Carabao Cup First Round Results: West Ham, Burnley, Millwall Win 2026

The Carabao Cup first round delivered dramatic football action, with West Ham, Burnley, and Millwall securing victories. Fans witnessed penalty shootouts, upsets, and late goals across the EFL Cup's opening matches.

Carabao Cup First Round Highlights

The competition kicked off with a flurry of matches, and the biggest story was West Ham's comeback victory over Portsmouth at the London Stadium. After falling behind, the Hammers rallied to win 3-1, showcasing their depth and resilience in the League Cup.

Burnley also advanced, edging Notts County in a tense penalty shootout. Kyle Walker, a four-time winner of this competition with Manchester City, smashed the decisive spot-kick to send Burnley through. Millwall, meanwhile, triumphed over QPR in a shootout, winning 2-0 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Penalty Shootout Drama

Several matches were decided from the spot, adding to the excitement of the first round. AFC Wimbledon beat Newport 5-4 on penalties, while Barnsley edged Wigan 6-5. Reading also advanced past Bromley 5-4, and Preston overcame Huddersfield 4-3.

Doncaster and Shrewsbury also progressed via shootouts, beating Stockport and Salford respectively. These nail-biting finishes highlighted the competitive nature of the Carabao Cup, where lower-league teams often push their Premier League counterparts to the limit.

Key Results and Upsets

Beyond the shootouts, there were notable results across the board. Leicester beat Northampton 1-0, while Norwich thrashed MK Dons 4-1. Luton cruised past Gillingham 3-0, and Blackburn won 2-1 at Burton. Sheffield Wednesday edged Bolton 1-0, and Stoke beat Oldham 2-0.

One of the biggest upsets saw Birmingham City win 1-0 at Swansea, while Lincoln City beat Derby County 2-1 away. Peterborough also claimed a 1-0 victory at Bristol Rovers, and Crawley fell to Watford 1-0.

What This Means for the Competition

The first round set the tone for an unpredictable Carabao Cup. Premier League clubs like West Ham and Burnley showed their quality, but lower-league sides demonstrated they can compete, pushing matches to penalties and causing upsets.

For fans, the League Cup offers a chance to see emerging talent and squad players in action. The second round will bring more excitement as the draw pairs teams across the football pyramid.

Key Takeaways from the First Round

• West Ham's comeback win highlights their attacking depth.
• Burnley's penalty success shows mental resilience.
• Millwall's shootout victory over QPR was a London derby thriller.
• Several lower-league teams took Premier League and Championship sides to the wire.
• Penalty shootouts decided 8 of the 25 first-round matches.

Looking Ahead to Round Two

As the Carabao Cup progresses, teams will aim to build momentum and secure a spot in the later stages. The competition offers a pathway to silverware and European qualification, making it a priority for many clubs.

Stay tuned for the second round draw and more EFL Cup action. Whether you're a fan of the big clubs or the underdogs, the Carabao Cup continues to deliver memorable moments.

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