Final-Day Permutations Shape Promotion, Playoffs and Relegation Across England’s Three-Tier Leagues

The 2025/26 English Football League concludes with simultaneous kick-offs on Saturday. Coventry City have already secured the Championship title. The remaining promotion race, three playoff places, and multiple relegation battles span the Championship, League One and League Two.

ESPN

Ipswich Town (81 pts, +30 GD) need a win over QPR; Millwall (81 pts, +17 GD) can ascend by beating Oxford United if Ipswich drops points; Middlesbrough (80 pts) must beat Wrexham and hope both Ipswich and Millwall lose. Southampton’s 2-2 draw secures a playoff spot. The final playoff berth pits Wrexham (70 pts, +4 GD) against Hull City (70 pts, +3 GD) and Derby County (69 pts, +9 GD); each side’s result decides the sixth-place finisher.

EFL Final Day Permutations Guide

West Bromwich Albion survive after a two-point deduction. Leicester City, Oxford United and Sheffield Wednesday have already been relegated; Sheffield Wednesday face the rare prospect of ending the season on negative points after an 18-point penalty. In League Two, Barrow, Newport County, Tranmere Rovers, Harrogate Town and Crawley Town each require wins and favorable results elsewhere to stay up.

ESPN

• Coventry City: 92 pts (Championship champions)

Promotions and relegations in the EFL: Who's going up, who's going down?

• Ipswich Town: 81 pts, +30 GD; Millwall: 81 pts, +17 GD; Middlesbrough: 80 pts

EFL Final Day Permutations Guide

• Wrexham: 70 pts, +4 GD; Hull City: 70 pts, +3 GD; Derby County: 69 pts, +9 GD

EFL Final Day Permutations Guide

• Point deductions: West Brom –2, Leicester –6, Sheffield Wednesday –18 (some reports cite –15).

Promotions and relegations in the EFL: Who's going up, who's going down?

Coventry City manager Frank Lampard stressed “a lot of work” and “ambition” as the club prepares for the Premier League. Leicester City manager Gary Rowett warned that “big decisions are going to be made over the next few weeks” to reverse the club’s decline. Sheffield Wednesday manager Jon Brady reiterated belief in survival despite the points penalty. Club officials across the divisions highlighted the need for disciplined performances on the decisive day.

Promotions and relegations in the EFL: Who's going up, who's going down?

Financial mismanagement triggered the point deductions for Leicester, West Brom and Sheffield Wednesday. Critics argue the sanctions distort competition and place affected clubs at a structural disadvantage on the season’s climax.

Promotions and relegations in the EFL: Who's going up, who's going down?

Sources differ on Sheffield Wednesday’s deduction, citing both an 18-point and a 15-point penalty. No clarification appears in the provided material, leaving the exact sanction ambiguous.

EFL Final Day Permutations Guide

• “There's a lot of work to do because we know the step that it will be for the football club,” — Frank Lampard, Coventry City manager

Promotions and relegations in the EFL: Who's going up, who's going down?

• “Ten years ago, winning the Premier League and such an incredible achievement, to then have this kind of low.” — Gary Rowett, Leicester City manager

Promotions and relegations in the EFL: Who's going up, who's going down?

• “But of course, some big decisions are going to be have to be made over the next few weeks.” — Gary Rowett, Leicester City manager

Promotions and relegations in the EFL: Who's going up, who's going down?

• “It's hard to take because we always had the belief we could survive," said Jon Brady, who came in as manager in January.” — Jon Brady, Sheffield Wednesday manager

Promotions and relegations in the EFL: Who's going up, who's going down?

Saturday’s fixtures at 7:30 a.m. ET will finalize the tables. Playoff semifinals follow, with winners meeting at Wembley for promotion finals. The league composition for 2026/27 will reflect the outcomes of this decisive round.

ESPN