The Carabao Cup has entered its third round stage, registering the point when English football’s European challengers participate in the contest. With the road to Wembley now in sight, supporters will be keen to see who their side will confront as the drama of the domestic cup heightens.
This round traditionally ignites intensified excitement, as the biggest names Premier League enter the mix. Having reached the semi-finals in 2024/25, hopes are high of going one better this season and lifting the trophy for a third time.
When is the Draw?
The Carabao Cup third round draw takes place on Wednesday at 8 pm. Coverage will follow Manchester United’s second round tie at Grimsby Town.
Two draws will actually occur this evening. The first, held before Manchester United’s trip to Blundell Park, will decide whether clubs competing in European competitions play their third-round fixtures at home or away. The second, the main draw, will take place after the game in Lincolnshire.
Who Enters at This Stage?
Eight Premier League sides join at the third round due to their involvement in the Champions League or Europa League. These are: Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, and Crystal Palace.
To ensure fairness and to accommodate the packed European schedule, the EFL has ruled that no team competing in Europe can face another side from the same continental competition at this stage. This means the eight clubs will be drawn separately from the remaining 24 teams.
How Does the Draw Work?
The third round draw will be split into two bowls. One bowl will contain the eight European entrants, while the second will feature the 24 remaining teams. Each of the first eight ties drawn will involve one side from Europe matched against an opponent from the domestic pool.
We have been confirmed as ball number one in the draw. Other notable entrants include Brentford, Southampton, Wolves, Wrexham, Swansea City, and Doncaster Rovers. Some ties remain undecided, pending the outcomes of second round fixtures such as Everton vs. Mansfield, Fulham vs. Bristol City, and Oxford vs. Brighton.
When Will the Third Round Be Played?
The fixtures for the Carabao Cup third round will be spread across two weeks in September to avoid clashes with European competitions. The first batch of ties will take place during the week commencing September 15, 2025. However, due to involvement in the Champions League, our fixture is set for the following week, beginning September 22.
What’s New This Season?
One significant change comes in the form of a celebratory sleeve patch. To honour every club that has previously lifted the Carabao Cup, the EFL has introduced a design denoting the number of tournament victories. Newcastle United, who ended their 56-year trophy drought by defeating Liverpool 2-1 in the 2024/25 final, will wear a patch commemorating their maiden success.
Our side, crowned winners in 1987 and again in 1993, will proudly display the number two on the sleeve—a reminder of past glory and a motivator to chase a third triumph.
With Wembley beckoning in February and new storylines ready to unfold, tonight’s draw sets the stage for another thrilling Carabao Cup campaign.
