Championship Play-offs Expand to Six Teams for 2026-27 Season

The Championship play-offs will feature six teams starting in the 2026-27 season, allowing clubs finishing seventh and eighth a chance to compete for promotion to the Premier League. This change marks a significant shift from previous seasons where only the top six teams were eligible for the play-offs.

Under the new format, teams finishing third and fourth will advance directly to the semi-finals, while fifth will face eighth and sixth will host seventh in a one-legged quarter-final. The semi-finals will continue to be played over two legs, with the final scheduled at Wembley in May.

The English Football League introduced this expansion to enhance competition during the season's final stages. Last season, three teams were in contention for the sixth play-off spot on the last day, highlighting the potential for increased excitement. However, some managers and players have expressed concerns about the fairness of allowing lower-ranked teams into the play-offs, questioning whether it rewards mediocrity.