The 2026-27 EFL Cup campaign has commenced with a significant shift in its schedule, as 34 of the 35 first-round ties are set to be played between Friday and Monday this weekend. This marks a notable change for the competition, also known as the Carabao Cup, which traditionally holds its early rounds in midweek.
The first round officially began on Thursday, 6 August 2026, with the match between Bristol City and Walsall. This weekend kick-off precedes the start of the EFL league seasons, a move agreed upon after consultation with EFL clubs regarding the proposed schedule.
This scheduling adjustment aims to provide players with a longer rest period. In previous seasons, the opening round was often sandwiched between two league fixtures, leading to teams playing three times in quick succession. While some weekend fixtures occurred in 2020, 2021, and 2012, this is the first full round of weekend fixtures, excluding the final, this century.
Only Championship, League One, and League Two teams are participating in this initial round, with Premier League clubs joining the competition from the second round onwards.