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

The Carabao Cup first round delivered thrilling action as West Ham, Burnley, and Millwall all advanced with notable wins. Fans across England witnessed dramatic penalty shootouts and upsets, setting the stage for an exciting second round.

Carabao Cup First Round: Key Results and Highlights

The first round of the Carabao Cup featured 35 matches, with several Premier League clubs entering the fray. West Ham came from behind to beat Portsmouth 3-1 at the London Stadium, while Burnley edged Notts County 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Millwall also progressed, defeating QPR 2-0 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate.

West Ham's Comeback Victory

West Ham's 3-1 win over Portsmouth was a standout performance. Trailing early, the Hammers rallied with three unanswered goals to secure their place in the second round. The comeback highlighted their attacking depth and resilience under pressure.

Burnley and Millwall Advance via Shootouts

Burnley's penalty shootout against Notts County was tense, with Kyle Walker smashing home the decisive spot-kick. Millwall also needed penalties to overcome QPR, winning 2-0 in the shootout after a 1-1 draw. These matches showcased the unpredictable nature of cup football.

Complete Carabao Cup First Round Scores

Penalty Shootout Drama

Several matches went to penalties, providing edge-of-the-seat entertainment. Barnsley beat Wigan 6-5, Reading edged Bromley 5-4, and Doncaster overcame Stockport 5-4. These shootouts were decided by fine margins, with goalkeepers and nerve playing crucial roles.

Upsets and Surprises

The first round also saw upsets, with lower-league sides like Lincoln defeating Derby 2-1 and Peterborough winning at Bristol Rovers. These results highlight the magic of the cup and the competitiveness of English football's lower tiers.

Key Takeaways from the First Round

• Premier League clubs showed resilience, with West Ham, Burnley, and Millwall all advancing.
• Penalty shootouts were a recurring theme, with 10 matches decided from the spot.
• Lower-league teams like Lincoln and Peterborough pulled off notable upsets.
• Leicester and Norwich secured comfortable wins, signaling strong cup ambitions.

Looking Ahead to the Second Round

The second round draw will feature the 35 winners from the first round, with Premier League clubs not involved in European competition entering. Fans can expect more drama and potential giant-killings as the competition progresses.

FAQ