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

The Carabao Cup first round delivered thrilling action, with West Ham, Burnley, and Millwall securing crucial wins. Fans witnessed dramatic penalty shootouts and upsets across the competition, setting the stage for an exciting second round.

West Ham Comeback Victory Over Portsmouth

West Ham staged a remarkable comeback at the London Stadium, defeating Portsmouth 3-1. After falling behind early, the Hammers responded with three unanswered goals to advance. The victory highlighted their attacking depth and resilience under pressure.

Manager David Moyes praised his team's character, noting the importance of progressing in domestic cup competitions. The win provides momentum as West Ham eyes a deep run in the Carabao Cup.

Burnley Edge Notts County in Penalty Shootout

Burnley needed a penalty shootout to overcome League Two side Notts County, winning 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Kyle Walker, a four-time winner of this competition, smashed the decisive spot-kick home, showcasing his big-game experience.

Notts County pushed the Premier League side to the limit, but Burnley's composure from the spot proved decisive. The Clarets will look to build on this gritty performance in the next round.

Millwall Advance Past QPR in London Derby

Millwall secured a 2-0 penalty shootout win over QPR after a 1-1 draw in a tense London derby. The Lions' goalkeeper was the hero, saving two spot-kicks to send his side through. The victory was a morale booster for Millwall, who showed defensive solidity throughout.

Other Notable First Round Results

The first round featured several high-scoring games and shootout drama. Leicester edged Northampton 1-0, while Norwich thrashed MK Dons 4-1. Cardiff beat Swindon 3-2, and Blackburn defeated Burton 2-1.

Shock results included Lincoln beating Derby 2-1 and Birmingham winning 1-0 at Swansea. Luton cruised past Gillingham 3-0, while Blackpool won 3-1 at Grimsby.

Penalty Shootout Drama

Several ties were decided from the spot, adding to the competition's unpredictability. Barnsley beat Wigan 6-5 on penalties, while Reading edged Bromley 5-4. AFC Wimbledon won 5-4 against Newport, and Preston overcame Huddersfield 4-3.

Doncaster defeated Stockport 5-4, and Shrewsbury beat Salford 4-3. These shootouts provided unforgettable moments for fans and highlighted the fine margins in cup football.

Key Takeaways from the First Round

• Premier League teams like West Ham and Burnley advanced but faced stiff lower-league opposition.
• Penalty shootouts decided nearly a third of the ties, emphasizing the competitive balance.
• Several upsets occurred, with Lincoln beating Derby and Birmingham winning at Swansea.
• Young players and squad rotation played key roles as managers balanced league and cup priorities.

What to Expect in the Second Round

The second round promises more excitement as bigger clubs enter the fray. With the draw set to pair Premier League sides against each other, the Carabao Cup is wide open. Teams like West Ham and Burnley will aim to maintain their winning momentum, while lower-league sides dream of giant-killing acts.

Fans can look forward to more high-stakes matches and potential upsets. The competition's unpredictability makes it one of the most entertaining domestic cups in English football.

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