According to a report by The Punch on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the quarter-final fixtures for the 2026 Carabao Cup have been announced after the completion of the latest round of matches and Wednesday night's draw, setting up several interesting encounters as eight teams compete for places in the semi-finals.

The competition is gradually approaching its decisive stages, with some of England's biggest clubs still hoping to secure the prestigious domestic trophy. The latest draw has produced exciting matchups involving Premier League teams and lower-division sides determined to continue their impressive journeys.

One of the standout fixtures will see Liverpool take on Bournemouth in an all-Premier League encounter. Both clubs will be aiming to progress to the final four, making the contest one of the most anticipated matches of the quarter-final stage.

Meanwhile, defending champions Manchester City have been drawn against Bradford City. The Manchester club will enjoy home advantage as they look to move another step closer to successfully defending their title.

However, Bradford City will be hoping to produce a memorable performance against their more experienced opponents. Cup competitions have frequently provided opportunities for smaller clubs to surprise established teams, and Bradford will be determined to make the most of their opportunity.

Elsewhere, Crystal Palace will face Sunderland in another fascinating encounter. Both sides will be targeting victory as they attempt to keep their hopes of winning the competition alive.

Fleetwood Town have also secured a place in the quarter-finals following their remarkable victory over Arsenal in the previous round. Their unexpected success against the North London club has made them one of the competition's biggest talking points.

Fleetwood will now face either Everton or Newcastle United, depending on the outcome of the outstanding fourth-round fixture between the two Premier League clubs.

The confirmed quarter-final pairings are Fleetwood Town against Everton or Newcastle United, Manchester City against Bradford City, Crystal Palace against Sunderland, and Liverpool against Bournemouth.

The matches are expected to be played during the week beginning December 14, 2026, with the successful teams advancing to the semi-finals.

As the tournament enters another crucial phase, supporters will be looking forward to competitive encounters, potential surprises and the opportunity to see which four clubs will move closer to lifting the Carabao Cup trophy.

For the remaining contenders, every fixture now carries greater significance, with just two victories separating the quarter-finalists from a place in the final.