Championship play-offs to expand to six teams from 2026/27 in move to 'give more clubs genuine opportunity of promotion' to Premier League
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Published 05/03/2026 at 12:38 GMT
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The Championship play-offs will undergo a shake-up from next season after the EFL announced that they will be expanded from four to six teams. Teams finishing between fifth and eighth will fight it out for a semi-final spot against the third- and fourth-placed sides, before the winners battle for a Premier League place in the Wembley final.
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The Championship play-offs are set to expand from four to six teams from next season after EFL clubs voted in favour of the move.
From the 2026/27 campaign, teams finishing between third and eighth will earn a play-off spot and the chance to fight for Premier League promotion.
Under the new system, the teams finishing third and fourth will progress directly to the semi-finals, while teams placed fifth to eighth will face off in two single-legged ‘eliminator ties’ to decide who joins them.
The semi-finals will continue to be played over two legs, with the winners then facing off at Wembley in the Championship play-off final to decide who will be the third and final promoted side.
"The decision is intended to increase the number of competitive fixtures during the closing stages of the campaign, while also giving two additional clubs the opportunity to reach the play-off final at Wembley Stadium and progress to the Premier League," the EFL said in a statement.
The new play-offs, which will mirror those used in the National League, will have their final format confirmed later in the year.
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"Since their introduction in 1986/87, the play-offs have become a highlight of the domestic football calendar, capturing the drama, suspense and jeopardy that make the EFL so special," said EFL Chief Executive Trevor Birch.
"Following several months of discussion with clubs and other stakeholders, we are confident this change will further strengthen the Championship as a competition and give more clubs and their supporters a genuine opportunity of achieving promotion."
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The Championship play-off final is often described as one of the most lucrative matches in sport due to its winner accessing the riches that come with Premier League status.
Sunderland went up through the play-offs last year, beating Sheffield United in the final, while Southampton, Luton Town, Nottingham Forest and Brentford have also come up via the Wembley showcase in recent seasons.
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There are no plans to expand the play-offs in League One and League Two, where four teams are currently involved.
In the Championship this season, Coventry City lead the way, sitting five points clear of nearest challengers Middlesbrough.
Ipswich Town, Millwall, Hull City and Wrexham currently occupy the play-off spots, with Southampton in seventh and Derby County in eighth.
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