Tranmere Rovers host Rochdale in Carabao Cup preliminary round on 1 Aug 2026

Tranmere Rovers will meet Rochdale at Prenton Park on 1 August 2026 in the Carabao Cup preliminary round. The match will be refereed by Oliver Mackey, a 30‑year‑old official who will oversee England's first trial of a new rule aimed at eliminating tactical goalkeeper time‑outs.

Tranmere, newly managed by Darrell Clarke, are rebuilding after narrowly avoiding relegation from League Two, adding players such as Tom Ince and Tom Conlon. Rochdale, promoted back to the Football League after a 106‑point National League title, are led by Ian Watson, who has kept the core of the championship squad while strengthening the side.

Both clubs enter the tie with recent squad overhauls and contrasting recent form, setting up a competitive first‑team encounter in the early stages of the cup competition.