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Championship Play-offs Expand to Six Teams for 2026-27

3/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The English Football League (EFL) has expanded the Championship play-offs from four to six teams for the 2026-27 season.
The new format lets teams finishing between third and eighth compete for promotion, with one-off eliminator matches for fifth to eighth and two-legged semi-finals.
EFL chief executive Trevor Birch stated that the change aims to improve competition and maintain excitement, while some fans question the league's integrity.

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Story summary

The English Football League (EFL) has expanded the Championship play-offs from four to six teams for the 2026-27 season.
The new format lets teams finishing between third and eighth compete for promotion, with one-off eliminator matches for fifth to eighth and two-legged semi-finals.
EFL chief executive Trevor Birch stated that the change aims to improve competition and maintain excitement, while some fans question the league's integrity.