Eighteen teams secure Carabao Cup third round spots after midweek fixtures – see who advanced

At least 18 teams have booked their places in the Carabao Cup third round after Tuesday’s second‑round matches. Leeds United edged Nottingham Forest 2‑0, Brentford hammered Birmingham City 6‑1, and Sheffield United turned a 2‑1 win over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. Peterborough United thrashed Watford 5‑1, Millwall scraped a 1‑0 victory at Cambridge United, and Barnsley needed a 3‑2 score to see off Crewe Alexandra. Middlesbrough beat Doncaster Rovers 3‑1, Norwich City prevailed 2‑1 at Cardiff City, Wolves recorded a 2‑0 triumph over Sheffield Wednesday, and Coventry City squeezed past Plymouth 4‑2. Reading blanked Stevenage 3‑0, Lincoln City routed Blackpool 4‑1, while Leyton Orient and Walsall went to penalties after a goalless draw, with Orient winning the shoot‑out. Hull City also required penalties to eliminate Stoke City, West Ham United dominated Southampton 4‑1, Fleetwood Town crushed Shrewsbury Town 4‑0, and Ipswich Town topped Leicester City 2‑0.

For Nigerian football fans, these results shape the path to the Carabao Cup final, offering a glimpse of English club form that often influences player transfers and betting markets. The ties highlight which lower‑league sides are causing upsets—Brentford’s 6‑1 rout and Peterborough’s 5‑1 hammering show that Championship and League One teams can still make deep runs.

The third‑round draw will take place later this week; fans can follow the live draw on the EFL’s official website or sports broadcasters. Keep an eye on any Nigerian‑eligible players in the squads, as standout performances could attract scouting interest from European clubs.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/26/carabao-cup-18-teams-qualify-for-third-round/