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

The Carabao Cup first round delivered drama, upsets, and penalty shootouts, with West Ham, Burnley, and Millwall all advancing. Football fans witnessed a night of cup magic across England, as lower-league sides pushed Premier League and Championship teams to the limit.

Carabao Cup First Round: Key Results and Highlights

West Ham came from behind to beat Portsmouth 3-1 at the London Stadium, while Burnley needed a penalty shootout to overcome Notts County. Millwall edged QPR on penalties, and several other ties went the distance, making it a memorable night for EFL Cup enthusiasts.

West Ham vs Portsmouth: Comeback Victory

West Ham trailed early but rallied with three unanswered goals to secure a comfortable win. The Hammers showed resilience, and their attacking depth proved too much for Portsmouth. Manager Julen Lopetegui will be pleased with the response from his squad.

Burnley vs Notts County: Penalty Drama

Burnley were pushed to the brink by League Two side Notts County, who took the lead before the Clarets equalized. The match ended 1-1, and Burnley won the shootout 4-3, with Kyle Walker smashing home the decisive spot-kick. It was a nervy night for the Championship favorites.

Millwall vs QPR: London Derby Thriller

Millwall and QPR played out a 1-1 draw, with Millwall winning 2-0 on penalties. The London derby was intense, and Millwall's composure from the spot sealed their progression to the second round.

Complete Carabao Cup First Round Results

Here is the full list of scores from Tuesday night's matches, including all penalty shootouts:

Key Takeaways from the Carabao Cup First Round

• Penalty shootouts dominated the night, with 8 of 26 ties decided from the spot.
• Several lower-league teams pushed higher-ranked opponents, but only a few managed to cause upsets.
• West Ham, Burnley, and Millwall all advanced, but not without drama.
• Leicester and Norwich cruised through with comfortable wins, showing their promotion credentials.
• Shrewsbury's win over Salford was a notable result, given Salford's celebrity backing.

What's Next in the EFL Cup?

The second round draw will see the Premier League clubs not involved in European competition enter the fray. This adds another layer of excitement, as top-flight teams like Manchester United and Chelsea will join the tournament. Fans can expect more thrilling encounters and potential giant-killings.

For now, the first round has set the tone for a competitive Carabao Cup season. Whether you're a fan of a giant or an underdog, the EFL Cup continues to deliver unforgettable moments.

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