ع
The third round of the Carabao Cup, also known as the EFL Cup, features several high-profile matchups as the Premier League’s European participants join the competition. According to BBC Sport, the draw conducted on August 26, 2026, set up Liverpool versus Tottenham and Arsenal against Ipswich among 16 ties. These games are spread over the weeks of September 7 and 14 to prevent scheduling conflicts with European matches.
Qatar News Agency highlighted the Liverpool hosting Spurs and Arsenal visiting Ipswich as notable fixtures in its September 14 report. Sky Sports will broadcast every third-round game live, with the Liverpool and Arsenal matches set for Tuesday, September 15, at 8pm, the network said. This round marks the point where top clubs like Manchester City, the holders, enter the tournament.
Manchester City will host Norwich City while Manchester United face Brighton at home, BBC Sport figures show. The draw also paired Sunderland with Hull City, Coventry City with Aston Villa and Bournemouth with Lincoln City. Fleetwood Town, the sole remaining team from the fourth tier, will host Sheffield United, according to the published draw.
Additional fixtures include Everton against Wolves, Millwall versus Newcastle United and Reading hosting Brentford, a report from The Athletic detailed. Pending results from earlier rounds will determine Chelsea or Luton against Leeds and West Ham against Fulham or AFC Wimbledon. Peterborough United take on Barnsley and Leyton Orient meet Bradford City in other ties.
The competition provides an opportunity for lower-league sides to face elite opposition, with the fourth round draw to take place after these matches conclude, Sky Sports reported. Liverpool hold the record for the most EFL Cup titles with 10 victories, Statista data shows. Manchester City have claimed nine titles including a 2026 final win over Arsenal, records from Wikipedia indicate.
Liverpool and Tottenham, both in transition this season, meet at Anfield in what CBS Sports described as one of the standout ties. Ipswich advanced to this stage with a victory over Leicester City in round two, a Sports Mole preview stated. All ties are expected to see a mix of rotated squads from the Premier League participants.
