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Carabao Cup second-round draw: Chelsea, Tottenham and Fulham discover opponents

Adem Ozcan Last updated: Aug 10, 2026, 8:24 pm
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Image: IMAGO / Every Second Media

The Carabao Cup second-round draw has produced several eye-catching ties, with Chelsea set to host Luton Town and Tottenham Hotspur welcoming Charlton Athletic.

Both London clubs enter the competition at the second-round stage after missing out on European qualification last season. Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League, while Tottenham ended a disappointing campaign in 17th, meaning both will be aiming to avoid early upsets against lower-league opposition.

The ties are scheduled to be played during the week commencing 24 August.

London clubs discover opponents

Chelsea have been handed a home clash against Championship side Luton Town, while Tottenham will also enjoy home advantage against League One outfit Charlton Athletic.

Elsewhere, Fulham will host AFC Wimbledon in an all-London meeting at Craven Cottage.

West Ham United, meanwhile, face a difficult away trip to Southampton after progressing past Portsmouth in the opening round.

Standout ties across the country

Outside the capital, one of the headline fixtures sees Nottingham Forest host Leeds United in an all-Premier League encounter at the City Ground.

Newcastle United will entertain West Bromwich Albion, while Everton travel to Preston North End and Wolverhampton Wanderers visit Sheffield Wednesday.

Premier League clubs competing in European competitions, including holders Manchester City and last season's runners-up Arsenal, will enter the tournament in the third round.

Carabao Cup second round draw in full

Southern Section

Walsall vs Leyton Orient

Ipswich Town vs Leicester City

Cardiff City vs Norwich City

Stevenage vs Reading

Cambridge United vs Millwall

Birmingham City vs Brentford

Southampton vs West Ham

Watford vs Peterborough

Fulham vs AFC Wimbledon

Plymouth or Exeter vs Coventry City

Chelsea vs Luton Town

Tottenham vs Charlton Athletic

Northern Section

Stoke City vs Hull City

Newcastle vs West Brom

Blackburn Rovers vs Sheffield United

Nottingham Forest vs Leeds

Doncaster Rovers vs Middlesbrough

Barnsley vs Crewe Alexandra

Preston North End vs Everton

Blackpool vs Lincoln City

Sheffield Wednesday vs Wolves

Bradford City vs Burnley

Fleetwood Town vs Shrewsbury Town

Key points

  • Chelsea will host Luton Town in the second round.
  • Tottenham Hotspur face Charlton Athletic at home.
  • Fulham take on AFC Wimbledon in a London derby.
  • Nottingham Forest versus Leeds United is one of the standout ties.
  • Manchester City and Arsenal will enter the competition in the third round.

What's next?

The second-round ties will take place during the week commencing 24 August, with the winners progressing to the third round. Clubs involved in European competitions, including Manchester City and Arsenal, will join the tournament at that stage, completing the last-32 lineup.

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