Championship play-offs to expand from four teams to six from 2026/27 | OneFootball

The Championship play-offs will expand from four to six teams from 2026/27 after EFL clubs approved the change at a general meeting on Thursday.

According to Daily Echo, the move is intended to increase competitive fixtures at the end of the season and give two additional clubs a chance to reach the play-off final.

Single-leg eliminator ties will be introduced before the semi-finals, with teams finishing fifth and sixth facing those in seventh and eighth.

The winners will advance to two-legged semi-finals against the sides finishing third and fourth. The semi-final victors will then meet in the Wembley final to decide the final promotion place to the Premier League.

The reworked format will comprise seven fixtures, with the precise arrangements for the concluding stages to be agreed later in 2026.

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said the play-offs have long been a highlight of the domestic calendar. Following months of discussion with clubs and stakeholders, he is confident the change will strengthen the Championship and broaden genuine promotion opportunities.

Source: Daily Echo