The road to Wembley begins today for the clubs in the English Football League as the Carabao Cup first-round draw is held.
Newcastle are the defending champions after ending their trophy wait with victory over Liverpool in last season’s final, but the Magpies will not enter the competition until the third round.
As Premier League clubs in Europe do not feature in the Carabao Cup until round three, and there are more top-flight teams competing in UEFA competitions than usual next season, a change has been made to this competition.
A preliminary round will take place in early August, featuring the clubs that finished 21st and 22nd in League Two last season and the two that were promoted from the National League.
It means Accrington Stanley will face Oldham and Barnet take on Newport County for a place in the first round of the Carabao Cup.
Once again, clubs will be split into North and South sections for this draw.
When is the Carabao Cup draw?
The draw will take place today, Thursday, June 26, 2025, with a start time of 4.30pm BST.
How to watch the Carabao Cup draw
TV channel: In the UK, the Carabao Cup draw will be broadcast live on Sky Sports News.
Live stream: Subscribers can tune online in via the Sky Go app or on NOW.
Carabao Cup draw ball numbers
The ball numbers for the draw have not yet been confirmed.
When will the first-round ties be played?
The first round of fixtures in next season’s Carabao Cup will be played on the week commencing August 11, with the two play-off ties taking place the week before.
