When is Carabao Cup draw? Start time, ball numbers and TV channel for third round

Mikel Arteta press conference after Arsenal 3-0 Coventry

The Carabao Cup third round is almost here, and with it the arrival of the Premier League’s biggest names.

While the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham face second-round ties this week to earn their place in the next stages, the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool got a bye due to their European commitments.

It also means both that the third round will be played across two midweeks, as the teams in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League juggle their match schedule, and also those teams will not face each other.

Here is everything you need to know about the Carabao Cup third round draw.

When is the Carabao Cup draw?

The date and time for the Carabao Cup third round draw is yet to be confirmed.

It is expected to be held following the conclusion of Preston vs Everton, which kicks off at 8pm BST on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

Further details on the presenters and guests conducting the draw will also be announced closer to the time.

How to watch the Carabao Cup draw

TV channel: The Carabao Cup third-round draw will be shown live on Sky Sports.

Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers will also be able to watch the draw live online via the Sky Go app.

Live blog: You can follow the draw as it happens with Standard Sport’s live blog.

Carabao Cup draw ball numbers

Ball numbers for the third-round draw will be confirmed on the morning of the draw.

The 32 clubs in the draw will include the 23 winners from the second round, along with the nine Premier League teams competing in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League this season.

When will third-round ties be played?

The third-round matches are scheduled to take place across back to back weeks, from September 7 and then September 14.

The ties will be played as single-leg fixtures, with the winners progressing to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.