Comprehensive Guide to the 2026 Championship Playoffs: Fixtures, Dates, and Teams

The English Championship represents one of the most fiercely competitive leagues in football, with 24 teams vying each season for a chance to ascend to the Premier League. The end-of-season playoff system was introduced to the EFL in 1987, evolving into the current format by 1989. In this structure, the four clubs finishing just outside the automatic promotion spots compete for a single remaining position in the top division.

As fans gear up for the 2026 Championship Playoffs, familiarity with the fixtures and dates is vital for planning. UK fans can enhance their engagement by utilizing the Betfred promo code, which offers exclusive betting opportunities, allowing them to immerse themselves in the playoff excitement.

The playoff stage is arguably the most thrilling part of the Championship season, where four teams contend for the last promotion spot. This article presents essential details regarding the 2026 Championship playoffs, including viewing options and the mechanics of the event.

**What are the Championship playoffs?**
In English football, the Championship playoffs serve as the final contest following the regular season, determining which club secures the last ticket to the Premier League. After 46 league matches, the top two teams automatically ascend to the Premier League, while those finishing in third to sixth place enter a high-stakes playoff bracket, competing for the remaining promotion spot.

**How do the Championship playoffs work?**
The path to the Championship playoffs is intensely competitive, particularly within one of football’s most unpredictable leagues. When the playoffs commence, the stakes elevate significantly. The teams finishing third to sixth contend in a knockout format. The third-placed team faces the sixth-placed team, while the fourth and fifth-placed teams compete against each other. Each matchup consists of two legs, with each team hosting one game. The team with the superior league finish benefits from playing the decisive second leg at home.

Aggregate scores determine the winners, with no away-goals rule applied. If the score is tied after the second leg, the competition progresses to extra time, and if necessary, penalty shootouts to finalize the outcome. The winners from both semi-finals advance to the playoff final, a singular clash held at Wembley Stadium. If the match concludes without a victor in regulation time, extra time and penalty shootouts determine the champion, which secures a Premier League position for the subsequent season.

**Which teams have qualified for the 2026 Championship playoffs?**
A total of four teams will qualify for the playoffs. The standings of the top teams in the Championship are as follows:

| Position | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goal Difference | Points |
|———-|—————–|——–|——|——-|——–|—————-|——–|
| 1 | Coventry City | 25 | 15 | 7 | 3 | +29 | 52 |
| 2 | Ipswich Town | 25 | 12 | 8 | 5 | +18 | 44 |
| 3 | Middlesbrough | 25 | 12 | 7 | 6 | +7 | 43 |
| 4 | Watford | 25 | 11 | 8 | 6 | +8 | 41 |
| 5 | Hull City | 25 | 12 | 5 | 8 | +2 | 41 |
| 6 | Preston | 25 | 10 | 5 | 10 | +9 | 40 |

**Where to watch the Championship playoffs 2026 on TV and how to stream live online**
In the UK, Sky Sports will provide coverage of all Championship playoff matches, with the primary channels being Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football. Fans wishing to stream the games live online can do so via Sky GO.

In the United States, select games will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network, with most games also available on Paramount+. New users can take advantage of a 7-day free trial.

**When are the 2026 Championship playoffs?**
The dates for the 2025-26 Championship play-off semi-finals are yet to be confirmed, but they are anticipated to occur approximately two weeks after the regular season concludes, which is set for the weekend of May 2 and 3, 2026. The highlight, the Championship Play-off Final, is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026, when one club will earn the coveted spot in the Premier League at the iconic Wembley Stadium.

**When and where is the Championship playoff final 2026?**
– **Date:** Saturday, May 23, 2026
– **Kick-off time:** TBD
– **Venue:** Wembley Stadium, London

The Championship play-off final continues to be an esteemed event, taking place at Wembley, known as ‘The Home of Football’, with a capacity of 90,000. The stadium hosts many 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 by triumphing 2-1 over Sheffield United in the dramatic 2025 Championship playoff final. Trailing late in the match, Sunderland staged a remarkable comeback with two second-half goals, securing their first ascent to the top tier since the 2016-17 season.

**How much is winning the Championship playoffs worth?**
The Championship playoff final is often referred to as ‘The Richest Game in Football’ due to the substantial financial rewards accompanying victory. The promoted team stands to benefit from approximately £100 million ($120 million) through TV revenue distribution among Premier League clubs. This figure can potentially double if the team manages to avoid relegation in its inaugural season, in addition to attracting various sponsorship deals.