Carlisle United will not participate in this season's National League Cup. The Blues did not take part in the competition last season.

What happened?

Carlisle are the fifth National League side to turn down an invitation this season, following Yeovil Town, Forest Green Rovers, Eastleigh and Barrow.

Their Cumbria neighbours had cited "travel and operational costs" in their decision not to participate.

Why it matters for Carlisle

The Brunton Park side are facing a second season in the National League since relegation from League Two in May 2025, currently sitting 3rd in the league with 95 points, 13 points behind leaders York.

Carlisle's recent form has been WWWDD, with 87 goals scored and 51 conceded, giving them a goal difference of +36.

What comes next?

Their last result was Carlisle 1-2 Boreham Wood on 2026-05-03, and they have lost their last two matches, with a recent form of 3W-0D-2L. As the new season approaches, Carlisle will look to improve their performance and make a push for promotion, with their current league standing and recent form in mind.