EFL to expand Championship play-offs to six teams

The English Football League (EFL) is set to expand the Championship play-off format starting from the 2026/27 season. The number of teams participating in the play-offs will increase from four to six.

Under the new rules, clubs finishing in fifth through eighth place will compete in single-match eliminators. The teams finishing third and fourth will advance directly to the two-legged semi-finals. The EFL stated that this change aims to increase competitive fixtures late in the season and provide more clubs with a pathway to the Premier League.