic platform for young talents and underdog clubs to make their mark on a national stage.
When Are the Next Carabao Cup Fixtures Scheduled?
The excitement builds as the third round fixtures of the Carabao Cup 2025/26 approach. These matches are set across Tuesday 23 September to Thursday 25 September 2025, with some thrilling encounters expected.
Upcoming Fixtures
| Date | Kickoff | Fixture |
| Tue 23 Sep 2025 | 19:15 | Barnsley vs Brighton and Hove Albion |
| Tue 23 Sep 2025 | 19:15 | Burnley vs Cardiff City |
| Tue 23 Sep 2025 | 19:15 | Fulham vs Cambridge United |
| Tue 23 Sep 2025 | 19:15 | Lincoln City vs Chelsea |
| Tue 23 Sep 2025 | 19:15 | Wigan Athletic vs Wycombe Wanderers |
| Tue 23 Sep 2025 | 19:15 | Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Everton |
| Tue 23 Sep 2025 | 19:15 | Wrexham vs Reading |
| Tue 23 Sep 2025 | 20:30 | Liverpool vs Southampton |
| Wed 24 Sep 2025 | 19:15 | Huddersfield Town vs Manchester City |
| Wed 24 Sep 2025 | 19:15 | Newcastle United vs Bradford City |
| Wed 24 Sep 2025 | 19:15 | Tottenham Hotspur vs Doncaster Rovers |
| Wed 24 Sep 2025 | 20:30 | Port Vale vs Arsenal |
These matches will play a crucial role in determining which teams make it to the Round of 16. With Premier League giants and rising lower-league contenders battling it out, fans can expect plenty of drama and potential upsets.
Which Clubs Are Playing in the Third Round of the Carabao Cup?
The third round introduces many Premier League clubs, as they enter the tournament at this stage. They’ll be facing both familiar rivals and ambitious underdogs who’ve battled through earlier rounds.
Highlighted Fixtures
- Lincoln City vs Chelsea: A classic cup tie with the underdog narrative. Lincoln have been impressive so far, but Chelsea’s depth may prove too strong.
- Liverpool vs Southampton: Two Premier League clubs with attacking philosophies. This promises to be a fast-paced, high-scoring fixture.
- Tottenham Hotspur vs Doncaster Rovers: Doncaster have already caused surprises in earlier rounds. Could they shock Spurs?
The presence of Championship and League One clubs such as Wrexham, Bradford City, and Wycombe Wanderers ensures that the round retains its unpredictable charm.
What Are the Kickoff Times for the Upcoming Carabao Cup Matches?
Kickoff times for the 2025 Carabao Cup third round have been staggered to accommodate broadcasting and travel arrangements.
- Most matches kick off at 19:15 BST
- High-profile fixtures such as Liverpool vs Southampton and Port Vale vs Arsenal kick off at 20:30 BST
These times offer fans ample opportunity to catch the action live either in stadiums or on various streaming platforms.
How Have the Teams Performed in Previous Rounds?
The earlier rounds of the 2025/26 Carabao Cup have delivered plenty of surprises, with lower-tier clubs showing grit and ambition.
Notable Results
- Doncaster Rovers defeated Middlesbrough 4-0 in the first round and continued their form in the second round.
- Wrexham knocked out Preston in a tight 3-2 contest after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Hull City in Round One.
- Swansea City have been among the standout performers, consistently scoring and advancing with confidence.
Strong Performances So Far
- Swansea City: 3 wins, top scorers in the tournament so far
- Doncaster Rovers: Multiple clean sheets and convincing victories
- Brighton: Displayed attacking dominance with a 6-0 thrashing of Oxford United
What Are the Key Statistics From This Season’s Carabao Cup?
The 2025/26 season has already produced impressive performances and statistics across clubs.
Club Stats Table
| Stat Category | Club | Total |
| Goals Scored | Swansea City | 7 |
| Goals Scored | Brighton & Hove Albion | 6 |
| Goals Scored | Doncaster Rovers | 6 |
| Shots Taken | Swansea City | 33 |
| Shots Taken | Cardiff City | 31 |
| Shots Taken | Plymouth Argyle | 31 |
| Yellow Cards | Accrington Stanley | 8 |
| Yellow Cards | Millwall | 8 |
| Yellow Cards | Bradford City | 6 |
| Passes Completed | Swansea City | 1495 |
| Passes Completed | Millwall | 1245 |
| Passes Completed | Barnsley | 1140 |
These figures reflect not just the attacking intent but also the style of play and discipline across teams. Swansea, in particular, have combined possession with goals, making them one of the most exciting teams to watch.
When Will the Future Rounds of the Carabao Cup Take Place?
