Need to know
Arsenal take on Manchester City in the final of the Carabao Cup as they battle it out for the first piece of major silverware of the season under the arch
Arsenal and Manchester City are set to butt heads at Wembley(Image: Getty Images)
Everything you need to know about the Carabao Cup final:
- Match Date and Kick-off: The 2026 Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City takes place on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:30pm UK time at Wembley Stadium.
- Free-to-Air TV Channel: In a major boost for fans, the final will be broadcast live and free-to-air on ITV1 and STV (in Scotland). Coverage on ITV is set to begin at 3:30pm UK time, an hour before the action starts.
- Pay-TV Coverage: As the primary rights holders, Sky Sports will also provide extensive coverage. The match will be shown on Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Main Event and in 4k on Sky Sports Ultra HDR.
- Live Stream Options: Supporters can stream the final for free via ITVX or the STV Player. Sky Sports subscribers can watch through the Sky Go app, while non-subscribers can access the match by purchasing a NOW Sports Day Membership.
- Radio Coverage: Live national radio commentary will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSPORT. Coverage on both stations will include expert build-up from Wembley starting mid-afternoon.
- The Stakes: This is a heavyweight clash between the Premier League’s top two sides. Arsenal currently lead the table and are searching for their first League Cup trophy since 1993, while Manchester City are looking to bounce back from a disappointing Champions League exit against Real Madrid earlier this week.
- Recent Form: Mikel Arteta’s Gunners enter the final in high spirits after knocking Bayer Leverkusen out of the Champions League and sealing a crucial win over Everton last weekend. City, meanwhile, are desperate to secure their first piece of silverware since 2024 to ensure Pep Guardiola’s side don’t end the campaign empty-handed, having lost ground in the Premier League title race last weekend by drawing with West Ham.
- Head to Head: Arsenal have dominated recent fixtures between the two sides, winning three (if you count their penalty shootout win in the Community Shield) of their last six encounters, including a 5-1 mauling in February last year. City’s last win came all the way back in April 2023, the last of a run eight-straight victories over the Gunners.
- READ MORE: Arsenal and Man City fans given urgent warning over £1k Carabao Cup final fines
