Everything You Need to Know About the 2026–27 Carabao Cup Quarterfinal Draw: Date, Time & Ball Numbers Revealed

Everything You Need to Know About the 2026–27 Carabao Cup Quarterfinal Draw: Date, Time & Ball Numbers Revealed

The English Football League (EFL) has representation in the 2026–27 Carabao Cup quarterfinals, while the reigning Premier League champions are notably absent.

In a stunning turn of events, League Two side Fleetwood Town joined Bradford City in the last eight of the tournament. The League Cup has rarely been associated with the kind of "magic" its older and more prestigious sibling, the FA Cup, is known for — yet two of the most shocking cup upsets in English football history have come via the Carabao Cup in consecutive seasons.

That said, the EFL representatives still have a tough road ahead if they hope to make an unlikely trip to Wembley. Strong Premier League sides remain in the competition, and with the field continuing to narrow, further upsets and marquee matchups are very much on the cards.

Here's everything you need to know about the Carabao Cup quarterfinal draw.

When Is the Carabao Cup Quarterfinal Draw?

The Carabao Cup trophy displayed on a branded plinth during the Carabao Cup Final between Arsenal and Manchester City.

The Carabao Cup quarterfinal draw is set to take place following Liverpool's fourth-round clash against fellow 'Big Six' side Chelsea on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

An exact draw time cannot be confirmed, as the match at Anfield could go to penalties. Kick-off is at 8 p.m. GMT (4 p.m. ET, 1 p.m. PT), with the game expected to conclude just before 10 p.m. if it ends within normal time. In that case, the draw would likely be held around 10:30 p.m.

How to Watch the Carabao Cup Quarterfinal Draw

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the quarterfinal draw live on Sky Sports.

The competition's official social media platforms will also offer live updates of the draw, which is being hosted by Dave Jones. Former Wolverhampton Wanderers, Everton, and Wrexham defender Conor Coady, along with ex-England left back Graeme Le Saux, will be drawing the balls from the hat.

Ball Numbers for the Carabao Cup Quarterfinal Draw

Izzy Christiansen, Andy Cole

1. Bradford City
2. Fleetwood Town
3. Bournemouth or Aston Villa
4. Fulham or Crystal Palace
5. Liverpool or Chelsea
6. Manchester City or Brighton & Hove Albion
7. Sunderland or Brentford
8. Everton or Newcastle United

When Will the Carabao Cup Quarterfinals Take Place?

There is another significant wait before the next round, with quarterfinal fixtures scheduled for the week beginning Dec. 14.

The four ties are expected to be spread across three days that week, likely running from Tuesday, Dec. 15 through Thursday, Dec. 17.

Winners will progress to the semifinals, which will be played over two legs in January and February of next year. The final, once again staged at Wembley Stadium, is scheduled for March 21, 2027.

Don't miss a story

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.