Carabao Cup Third-Round Draw: All You Need to Know

Carabao Cup third-round draw anticipation is reaching new heights as the remainder of the Premier League clubs get ready to enter the stage for the 2025-26 season. With top teams like Newcastle United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City joining the fray, the excitement surrounding the draw continues to grow.

When and Where Is the Carabao Cup Third-Round Draw?

The Carabao Cup third-round draw is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27, 2025, immediately following the conclusion of Manchester United’s second-round match away at Grimsby Town, which kicks off at 8:00 pm BST. The draw itself is expected to begin after 10:00 pm BST (5:00 pm ET). Football fans in the UK can catch the live broadcast on Sky Sports, while US viewers can stream the event on Paramount+.

How Does the Carabao Cup Draw Work?

Before the main draw, there will be a special pre-draw to decide whether the eight Premier League clubs competing in the Champions League and Europa League will enjoy home advantage or find themselves on the road. The draw then splits into two pots: one containing the eight European teams and the other with the remaining 24 clubs.

For the opening eight fixtures, ties will be formed by alternating between the two pots, with the status of home and away for the European entrants already set by the pre-draw. The remaining eight ties will be selected from the second pot, featuring the rest of the qualifiers. From the third round onward, the competition is no longer divided into north and south regions, allowing for nationwide matchups.

Which Teams Are in the Carabao Cup Third-Round Draw?

A total of 32 teams will feature in the third-round draw. This includes the 23 victors from the second round and the nine Premier League clubs competing in European tournaments: Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, and Newcastle United. Official ball numbers for the draw will be released on the day.

How to Watch the Draw Live

UK viewers can tune in to Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Main Event, or Sky Sports Ultra HDR to catch both the Manchester United vs Grimsby Town game and the live Carabao Cup third-round draw. In the United States, Paramount+ will provide live streaming of the event and the match itself. For comprehensive updates on football fixtures and the latest news, visit for more news.

Carabao Cup Third-Round Fixtures Schedule

The third round of the Carabao Cup is designed to fit around the busy European calendar. Most fixtures are set for the week beginning September 15, 2025, with matches involving clubs engaged in European competition moved to the following week, starting September 22, 2025. This ensures top sides can balance their domestic and continental commitments.

What Makes This Draw Special?

The third round marks the entry of England’s most successful and popular clubs, raising the level of competition and capturing the attention of fans nationwide. With no more regional separation, intriguing clashes can occur, offering smaller clubs the chance to test themselves against the Premier League elite.

Opinion: The Carabao Cup Remains a Crucial Test

The Carabao Cup third-round draw consistently delivers drama, surprises, and opportunities for both favorites and underdogs. The format, which now integrates all top clubs while removing regional limits, creates a thrilling nationwide contest. This stage is where young talents and lesser-known teams can make their mark. For fans, it’s a unique blend of tradition and unpredictability, ensuring the Carabao Cup’s relevance in the crowded football calendar.