Carabao Cup Third Round Draw: Start Time, TV Channel, and Ball Numbers
The Carabao Cup third-round draw takes place on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football following the conclusion of the second-round tie between Preston North End and Everton, which kicks off at 8:00 pm BST.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Giant-Killing Potential: Lower-tier clubs facing entering Premier League heavyweights create high-variance scenarios in domestic cup betting markets.
The Anatomy of the Round of 32
The stakes shift dramatically as the tournament enters its third round. While second-round fixtures welcomed top-flight clubs not participating in European competitions, the absolute heavyweights secure their entry at this exact stage. The nine Premier League clubs competing in European tournaments receive a direct bye into the Round of 32. This includes cup winners Manchester City, alongside Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United.
Because these European participants juggle congested continental calendars, the third round breaks tradition. Instead of a single midweek sweep, matches are scheduled across consecutive midweeks, kicking off the weeks of September 7 and September 14, 2026.
How to Watch the Draw Live Around the Globe
For supporters in the United Kingdom, Sky Sports holds the primary broadcast rights. The draw is scheduled for approximately 10:30 pm BST on Wednesday, August 26, immediately following the final whistle as Preston North End face Everton. Fans on the move can stream the action using the Sky Go or NOW TV apps.
International broadcasting spans several major networks. Viewers in the United States can tune into Paramount+ for live coverage, while Canadian fans can access the action via DAZN or fubo. Australian audiences can watch through beIN Sports, and the official EFL YouTube channel frequently provides free international streams for regions without dedicated broadcasting agreements.
| Territory | TV Channel & Streaming Platform |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, Sky Go, NOW TV |
| United States | Paramount+ |
| Canada | DAZN, fubo |
| Ireland | Sky Sports |
| Australia | beIN Sports |
Teams Involved and the Road Ahead
A total of 32 teams make up the third-round pool. This comprises 23 winners from the second-round matchups and the nine elite European qualifiers. With lower-ranked clubs fighting for a famous scalp, the probability of tactical upsets increases significantly as Championship and League One outfits test themselves against Premier League opposition.
The official ball numbers are finalized on the morning of the draw.
