Championship Playoffs 2026: Teams, Fixtures, and Premier League Race

Championship Playoffs 2026: The Battle for Premier League Promotion

Championship playoffs 2026 promise another thrilling climax to England’s fiercely competitive second tier, as four teams vie for the final and most coveted place in the Premier League. With the regular season drawing to a close, anticipation surges as clubs prepare for a high-stakes knockout tournament that can change their fortunes overnight.

How the Championship Playoffs Work in 2026

After 46 intense matches, the English Championship rewards its top two sides with automatic promotion. The drama, however, peaks as the clubs finishing third to sixth enter the playoffs—a pressure-filled mini-tournament for the final Premier League spot. In the semi-finals, the third-placed team faces sixth, while fourth meets fifth, each over two legs. The team with the higher league position enjoys the advantage of hosting the crucial second leg at home.

The aggregate score from both legs determines the winner, with no away-goals rule. Ties unresolved after two matches go to extra time and, if still level, to penalties. Victors from both semi-finals proceed to the Championship playoff final, a winner-takes-all clash at Wembley Stadium. There, only one club will realize their Premier League dream for the 2026/27 campaign.

Which Teams Have Qualified for the 2026 Championship Playoffs?

The Championship playoff race for 2026 is as fierce as ever. Based on the latest 2025-26 table standings, these teams are in contention:

1. Coventry City
2. Middlesbrough
3. Stoke City
4. Preston North End
5. Hull City
6. Millwall

As the season wraps up, the top two (Coventry and Middlesbrough) are on track for automatic promotion, leaving Stoke City, Preston North End, Hull City, and Millwall to battle for playoff spots. Only four will ultimately compete in the semi-finals, so late-season results will be decisive.

2025-26 Championship Table (Top Six)

Position	Team	Pld	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Coventry	15	10	4	1	+27	34
2	Middlesbrough	15	8	5	2	+6	29
3	Stoke City	15	8	3	4	+11	27
4	Preston North End	15	7	5	3	+6	26
5	Hull City	15	7	4	4	+2	25
6	Millwall	15	7	4	4	-3	25

For up-to-date scores and analysis, visit our homepage for more news.

Championship Playoffs 2026 Fixtures and Key Dates

The Championship playoffs 2026 fixtures will be scheduled soon after the regular season concludes on the weekend of May 2 and 3, 2026. The semi-finals typically begin within a week of the final league matches, allowing teams a brief window to rest and prepare. The grand finale—the Championship playoff final—will take place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 23, 2026, under the gaze of tens of thousands of fans and millions watching at home.

Where to Watch the 2026 Championship Playoffs

Fans eager to witness the drama unfold can catch all the action live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom, with streaming available through Sky GO. In the United States, CBS Sports Network and Paramount+ will broadcast select matches, with most games accessible via Paramount+, which offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.

The Financial Stakes: Why the Playoff Final is “The Richest Game in Football”

Winning the Championship playoffs unlocks enormous financial rewards. The victorious club can expect a windfall of up to £100 million (approximately $120 million), primarily driven by lucrative Premier League TV rights and commercial opportunities. Should the promoted team secure top-flight survival, this figure could potentially double, thanks to increased sponsorship, merchandising, and further television revenue. No wonder the playoff final has earned its nickname as “The Richest Game in Football.”

Previous Champions: Sunderland’s Dramatic 2025 Success

In last year’s edition, Sunderland clinched a return to the Premier League, coming from behind with two second-half goals to defeat Sheffield United 2-1 in the 2025 playoff final. It marked Sunderland’s first top-flight appearance since the 2016-17 season, underscoring the emotional and financial significance of success in this unique competition.

Opinion: Why the Championship Playoffs Remain Football’s Greatest Drama

There’s arguably no greater spectacle in English football than the Championship playoffs. The combination of sporting pressure, life-changing rewards, and the historic setting of Wembley ensures unmissable viewing year after year. For players, fans, and clubs, the journey from the regular season grind to the intensity of the playoffs is a rollercoaster laden with hope, heartbreak, and unforgettable moments. As the 2026 playoffs approach, expect another chapter of drama to unfold—one that will decide not just who goes up, but whose dreams are realized and whose are dashed at the final hurdle.