The 2025–26 English National League season, sponsored by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, kicks off on Saturday, August 9, 2025, marking the 11th season since the league’s rebranding from the Football Conference to the National League in 2015.
With 24 teams battling for promotion to EFL League Two and others fighting to avoid relegation to National League North or South, expect drama, upsets, and epic moments.
With 24 teams battling for promotion to EFL League Two and others fighting to avoid relegation to National League North or South, expect drama, upsets, and epic moments.
Here’s your guide to the National League 2025–26 season, spotlighting clubs like Aldershot Town, Altrincham, Boston United, Brackley Town, Boreham Wood, Braintree Town, Carlisle United, Eastleigh, Forest Green Rovers, Gateshead, Halifax Town, Hartlepool United, Morecambe, Rochdale, Scunthorpe United, Solihull Moors, Southend United, Sutton United, Tamworth, Truro City, Wealdstone, Woking, Yeovil Town, and York City.
New Faces, New Challenges
The 2025–26 National League features 18 returning clubs, joined by Carlisle United and Morecambe, relegated from EFL League Two, and four promoted sides: Scunthorpe United and Brackley Town from National League North. Truro City and Boreham Wood join from The National League South.
Morecambe face uncertainty after a suspension in July 2025 for failing to meet financial deadlines, with their opening fixtures postponed.
- Carlisle United, back in the National League since 2004–05, aim for a swift return to League Two with their EFL experience.
- Morecambe, relegated after nearly two decades in the EFL, bring depth to chase the National League title, pending resolution of their suspension.
- Scunthorpe United, returning from the North, seek to reclaim their status in the fifth tier.
- Brackley Town, fresh off a National League North title, are a dark horse with momentum.
- Boreham Wood, back after a playoff victory over Maidstone United in the National League South, target the playoffs.
- Truro City, Southern Division champions after a tight title race, aim to make their mark in their first full season.
Teams to Watch in 2025–26
The National League is unpredictable, but these clubs are early standouts for title, playoffs, or survival:
- York City, after narrowly missing promotion last season, are poised for a strong push with passionate fans and dynamic management.
- Southend United, who lost to Oldham Athletic in the playoff final, bring attacking flair to chase the National League title.
- Gateshead, under new manager Alun Armstrong after Carl Magnay’s resignation, aim to rebuild and target promotion.
- Rochdale, led by veteran Ian Henderson (9 goals in the 2024–25 National League season at age 40), blend experience and youth for a promotion bid.
- Solihull Moors, perennial overachievers, could surprise again.
- Braintree Town, a returning side, aim to make an impact with their resilience.
- Forest Green Rovers, after a playoff penalty shootout loss to Southend United last season, are poised for a strong campaign under new manager Robbie Savage.
- Watch Aldershot Town, Altrincham, Boston United, Eastleigh, Halifax Town, for potential upsets.
Key Dates for Your Calendar
The 2025–26 National League spans 46 match days across 33 weekends, 10 midweeks, and four bank holidays (August Bank Holiday, Boxing Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday). Key dates include:
- Opening Day: August 9, 2025 – A blockbuster start, with DAZN announcing televised matches soon, including Gateshead vs. Southend United.
- Closing Day: April 25, 2026 – The season finale sets playoff contenders and relegation fates.
- Promotion Finals: May 9–10, 2026 – One team earns automatic promotion to EFL League Two via the playoffs.
- FA Cup: National League clubs enter October 11, 2025; North/South sides join September 13.
- FA Trophy: Adds excitement for clubs like Tamworth, Solihull Moors, and Brackley Town.
National League Cup: Midweek Excitement
The 2025–26 National League Cup groups are set, pitting 16 National League teams against 16 Premier League 2 sides in a 32-club tournament.
Last season, Leeds United defeated Sutton United in the final. The group stage begins August 12–13, with the final on March 17–18, 2026.
Last season, Leeds United defeated Sutton United in the final. The group stage begins August 12–13, with the final on March 17–18, 2026.
Group breakdowns include:
- Group A: Blackburn Rovers, Brackley Town, Burnley, Everton, Manchester United, Rochdale, Solihull Moors, Tamworth.
- Group B: Leicester City, Nottingham Forest, West Bromwich Albion, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Braintree Town, Boreham Wood, Forest Green Rovers, Wealdstone.
- Group C: Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham, Southampton, West Ham United, Aldershot Town, Sutton United, Truro City, Woking.
- Group D: Leeds United, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United, Sunderland, Boston United, Halifax Town, Gateshead, Scunthorpe United.
Transfer Buzz and Squad Updates
The transfer window is heating up for the 2025–26 season:
- Altrincham bolstered their attack with winger Charlie Kirk, 27, who made over 200 appearances for Crewe Alexandra and played for Barrow last season.
- Boston United, transitioning to full-time, secured goalkeeper Rhys Lovett and extended Connor Teale’s contract.
- Eastleigh added defender Aaron Pierre, a 32-year-old Grenada international with experience at Brentford, Wycombe, and Sutton United.
- Forest Green Rovers signed Abraham Kanu, a 20-year-old versatile defender on loan from Reading, praised by manager Robbie Savage.
- Halifax Town retained winger Max Wright, 27, who signed a new deal after 70 National League appearances since joining permanently in 2023.
- Hartlepool United brought in Josh Donaldson following an impressive pre-season.
- Rochdale kept stars Ian Henderson and Aidan Barlow, while adding defender Bryce Hosannah.
- Southend United signed defender Ben Goodliffe, 26, on a free from Colchester United after 22 loan appearances last season.
- Sutton United strengthened with Liam Vincent from Tonbridge Angels and Kane Critchlow from Chelmsford City.
- Scunthorpe United, Brackley Town, and Truro City are active in the loan market, with 76 Premier League players loaned to non-league clubs last season.
What to Expect in 2025–26
The National League, now in its 11th season, thrives on parity. Southend United, York City, and Gateshead lead the promotion race, but Brackley Town, Solihull Moors, Braintree Town, and Forest Green Rovers could surprise. Truro City and Boreham Wood face relegation battles, while Carlisle United and Morecambe leverage EFL pedigree, though Morecambe’s participation remains uncertain due to their suspension.
Why This Season Will Be Unmissable
The 2025–26 National League season promises thrills, from title chases to survival fights. With passionate fans at Southend United, Carlisle United, and York City, FA Cup upsets from Tamworth, and the quest for EFL League Two football, this season will captivate.
For National League fixtures, transfers, and updates, visit www.thenationalleague.org.uk.
