The Championship playoffs are here, and the race for the final Premier League promotion spot is about to reach its thrilling conclusion. With the regular season wrapped up, four teams are set to battle it out for a place in the 2026-27 Premier League season—and the stakes have never been higher.
After Coventry City and Ipswich Town secured automatic promotion by finishing first and second, the pressure shifted to the playoff contenders. Millwall, Middlesbrough, and Southampton all knew heading into the final week that they'd be part of the postseason drama. But it was Ipswich's victory on the last day that sealed the fate of Millwall and Boro, denying them second place and sending them into the playoff mix alongside a red-hot Southampton side—riding an incredible 19-game unbeaten streak—and surprise package Hull City.
This year's playoffs are packed with compelling storylines. Millwall, who haven't tasted top-flight football since 1990, are chasing their first-ever Premier League appearance. Middlesbrough and Hull City both last graced the Premier League in 2017, while Southampton are aiming to bounce straight back and win the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. Hull City's journey is particularly remarkable: the Yorkshire club was expected to struggle against relegation, but manager Sergej Jakirovic has transformed them into a gritty, counter-attacking force that no one wants to face.
Hull dramatically clinched the sixth and final playoff spot on the season's last day, coming from behind to beat Norwich City at home while both Wrexham and Derby County stumbled in the final 90 minutes. It's a huge achievement for a team that was written off at the start of the campaign.
Here's the full schedule for the Championship playoffs, including semifinal fixtures and the highly anticipated final at Wembley—often called the "richest game in sports."
Semifinal First Leg
Saturday, May 9
Middlesbrough vs. Southampton — 7:30 AM ET
Semifinal Second Leg
Tuesday, May 12
Southampton vs. Middlesbrough — 3:00 PM ET
Playoff Final at Wembley
Saturday, May 23, 2026
Semifinal winner vs. Semifinal winner — Kickoff time TBD
In the USA, you can catch all the action live. Whether you're backing a historic return or a Cinderella story, these playoffs promise unforgettable drama—and the ultimate prize: a place among England's elite.