The Carabao Cup second-round draw features a mix of Premier League and lower league matchups scheduled for the week starting Monday, 24 August 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Nottingham Forest will host Leeds United in an all-Premier League fixture, while Chelsea are set to face League One side Luton Town at Stamford Bridge [1, 2, 3]. Chelsea, a five-time Carabao Cup winner, "will begin the club’s attempt to win the competition for the first time since 2015 later this month," said manager Xabi Alonso [2].
Tottenham Hotspur will host Championship club Charlton Athletic, with Fulham playing AFC Wimbledon at Craven Cottage [1, 2, 3]. Brentford will travel to Birmingham City, and Ipswich Town will host Leicester City in other notable matchups [1, 2, 3].
West Ham and Southampton, both Championship sides this season, will meet with West Ham traveling to Southampton [1, 2, 3]. Everton manager David Moyes will return to Preston North End, where he began his managerial career, as Everton face Preston at Deepdale [1, 2]. Newcastle United will play West Bromwich Albion in the northern section of the draw [1, 2, 3].
The second-round draw is regionalised into northern and southern sections to limit travel distances for clubs and fans [1, 3]. The nine English clubs involved in European competition this season enter the Carabao Cup at the third-round stage [1, 2].
The second-round matches set the stage for the remainder of the competition, with the Carabao Cup final scheduled at Wembley Stadium on 21 March 2027 [2].
