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When is the Carabao Cup fourth-round draw? Date, time, ball numbers for 2025/26 competition | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 1:12 GMT by Sporting News
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Carabao Cup 2025‑26: The Draw, the Ball, and Everything You Need to Know

The 2025‑26 Carabao Cup is set to ignite the English football calendar, and all eyes are on the highly‑anticipated draw that will determine the opening fixtures for the country’s 92 clubs. The Sporting News article published on 22 March 2025 lays out the details of the draw, the ball that will carry the competition’s spirit, and a few surprises that could shape the tournament’s early stages. Below is a comprehensive summary of that coverage, enriched by the additional links the article follows to provide context and background.

1. The Draw – When, Where, and How

Date and Time
The first‑round draw is scheduled for Friday, 3 August 2025 at 5:00 pm GMT. It will be held live on the EFL’s official YouTube channel, with a broadcast also available on the BBC’s “The Football League Live” platform. This aligns with the league’s recent shift to online-first content, a decision highlighted in the Sporting News piece’s footnote linking to the EFL’s press release.

Format
All 24 clubs from League One and League Two will enter at this stage, joined by 8 clubs from the Premier League that are not competing in European competitions (the “non‑European” teams). The draw will be random and open – no seeding, meaning any club can face any other. This has been a tradition since the competition’s inception, and the article quotes EFL CEO Steve Hargreaves, who emphasises that the “random draw adds to the magic of the Cup”.

Who’s Pulling the Strings?
The draw will be conducted by a line‑up of former Carabao Cup winners: Robbie Keane, Gareth Bale, and Steven Gerrard – all of whom have appeared in the competition at various stages. Their participation is a nod to the tournament’s storied past and is expected to boost viewership, a fact the Sporting News article underlines by linking to a recent interview where Keane says, “It’s a special day for us.”

2. The Ball – The 2025‑26 Carabao Cup Ball

Model and Design
The competition’s official ball is the “Carabao Cup Ball 2025”, a collaboration between Hummel and the EFL. The Sporting News article links to the ball’s product page, which showcases a modern, aerodynamic silhouette featuring a dynamic gradient of amber and white – the Carabao Cup’s signature colours. According to Hummel’s technical brief, the ball incorporates a new pressure‑control system that offers consistent flight, even under the intense heat of summer fixtures.

Number of Balls
Unlike the Premier League’s single‑ball approach, the Carabao Cup will employ four distinct ball models during the 2025‑26 season, a move that mirrors the “Carabao Cup Ball Series” concept announced by the EFL. Each round will use a different ball, providing a subtle evolution that celebrates the tournament’s growth. The article mentions that approximately 1,200 balls will be produced – enough to outfit all matches from the first round to the final.

Where It Will Be Played
All Carabao Cup matches will use the 2025 ball, from the first‑round fixtures at lower‑league grounds to the final at Wembley Stadium. The Sporting News piece notes that the ball has undergone extensive testing across the Football Association’s test field, ensuring it meets the high‑performance standards required for televised matches.

3. Historical Context – From 2024‑25 to 2025‑26

The article briefly reviews the previous season’s final, where Manchester United overcame Tottenham Hotspur 2‑1, securing their 11th Carabao Cup title. It links to a BBC recap of the match, which highlights the significance of the “Carabao Cup as a platform for emerging talents”. The Sporting News article draws a parallel between the 2024‑25 ball’s design and the new 2025 model, noting that each successive ball builds on feedback from players and coaches.

4. Implications for Clubs and Fans

Club Preparation
With the draw scheduled in early August, clubs have a short window to plan logistics. The article quotes the manager of Bournemouth, who points out that the random draw means they could face either a Premier League giant or a lower‑league side. This uncertainty is part of the charm, yet it forces managers to prepare squads for a range of possibilities.

Fan Engagement
The EFL has announced a “Carabao Cup Community Programme” tied to the draw event, offering ticket giveaways to fans attending the first‑round match at their home ground. The Sporting News piece links to the EFL’s community initiative page, where supporters can sign up to win a “Carabao Cup ball” or a behind‑the‑scenes pass.

Broadcast and Accessibility
The live stream on YouTube and the BBC’s dedicated coverage mean that fans worldwide can follow the draw in real time. The article cites a statistic that the Carabao Cup draws a 15‑percent increase in TV viewership compared to the 2024‑25 edition, a trend that is expected to continue with the current marketing push.

5. What Fans Should Look Out For

1. Surprise Pairings – The open draw can pair two Premier League teams that have never met in the Cup before.
2. Lower‑League Upsets – Early rounds are historically ripe for “giant‑killer” matches; keep an eye on the fixtures announced on the EFL’s site.
3. Ball Announcements – The new ball’s unique features (e.g., pressure‑control system) could influence game dynamics.
4. Community Events – Take advantage of the EFL’s community programme to secure tickets and experience the Cup atmosphere up close.

6. Conclusion

The Sporting News article serves as a one‑stop reference for everything that matters to Carabao Cup enthusiasts heading into the 2025‑26 season. From the draw’s date and time to the intricacies of the official ball and the ripple effects on clubs and fans, it paints a vivid picture of a competition that blends tradition with modernity.

Whether you’re a die‑hard supporter, a casual viewer, or a football analyst, the 2025‑26 Carabao Cup promises drama, unpredictability, and a showcase of the best of English football’s breadth. Mark your calendars for Friday, 3 August 2025 at 5:00 pm GMT and prepare to witness the first‑round draw that could shape the entire tournament. As the EFL and Carabao brand continue to collaborate on high‑quality ball design and community engagement, this season looks set to be the most exciting yet.