Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWill CastleThursday 25 June 2026 17:59 BSTHollywood-owned Wrexham will take on Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup (Getty)The Carabao Cup first-round draw has been completed, with matches scheduled to take place between 7-9 August, marking the commencement of the 2026-27 English football season.West Ham, recently relegated from the Premier League, will kick off their campaign against Portsmouth in a fixture that was once a top-flight encounter.Other clubs relegated from the Premier League, Wolves and Burnley, were drawn at home against Port Vale and Notts County respectively.Notable ties include a Devon derby between Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City, Wrexham facing Championship promotion rivals Middlesbrough, and Millwall travelling to QPR.Sheffield United will seek revenge against Mansfield following a previous FA Cup defeat, while Derby County will host Lincoln, who are returning to the second tier after 65 years.In fullWest Ham handed throwback tie against Portsmouth in Carabao Cup first-round drawThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in