Worthing will begin life in the National League with one of the longest away trips in English football after being handed a trip to Carlisle United on the opening weekend of the 2026-27 season.

The Sussex club secured promotion by winning the National League South title last season, earning a place in the fifth tier for the first time in their 140-year history.

Their reward is a daunting opening fixture at Brunton Park on Saturday, 8 August, with a round trip of more than 700 miles awaiting players and supporters.

Worthing Prepare For Their First National League Season

Worthing's rise through the non-league pyramid has been one of the modern game's success stories.

Having competed as low as the eighth tier just a decade ago, the Rebels have steadily climbed the divisions to reach the highest level of non-league football for the very first time.

The move into the National League represents another significant milestone for a club that has continued to grow both on and off the pitch.

Carlisle Await In Historic Opening Fixture

Their first opponents will provide a stern examination.

Carlisle United are preparing for their second consecutive National League campaign following relegation from the Football League in 2025 and have appointed former Gateshead manager Rob Elliot as head coach ahead of the new season.

Playing at Brunton Park, one of the division's largest stadiums, will offer a very different experience from many of the grounds Worthing visited last season.

Hornchurch Also Prepare For Historic Campaign

Worthing are not the only newcomers writing history this season.

Hornchurch will also play in the National League for the first time after winning promotion through the National League South play-offs.

Like Worthing, the Essex club have enjoyed a remarkable rise in recent years, climbing from the Isthmian League Premier Division to the fifth tier in just three seasons under manager Daryl McMahon.

Their campaign begins at home against Kidderminster Harriers before another historic fixture away to Carlisle later in August.

What Else To Expect From The New National League Season

Elsewhere, relegated Football League clubs Harrogate Town and Barrow begin their attempts to bounce back immediately, while Forest Green Rovers, now managed by Robbie Savage, host FC Halifax Town on the opening weekend.

The National League season concludes on 24 April 2027, with the teams finishing between second and seventh competing in the play-offs for the second promotion place to the Football League.

For Worthing, though, attention will first turn to that opening afternoon in Cumbria.

After 140 years of waiting, the Rebels are finally preparing for their first taste of National League football—a moment that marks another memorable chapter in the club's remarkable journey.

National League Opening Day Fixtures

Saturday, 8 August

AFC Fylde vs Wealdstone

Altrincham vs Southend United

Boreham Wood vs Tamworth

Boston United vs Aldershot Town

Carlisle United vs Worthing

Eastleigh vs Gateshead

Forest Green Rovers vs FC Halifax Town

Harrogate Town vs Solihull Moors

Hartlepool United vs Barrow

Hornchurch vs Kidderminster Harriers

Scunthorpe United vs Yeovil Town

Woking vs Sutton United

All games are scheduled to kick off at 15:00 BST

Final Day Fixtures

Saturday, 24 April, 2027

Aldershot Town vs AFC Fylde

Barrow vs Woking

FC Halifax Town vs Eastleigh

Gateshead vs Boreham Wood

Kidderminster Harriers vs Boston United

Solihull Moors vs Hornchurch

Southend United vs Hartlepool United

Sutton United vs Carlisle United

Tamworth vs Forest Green Rovers

Wealdstone vs Scunthorpe United

Worthing vs Altrincham

Yeovil Town vs Harrogate Town

All games are scheduled to kick off at 12:30 BST