2026 Championship Playoffs: Key Details and Viewing Guide

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

The English Championship stands as one of the most fiercely competitive leagues in football, with 24 teams vying for promotion to the Premier League each season. The end-of-season playoff system made its debut in the EFL back in 1987, and two years later, it evolved into its current format. This setup features the four clubs finishing just outside the automatic promotion spots competing for the final place in the top division.

As fans gear up for the 2026 Championship Playoffs, understanding the fixtures and dates is crucial for planning ahead. For those in the UK wishing to engage more actively with the matches, the Betfred promo code offers exclusive betting opportunities, enhancing the excitement surrounding the playoffs.

The most thrilling aspect of the Championship season arguably lies in the playoff stage, where four teams compete for one remaining promotion spot. Here, we present everything you need to know about the 2026 Championship playoffs, including viewing options, the tournament structure, and more.

**What Are the Championship Playoffs?**

In English football, the Championship playoffs serve as the decisive conclusion to the regular season, determining which club earns the last coveted ticket to the Premier League. After 46 league matches, the top two teams secure direct promotion, while those finishing third through sixth enter a high-stakes playoff bracket for the remaining spot.

**How Do the Championship Playoffs Work?**

The fight for a playoff berth in the Championship is always intense, particularly as the playoffs commence at season’s end. These playoffs pit the four teams finishing just below the automatic promotion spots against one another in a knockout format. Teams placed third through sixth are eligible to compete for this prestigious final promotion opportunity.

The semi-finals consist of the third-placed team facing the sixth, while the fourth-placed team meets the fifth. Each semi-final tie comprises two legs, with both teams hosting a match. The team finishing higher in the league has the advantage of playing the decisive second leg at home. Winners are determined by the aggregate score over both legs, with no away-goals rule in effect. In the event of a tie after the second leg, the match goes into extra time, and if required, penalties will determine the outcome.

The winners of the two semi-finals advance to the playoff final, a one-off match held at Wembley Stadium. Should the regulation time conclude without a winner, extra time and penalties are implemented to resolve the match. The victorious team in the final secures a place in the Premier League for the following season.

**Which Teams Have Qualified for the 2026 Championship Playoffs?**

A total of four teams qualify for the Championship playoffs. Below are the final standings for the top teams in the Championship:

| Position | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goal Difference | Points |
|———-|——————–|——–|——|——-|——–|—————–|——–|
| 1 | Coventry City | 28 | 17 | 7 | 4 | +30 | 58 |
| 2 | Middlesbrough | 29 | 16 | 7 | 6 | +17 | 53 |
| 3 | Ipswich Town | 28 | 14 | 8 | 6 | +21 | 50 |
| 4 | Hull City | 28 | 15 | 5 | 8 | +7 | 50 |
| 5 | Millwall | 29 | 14 | 7 | 8 | +14 | 49 |
| 6 | Wrexham | 29 | 11 | 11 | 7 | +6 | 44 |

*Last updated: Jan 26, 2026, 9:30 PM GMT*

**Where to Watch the Championship Playoffs 2026**

**Country** | **TV Channel** | **Live Stream**
—————————|———————————–|——————-
United Kingdom (UK) | Sky Sports | Sky GO
United States (U.S.) | CBS Sports Network (select games) | Paramount+

Sky Sports will broadcast all Championship playoff matches, featuring the Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football channels. For those wishing to stream live online, Sky GO is available. In the U.S., CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network will air the 2025-26 EFL Championship playoff games, with most matches streamable on Paramount+, which currently offers a 7-day free trial for new users.

**When Are the 2026 Championship Playoffs?**

While the exact dates for the 2025-26 Championship playoff semi-finals have yet to be officially confirmed, they are expected to take place roughly two weeks after the conclusion of the regular season, which wraps up on the weekend of May 2 and 3, 2026. The Championship Playoff Final is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026, when one club will clinch that much-coveted spot in the Premier League.

**When and Where Is the Championship Playoff Final 2026?**

– **Date:** Saturday, May 23, 2026
– **Kick-off Time:** TBD
– **Venue:** Wembley Stadium, London

The 2026 Championship Playoff Final will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the iconic Wembley Stadium. Known as ‘The Home of Football’ or ‘HQ’, this 90,000-capacity venue hosts various national finals, including the Football League playoffs and the FA Cup.

**Who Won the Championship Playoffs in 2025?**

Sunderland made a dramatic return to the Premier League by defeating Sheffield United 2-1 in the 2025 Championship playoff final. Trailing late in the match, the Black Cats turned things around with two second-half goals, marking a long-awaited return to the top flight 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 substantial financial rewards associated with victory. Initially, the promoted team can benefit to the tune of £100 million ($120 million) from the distribution of television revenue among Premier League clubs. This amount can increase significantly if the team avoids relegation in its first season, and numerous sponsorship deals typically follow for clubs playing in the Premier League.