When are the EFL Championship playoffs? Schedule of 2026 matches as teams battle for Premier League promotion originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
With two teams now promoted to the Premier League, the remaining side to go up will be determined by the playoffs.
The top two finishers in the EFL Championship at the conclusion of the season secure automatic promotion, with the third determined through an exciting playoff system.
The four teams that finish third through sixth will progress to the Championship playoffs, a thrilling and nerve-wracking four-team mini bracket to determine the eventual winner. The final is considered the richest game in football, as the winner earns access to the massive financial provided by the English top flight.
The Sporting News details who will be involved in this year's playoffs and when the games will be played, including the famous final at Wembley Stadium.
MORE:What teams have been promoted to the Premier League for the 2026/27 season?
When are the 2026 EFL Championship playoffs?
The final day of the EFL Championship regular season was Saturday, May 2.
The playoffs began the following weekend. The first legs of the semifinals were on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9, while the second legs will be played that following Monday and Tuesday.
Then, the Championship playoff final will be held on Saturday, May 23 at Wembley Stadium.
What teams are in the 2026 EFL Championship playoffs?
The four teams in this season's playoffs are Milwall, Southampton, Middlesbrough, and Hull City.
Wrexham missed out on the final day after a 2-2 home draw with Boro allowed Hull to leapfrog them in the standings.
Race for Championship promotion playoff
Table updated after final round of games
Pos.
Club
GP
Pts
W-D-L
GD
3.
Millwall*
46
83
24-11-11
+15
4.
Southampton*
46
80
22-14-10
+26
5.
Middlesbrough*
46
80
22-14-10
+25
6.
Hull City*
46
73
21-10-15
+4
7.
Wrexham
46
71
19-14-13
+4
8.
Derby County
46
69
20-9-17
+8
*Confirmed for playoffs
EFL Championship playoff schedule, fixtures for 2026
The semifinals take place the weekend of May 8, while the final will take place in late May at Wembley Stadium.
Playoff semifinals
First leg
Date
Time (ET)
Match
Location
Fri, May 8
3 p.m.
Hull City 0-0 Millwall
MKM Stadium
Sat, May 9
7:30 a.m.
Middlesbrough 0-0 Southampton
Riverside Stadium
Second leg
Date
Time (ET)
Match
Location
Mon, May 11
3 p.m.
Millwall vs. Hull City
The Den
Tue, May 12
3 p.m.
Southampton vs. Middlesbrough
St. Mary's Stadium
Playoff final
Date
Time (ET)
Match
Location
Sat, May 23
TBD
Millwall/Hull City vs. Southampton/Middlesbrough
Wembley Stadium (London, England)
