The Independent
·23 May 2026
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Yahoo sportsThe Independent
·23 May 2026
Hull City were promoted to the Premier League after an Oli McBurnie goal in stoppage time sealed the most dramatic of 1-0 victories over Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off final at a sweltering Wembley.
A match played in searing heat was drifting towards extra time when McBurnie pounced to lash home a loose ball in the 95th minute after a fumble by Boro keeper Sol Brynn.
Hull will return to the top flight for the first time since they were relegated in 2017 and reap the reward of what is known as the £200m game.
The circumstances surrounding this final were truly unprecedented, with Southampton being expelled from the play-offs after they were caught spying on Middlesbrough ahead of their semi-final tie, which the Saints won 2-1 on aggregate. Boro were given a reprieve but couldn’t take advantage as they are now consigned to another season in the Championship.
Follow all the reaction from the Championship play-off final at Wembley in our live blog below:







































