English Football League • Cup Draw Information
With third-round fixtures wrapping up across the country, anticipation builds for the official Carabao Cup Round 4 draw, determining the matchups for the prestigious Round of 16.
English football supporters are preparing for a thrilling series of knockout ties as the third round reaches its conclusion. Tracking the upcoming Carabao Cup Round 4 proceedings reveals a competitive tournament bracket where Premier League giants and resilient EFL lower-tier disruptors compete on equal terms for domestic silverware.
Draw Date, UK Kick-off Time and Broadcast Schedule
The draw will take place immediately following the conclusion of Wednesday night’s televised tie between Liverpool and West Ham United. Here are the global transmission timings across key broadcasting territories:
| Territory / Timezone | Expected Broadcast Start | Official Broadcast Partner |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (BST) | Approx. 10:15 PM BST (Wednesday) | Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Football |
| United States (EDT) | Approx. 5:15 PM EDT (Wednesday) | Paramount+ & CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| India (IST) | Approx. 2:45 AM IST (Thursday early morning) | FanCode App & Website |
To revisit team form ahead of tonight’s clashes, read our complete Carabao Cup tonight preview and predicted starting lineups.
Confirmed Ball Numbers and Qualified Clubs
Sixteen clubs will enter the velvet bag for the Carabao Cup Round 4 stage, with ball numbers assigned by the EFL prior to the live television ceremony:
| Ball No. | Club Name | Round 3 Result / Matchup |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester City | Won 2-1 vs Watford |
| 2 | Chelsea | Won 5-0 vs Barrow |
| 3 | Aston Villa | Won 2-1 vs Wycombe Wanderers |
| 4 | Leicester City | Won 3-0 on penalties vs Walsall |
| 5 | Arsenal / Bolton | Wednesday Evening Clash at Emirates Stadium |
| 6 | Liverpool / West Ham | Wednesday Evening Clash at Anfield |
| 7 | Tottenham Hotspur | Won 2-1 vs Coventry City |
| 8 | Manchester United | Won 7-0 vs Barnsley |
For detailed analysis of yesterday’s dominant performances from Nkunku and Doku, read our Carabao Cup Round 3 match results and scoring recaps.
Key Rules and Match Scheduling for Round of 16
Clubs qualifying through the Carabao Cup Round 4 draw must prepare for high-stakes single-elimination battles. The English Football League enforces specific tournament regulations across this phase:
Tournament Regulations for Round of 16:
- No Extra Time: All drawn fixtures at full-time bypass extra time completely and proceed straight to a penalty shootout to ease fixture congestion.
- Match Window: Fixtures will be staged across the week commencing Monday, October 28, 2026, slotted between domestic weekend fixtures.
- VAR Implementation: Video Assistant Referee technology remains absent during fourth-round ties, operating only if games are hosted in Premier League stadia with pre-match agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions: Draw Rules and Channels
Can Premier League teams face each other in this round?
Yes. There is no seeding or country protection applied in the fourth round draw, meaning heavyweight blockbusters between top-six contenders are fully possible.
Can fans watch the draw stream for free online?
Yes. The draw is streamed simultaneously on the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel free of charge worldwide alongside official social media handles.
Final Outlook and Potential Blockbuster Matchups
With European schedule pressures mounting, managers will scrutinize the upcoming draw carefully. Check back immediately as we update all confirmed pairings in our live Carabao Cup Round 4 coverage. Who do you want your squad to draw next? Share your dream matchups in the comments!
