Carabao Cup second-round draw: Chelsea host Luton, Forest host Leeds

On 10 August 2026 the Carabao Cup second-round draw produced ties that include Chelsea hosting League One Luton and Nottingham Forest hosting Leeds in the northern section.

Five-time winners Chelsea enter the competition under new manager Xabi Alonso, who will oversee the club’s attempt to win the tournament for the first time since 2015 later this month. The draw was organised with separate southern and northern sections.

In the southern section Tottenham will play Championship side Charlton at home, Fulham will host League One AFC Wimbledon, Brentford travel to Birmingham, Ipswich host Leicester and West Ham, who beat Portsmouth in Saturday’s first round, visit Championship Southampton; Plymouth or Exeter could face Coventry.

In the northern section Newcastle, under new head coach Matthias Jaissle, have been drawn at home to West Brom, Premier League newcomers Hull travel to Stoke and Everton will return to Preston, with the Everton manager David Moyes returning to Preston "where he was a player and manager."

The draw sees the 11 top-tier sides not involved in European competition enter in the second round, with the remaining nine top-flight clubs joining in round three.

Ties are scheduled to be played the week commencing 24 August. The 2026-27 final is on 21 March at Wembley.