Championship play-offs to expand from four to six teams for 2026/27

The Championship play-offs will change significantly for the 2026/27 season, expanding from four to six teams. This decision, made by EFL clubs in March, introduces a new format featuring eliminator matches. Teams finishing third and fourth in the league will directly qualify for the semi-finals, while the fifth to eighth-placed teams will compete in one-legged eliminators. The winners will face the higher-seeded teams in two-legged semi-finals, ultimately leading to a final at Wembley for promotion to the Premier League. Dates for the play-offs are still to be confirmed but will occur in May after the regular season concludes.