Championship Playoffs 2026: The Final Race for Premier League Glory

Championship Playoffs 2026: Format and High Stakes

Championship playoffs 2026 headline the English football calendar as the most thrilling path to Premier League promotion. After a grueling 46-match season in the EFL Championship, only the top two teams secure automatic passage to the Premier League. The intense journey, however, isn’t over for the clubs finishing third to sixth—they enter the dramatic playoff stage for one last golden ticket to the top flight.

Since their inception in 1987, the Championship playoffs have become synonymous with high drama. The format, unchanged for decades, means the third-placed team faces the sixth, and the fourth battles the fifth in two-legged semi-finals. Each side hosts a match, and the higher-ranked team enjoys the advantage of the decisive second leg at home. With no away-goals rule, ties level on aggregate after two games head into extra time and, if needed, are settled by nerve-wracking penalties.

Which Teams Compete in the 2026 Championship Playoffs?

The 2025-26 Championship season has seen fierce competition at the top. As of the latest standings, Coventry, Middlesbrough, Stoke City, and Preston North End occupy the coveted top four spots. However, with games still to be played, Hull City and Millwall remain within striking distance for a playoff place.

The final four teams will be determined at the close of the regular season, which wraps up on the weekend of May 2-3, 2026. These clubs will then vie for Premier League promotion in what is widely regarded as the most lucrative and high-pressure series in club football.

How the Championship Playoffs 2026 Work

Upon completion of the season, the third through sixth-placed teams enter the semi-finals:

• 3rd vs 6th (two legs)
• 4th vs 5th (two legs)

The winners of each tie—decided by total aggregate score—progress to the grand final at Wembley Stadium. The playoff final, famously dubbed ‘The Richest Game in Football,’ will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026. If the final is drawn after 90 minutes, extra time and penalties will determine who steps into the Premier League spotlight next season.

Where to Watch the 2026 Championship Playoffs

For fans in the United Kingdom, every Championship playoff match will be televised on Sky Sports, specifically via Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football. Those preferring to stream can catch all the action live on Sky GO.

In the United States, CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network will carry select games, while the full schedule streams exclusively on Paramount+, offering a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. These broadcast deals ensure fans worldwide don’t miss a moment of the promotion drama.

For further updates and coverage as the playoffs approach, visit for more news.

2026 Championship Playoff Schedule and Dates

Though official kickoff times are yet to be confirmed, the semi-final first legs typically start about a week after the regular season ends in early May. The second legs follow within a few days, culminating in the showpiece final at Wembley on May 23, 2026. Wembley, with its 90,000 seats and storied history, provides a fitting stage for the season’s biggest clash.

Review: Last Year’s Dramatic Playoff and Financial Rewards

Last season, Sunderland secured a memorable return to the Premier League with a late 2-1 win over Sheffield United in the 2025 playoff final—ending a nine-year absence from the top flight. The financial windfall from promotion is staggering. Championship playoff winners are estimated to earn an immediate £100 million ($120m) from Premier League TV revenues, sponsorships, and increased exposure. If the newly promoted team survives their first top-flight season, the financial benefits can double, transforming their fortunes on and off the pitch.

Opinion: Why the Championship Playoffs Remain Essential Viewing

The Championship playoffs 2026 will once again showcase the relentless drama and unpredictability of English football. With only one promotion spot up for grabs, every match is a do-or-die battle that tests clubs’ character, tactics, and mental strength. The blend of high stakes, passionate fans, and the lure of Premier League riches makes the playoffs unmissable for football enthusiasts. Whether you support a playoff hopeful or simply love the game, this end-of-season spectacle promises to deliver unforgettable memories.