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

The Carabao Cup first round delivered a night of drama, with West Ham, Burnley, and Millwall all securing victories. Fans across England witnessed thrilling matches, penalty shootouts, and unexpected upsets as the competition kicked off in style.

This comprehensive roundup covers every score, key moments, and what it means for the teams advancing to the second round. Whether you're a die-hard supporter or a casual observer, here's everything you need to know about the opening fixtures.

Carabao Cup First Round: Full Results and Highlights

The first round featured 36 teams battling for a place in the second round. Among the standout performances, West Ham came from behind to beat Portsmouth 3-1 at the London Stadium. Burnley edged past Notts County in a tense penalty shootout, while Millwall defeated QPR on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Other notable results included Leicester's narrow 1-0 win over Northampton, Norwich's 4-1 thrashing of MK Dons, and Birmingham's 1-0 victory at Swansea. Several lower-league sides caused upsets, with Lincoln beating Derby 2-1 and Blackburn overcoming Burton 2-1.

Penalty Shootout Drama

Penalties decided six ties, providing edge-of-the-seat entertainment. AFC Wimbledon beat Newport 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, while Barnsley edged Wigan 6-5. Reading needed a shootout to overcome Bromley, winning 5-4. Preston, Shrewsbury, and Doncaster also advanced via spot-kicks.

Burnley's shootout win over Notts County was sealed by a decisive kick from Kyle Walker, a four-time winner of this competition with Manchester City. His experience proved crucial as the Clarets progressed.

Key Takeaways from the First Round

• West Ham showcased resilience with a comeback win over Portsmouth.
• Burnley survived a scare against Notts County, advancing on penalties.
• Millwall triumphed over QPR in a London derby shootout.
• Several lower-league teams, including Lincoln and Blackburn, caused upsets.
• Penalty shootouts decided six matches, highlighting the competitive nature of the cup.

Carabao Cup First Round Results Comparison Table

What's Next for the Winners?

Teams advancing to the second round will face tougher opposition, with Premier League clubs entering the competition. The draw for the next round is expected to bring exciting matchups, and the momentum gained from first-round victories could prove vital.

For clubs like West Ham and Burnley, the Carabao Cup offers a realistic chance of silverware. Meanwhile, lower-league sides will hope to continue their giant-killing runs and create memorable cup stories.

FAQ

The Carabao Cup first round set the stage for an exciting tournament. With upsets, shootouts, and standout performances, football fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming rounds.