Summary
The EFL has decided to expand the Championship play-offs from four teams to six teams starting in the 2026-27 season. This change allows more teams a chance to move up to the Premier League.
Key Facts
- The Championship play-offs will expand to include six teams instead of four.
- This new format will follow the one used in the National League.
- Teams finishing third and fourth will go straight to the semi-finals.
- The fifth team will play at home against the eighth, and the sixth will host the seventh in a one-game quarter final.
- Semi-finals will still have two games, and the final will take place at Wembley Stadium in May.
- The EFL and Football Association approved this change.
- The goal is to have more competitive games and to give two more teams a chance to reach the play-off final.
- The play-offs have been for four teams since the 1986-87 season.
