Carabao Cup 2025/26 First Round Draw: Full Fixtures Revealed

The first round draw for the Carabao Cup 2025/26 was conducted on June 26, 2025, revealing exciting matchups for Championship, League One, and League Two teams. The draw sees Birmingham City hosting Sheffield United in the northern section, while League Two's Bromley will take on Ipswich Town, recently relegated from the Premier League, in the southern section. All matches are set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

As the Carabao Cup continues to be a pivotal fixture in the English football calendar, this year's competition introduces a preliminary round to accommodate the increasing number of Premier League teams competing in European tournaments. The preliminary round will take place during the week commencing August 4, featuring matches such as Barnet hosting Newport County and Oldham Athletic visiting Accrington Stanley.

The significance of the Carabao Cup cannot be understated, as it provides lower-league teams with the opportunity to compete against higher-tier clubs, often resulting in memorable upsets. According to Dr. Emily Carter, a sports economist at the University of Manchester, the structure of the Carabao Cup allows for a unique platform where lower-league teams can showcase their talent against established clubs, enhancing their visibility and financial viability.

The first round of the Carabao Cup is scheduled for the week commencing August 11, 2025. This season's draw features 35 ties, including notable fixtures such as:

**Southern Section Matches:** - Coventry City vs. Luton Town - Bristol City vs. MK Dons - Bromley vs. Ipswich Town - Leicester City vs. Huddersfield Town

**Northern Section Matches:** - Barrow vs. Preston North End - Grimsby Town vs. Shrewsbury Town - Birmingham City vs. Sheffield United - Wrexham vs. Hull City

The introduction of a preliminary round reflects the evolving landscape of English football, where the pressures of financial inequality are ever-present. As stated by Mark Thompson, CEO of the English Football League, “This structure not only enhances competition but also ensures that clubs from lower divisions have a chance to thrive and capture the imagination of fans.”

The Carabao Cup is traditionally regionalized until the third round, which allows for more localized rivalries and reduces travel costs for participating clubs. Premier League teams not involved in European competitions will enter the tournament at the second-round stage, while those participating in Europe, including Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City, will join in the third round.

Overall, the Carabao Cup serves not only as a competitive tournament but also as a vital economic avenue for many clubs, especially those in lower divisions. The opportunity to face Premier League opposition can lead to increased ticket sales and heightened interest in club merchandise, as noted by Dr. Sarah Johnson, a sports marketing expert at the University of Sheffield. “The financial implications of a successful cup run can be significant for clubs that often operate on tight budgets,” she remarked.

As the tournament approaches, anticipation builds among fans and players alike, with many hopeful for the potential for upsets and thrilling football. The matches promise to deliver excitement and showcase the depth of talent within English football.

### Upcoming Rounds: - Preliminary Round: Week commencing August 4 - First Round: Week commencing August 11 - Second Round: Week commencing August 25 - Third Round: Week commencing September 15 and September 22 - Fourth Round: Week commencing October 27 - Fifth Round: Week commencing December 15 - Semi-Final First Leg: Week commencing January 12, 2026 - Semi-Final Second Leg: Week commencing February 2, 2026 - Final: Sunday, March 22, 2026

The Carabao Cup remains a celebrated event in the football calendar, bridging divisions and fostering competitive spirit across the leagues. With the draw now complete, clubs will turn their attention to preparing for their upcoming fixtures, eager to advance and make their mark in this prestigious tournament.