The second round of the 2026-2027 Football League Cup served up a feast of goals, upsets, and breakout performances as teams from across the divisions battled for a place in the last 32. From stunning away victories to dramatic penalty shootouts and eye-catching individual displays, the competition proved once again why it captures the imagination of fans eager for cup magic. Premier League sides showed their quality, but lower-league teams also seized their moments on a day packed with storylines.
Match Results
| Home Team | Score | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
 Doncaster Rovers | 1 - 3 |  Middlesbrough |
 Barnsley | 3 - 2 |  Crewe Alexandra |
 Blackburn Rovers | 1 - 2 |  Sheffield United |
 Blackpool | 1 - 4 |  Lincoln City |
 Cambridge United | 0 - 1 |  Millwall |
 Fleetwood Town | 4 - 0 |  Shrewsbury Town |
 Ipswich Town | 3 - 1 |  Leicester City |
 Plymouth Argyle | 2 - 4 |  Coventry City |
 Sheffield Wednesday | 0 - 2 |  Wolverhampton Wanderers |
 Southampton | 1 - 4 |  West Ham United |
 Stevenage | 0 - 3 |  Reading |
 Stoke City | 5 - 6 |  Hull City |
 Walsall | 0 - 0 |  Leyton Orient |
 Watford | 1 - 5 |  Peterborough United |
 Birmingham City | 1 - 6 |  Brentford |
 Nottingham Forest | 0 - 2 |  Leeds United |
 Cardiff City | 1 - 2 |  Norwich City |
Among the most dramatic encounters was the goal-laden clash between Stoke City FC and Hull City AFC, which finished 1-1 in regular time before Hull City AFC triumphed 5-4 on penalties. Eighteen-year-old Lucas Herrington shone in his first start for the visitors, racking up a remarkable 108 touches and nine defensive interventions to help his side reach the third round for the first time in six years. At St Andrew’s, Brentford FC delivered a Premier League masterclass, thrashing Birmingham City FC 6-1 with captain Nathan Collins notching two headers and Callum Wilson scoring on his club debut. The emphatic margin prompted a frank apology from home boss Chris Davies as the Bees underlined their cup credentials.
Elsewhere, West Ham United FC produced a commanding turnaround at St Mary’s, coming from behind to beat Southampton FC 4-1 thanks to a brace from academy graduate Josh Ajala on his first professional start. Substitute Taty Castellanos and Jarrod Bowen added further gloss to the scoreline, showcasing the Hammers’ blend of youth and experience. Ipswich Town FC also impressed, with Marcelino Nunez’s two second-half goals—including a spectacular stoppage-time lob—sealing a 3-1 win over Leicester City FC and sparking hopes of a deep cup run for the Premier League newcomers.
The round was also notable for some historic and heartwarming moments. Cardiff City FC's Noah Anyadike became the youngest player in club and League Cup history at just 15 years old, making his debut in a narrow 2-1 defeat to Norwich City FC. At Vicarage Road, Peterborough United FC’s Harry Leonard continued his red-hot form with a brace in a 5-1 demolition of Watford FC, prompting his manager to rebuff transfer interest in the prolific striker. Meanwhile, Lincoln City FC made eleven changes yet still romped to a 4-1 victory at Blackpool FC, taking full advantage of a second-half red card to the hosts.
Elsewhere, Middlesbrough FC, Barnsley FC, Fleetwood Town FC, Millwall FC, Sheffield United FC, Coventry City FC, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, Reading FC, Leeds United FC, and Norwich City FC all secured their places in the next round with assured victories. The only stalemate of the evening came at the Bescot Stadium, where Walsall FC and Leyton Orient FC played out a goalless draw, leaving their fate in the competition undecided.
As the dust settles, the second round has once again delivered the unpredictable drama that is the hallmark of the League Cup. With young stars emerging, heavyweights flexing their muscle, and underdogs refusing to bow out quietly, the stage is now set for an even more compelling third round as teams continue their quest for silverware.