After the third round concludes, the tournament will proceed to the Round of 16 and beyond. Here are the upcoming scheduled rounds:
- Round Four: Week commencing 27 October 2025
- Quarter-Finals: Week commencing 15 December 2025
- Semi-Finals First Leg: Week commencing 12 January 2026
- Semi-Finals Second Leg: Week commencing 2 February 2026
- Final: Sunday 22 March 2026
For clubs dreaming of Wembley, every match from now on is vital. These stages will test squad depth and mental resilience.
Which Matches Should Fans Be Watching Closely?
A few matches from the upcoming round stand out due to club histories and current form.
Must-Watch Fixtures
- Liverpool vs Southampton: Two well-coached teams with attacking styles.
- Lincoln City vs Chelsea: Classic David vs Goliath narrative.
- Tottenham vs Doncaster: A test of Spurs’ strength against a confident League Two side.
Such ties remind fans why the Carabao Cup is cherished. It’s not always the big names that shine.
How Can Fans Watch the Carabao Cup Live or Get Updates?
Fans in the UK can watch select Carabao Cup fixtures live on Sky Sports, which holds the broadcast rights. Other matches will be available via:
- Club-specific streaming platforms
- Live text updates via the EFL app or BBC Sport
- Radio commentary on BBC 5 Live
For fans on the go, mobile updates and highlight packages are available post-match.
What Is the Road to the Carabao Cup Final in 2026?
The path to Wembley is clear, but only the best-prepared squads will make it through the physical and tactical tests ahead.
Progression Path
- Third Round: Now
- Fourth Round: Late October
- Quarter-Finals: Mid-December
- Semi-Finals (Two Legs): January and February 2026
- Final: 22 March 2026
Teams like Swansea, Brighton, and Doncaster have shown they are more than capable of a deep run. For Premier League sides like Chelsea and Arsenal, it’s about balancing European competitions with domestic ambitions.
Latest League Table (After 7 Games Played – 6 for Some Teams)
| Position | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | PTS | Form Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middlesbrough | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | +7 | 17 | Unbeaten |
| 2 | Coventry City | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | +11 | 13 | Consistent |
| 3 | Stoke City | 7 | 4 | 1 | 2 | +5 | 13 | Solid form |
| 4 | Bristol City | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | +6 | 12 | Stable |
| 5 | Leicester City | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | +3 | 12 | Balanced |
| 6 | Preston North End | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 12 | Building momentum |
| 7 | Charlton Athletic | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | +2 | 11 | Competitive |
| 8 | West Bromwich Albion | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | +1 | 11 | Improving |
| 9 | Queens Park Rangers | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | -2 | 11 | Mixed form |
| 10 | Millwall | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | -2 | 11 | Holding steady |
| 11 | Birmingham City | 7 | 3 | 1 | 3 | -3 | 10 | Patchy |
| 12 | Ipswich Town | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | +5 | 9 | Game in hand |
| 13 | Swansea City | 7 | 2 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 9 | Strong attack |
| 14 | Norwich City | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 8 | Inconsistent |
| 15 | Wrexham | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 8 | Cup focus |
| 16 | Watford | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 8 | Searching for rhythm |
| 17 | Portsmouth | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -2 | 8 | Rebuilding |
| 18 | Hull City | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -3 | 8 | Slipping |
| 19 | Southampton | 7 | 1 | 4 | 2 | -2 | 7 | Need wins |
| 20 | Blackburn Rovers | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | -3 | 6 | Game in hand |
| 21 | Derby County | 7 | 1 | 3 | 3 | -4 | 6 | Struggling |
| 22 | Oxford United | 7 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 5 | Defensive issues |
| 23 | Sheffield Wednesday | 7 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -7 | 5 | Weak defence |
| 24 | Sheffield United | 7 | 1 | 0 | 6 | -11 | 3 | Bottom placed |
Conclusion
The Carabao Cup remains one of the most thrilling competitions in English football. With fierce underdogs, established giants, and rising stars all involved, each fixture offers unpredictability and passion.
Staying up to date with Carabao Cup fixtures means more than tracking dates. It’s about staying connected to the very essence of knockout football, the dreams, the drama, and the dazzling moments that unfold each round.
FAQs About the Carabao Cup Fixtures
Which Team Has Scored the Most Goals So Far?
Swansea City leads with 7 goals this season.
Are There Any Lower League Teams Left in the Competition?
Yes, clubs like Doncaster Rovers, Wrexham, and Cambridge United are still in the third round.
How Can I Watch the Matches If I Don’t Have Sky Sports?
You can follow live updates via club apps, BBC Sport, or listen on BBC 5 Live.
Which Fixtures Are Most Anticipated in the Third Round?
Liverpool vs Southampton and Lincoln City vs Chelsea are among the most anticipated.
When Do Premier League Clubs Enter the Carabao Cup?
They typically enter in the third round, unless participating in European qualifiers which may delay entry.
