The English Football League will conduct the round-one draw for the 2026/27 Carabao Cup this Thursday [1].

The draw serves as the final component of the EFL's fixture-release day, establishing the initial matchups for one of England's primary knockout competitions [1], [4]. Because the tournament includes clubs from various tiers of the English football pyramid, the first round often creates high-stakes pairings between underdog sides and established league teams.

Sky Sports News will broadcast the event live via television and online streaming [1], [3], [5]. The proceedings are scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. UK time on Thursday, June 25, 2026 [1], [2], [3].

This broadcast will determine which teams face each other in the opening stage of the 2026/27 season [1], [5]. The EFL integrated the draw into the broader schedule of fixture releases to maximize visibility for the upcoming campaign [1], [4].

Teams participating in the first round will seek to advance toward the later stages of the tournament, where Premier League clubs enter the competition. For many smaller clubs, the Carabao Cup provides a rare opportunity to secure a lucrative match against a top-flight opponent, a prospect that drives significant fan engagement and revenue during the early stages of the season.

“The draw serves as the final component of the EFL's fixture-release day.”

The timing of the draw coincides with the release of the full league schedule, concentrating fan attention on the 2026/27 season's start. By utilizing a live broadcast partner like Sky Sports, the EFL ensures maximum commercial reach and viewership for the tournament's early stages.