National League 2026-27: Promoted Worthing visit Carlisle United on opening day
The National League fixtures for the 2026-27 season have been released, featuring a historic opening-day trip for Worthing to face Carlisle United.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Author: Martin Addison
The 2026-27 National League season kicks off on Saturday, 8 August, with newly-promoted Worthing set to face a challenging away trip to Carlisle United for their first-ever game in the fifth tier. The Rebels earned their spot after securing the National League South title last season.
For Carlisle United, the campaign marks a second consecutive season in the division following their relegation from League Two. The Cumbrians enter the season under the guidance of new head coach Rob Elliot, who replaced Mark Hughes.
Elsewhere, fellow debutants Hornchurch—winners of the National League South play-offs—will host Kidderminster Harriers on the opening weekend. Meanwhile, both Harrogate Town and Barrow begin their campaigns against Solihull Moors and Hartlepool United, respectively, following their relegation from the EFL.
The regular season is scheduled to conclude on 24 April 2027, with the play-offs deciding the second promotion spot at Wembley in May. Notably, all opening-weekend fixtures will be broadcast on DAZN, with the traditional 15:00 TV blackout lifted for the occasion.