2026 Championship Playoffs: Essential Information on Fixtures, Dates, and Teams

**Championship Playoffs 2026: Fixtures, Dates, and Teams in the Race for the Premier League**

The English Championship stands out as one of the most competitive leagues in football, with 24 teams fiercely competing for a chance to ascend to the Premier League each season. The end-of-season play-off system was introduced to the English Football League (EFL) in 1987, evolving over the years into its current format, where the four clubs finishing just outside the automatic promotion spots contest for the final place in the top flight.

As fans gear up for the 2026 Championship Playoffs, understanding the fixtures and dates is crucial for planning. UK residents can enhance their betting experience with the Betfred promo code, which offers exclusive deals to support informed wagering and add excitement to the playoffs.

The playoff stage is arguably the most exhilarating part of the Championship season, where four teams compete for the last promotion spot. Here, we provide comprehensive information regarding the 2026 Championship playoffs, including viewing options and operational details.

**What Are the Championship Playoffs?**
In English football, the Championship playoffs serve as the final showdown after the regular season, determining which club secures the last available ticket to the Premier League. Following 46 league matches, the top two teams gain automatic promotion. The clubs finishing in third through sixth positions enter a high-stakes playoff bracket, all vying for that coveted promotion.

**How Do the Championship Playoffs Work?**
The competition for a place in the Championship play-offs is always intense in this unpredictable league. The playoffs commence once the regular season concludes, escalating the stakes dramatically. This knockout format pits the four teams that finished just below the automatic promotion positions against each other.

In the semi-finals, the third-placed team faces the sixth, while the fourth-placed team competes against the fifth. Each tie consists of two legs, with each team hosting one match. The team with the higher league finish benefits from hosting the second leg. The aggregate score from both matches determines the winner, with no away goals rule in effect. If the scores are level after the second leg, the match progresses to extra time and, if necessary, penalties.

The winners of both semi-finals will advance to the play-off final, a decisive match held at Wembley Stadium. Should the regular time end without a victor, extra time and penalties may be employed to determine the champion. The triumphant team in the final secures a place in the Premier League for the subsequent season.

**Which Teams Have Qualified for the 2026 Championship Playoffs?**
A total of four teams will qualify for the Championship playoffs. Here are the final standings of the top teams in the Championship as of January 18, 2026:

| Position | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals Difference | Points |
|———-|——————|——–|——|——-|——–|—————–|——–|
| 1 | Coventry City | 27 | 17 | 6 | 4 | +29 | 52 |
| 2 | Middlesbrough | 27 | 14 | 7 | 6 | +12 | 49 |
| 3 | Ipswich Town | 26 | 13 | 8 | 5 | +21 | 47 |
| 4 | Millwall | 27 | 13 | 7 | 7 | -24 | 65 |
| 5 | Hull City | 26 | 13 | 5 | 8 | +34 | 46 |
| 6 | Preston | 27 | 11 | 10 | 6 | +10 | 43 |

**Where to Watch the Championship Playoffs 2026**
Fans can catch the Championship playoffs on various platforms:

– **United Kingdom:** Sky Sports (Sky GO for live streaming)
– **United States:** CBS Sports Network (select games) and Paramount+ (which is offering a 7-day free trial for new users)

Sky Sports will showcase all Championship playoff matches, primarily through Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.

**When Are the 2026 Championship Playoffs?**
While the exact dates for the 2025-26 Championship play-off semi-finals are yet to be confirmed, they are anticipated to occur approximately two weeks after the regular season concludes on the weekend of May 2 and 3, 2026. The Championship Play-off Final is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026, where one club will claim the final promotion spot in the Premier League beneath the iconic Wembley arch.

**When and Where Is the Championship Playoff Final 2026?**
– **Date:** Saturday, May 23, 2026
– **Kick-off Time:** TBD
– **Venue:** Wembley Stadium, London

The final will take place at Wembley Stadium, a historic venue in British sports, often referred to as ‘The Home of Football’ and hosting numerous national finals, including those of the Football League playoffs and the FA Cup.

**Who Won the Championship Playoffs in 2025?**
Sunderland marked their return to the Premier League with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in the 2025 Championship playoff final, overturning a late deficit with two second-half goals, thus achieving promotion for the first time since the 2016-17 season.

**How Much Is Winning the Championship Playoffs Worth?**
The Championship playoff final has earned the title of ‘The Richest Game in Football’ due to the significant financial rewards that accompany a victory. The promoted team can initially benefit by around £100 million ($120 million) through the distribution of television revenue among Premier League clubs. This figure can potentially double if the team manages to avoid relegation in its first season, in addition to various sponsorship deals that can arise from competing in the Premier League.