EFL Clubs Approve Six-Team Championship Play-Off Format

EFL clubs have voted in favor of expanding the Championship play-off format to include six teams, set to be implemented in the 2026-27 season. This new system will allow teams finishing from third to eighth place to compete for promotion to the Premier League.

The top two teams will progress directly to the semi-finals, while the teams finishing fifth through eighth will face off in quarter-finals. The semi-finals will be played over two legs, and the final will take place at Wembley Stadium at the end of May.

EFL Chief Executive Trevor Birch stated that the play-offs have become a highlight of the domestic football calendar, capturing drama and suspense. The decision follows several months of discussions among club stakeholders and aims to strengthen competition within the Championship, providing clubs with a genuine opportunity for promotion.

There are currently no plans to expand play-offs in other leagues, and the EFL board will consider proposals for future changes.