Championship playoff

When you hear Championship playoff, the post‑season series that decides which English Football League Championship side earns promotion to the Premier League. Also known as League playoffs, it caps a grueling 46‑match season with high‑stakes knockout football.

At its core, the Football Championship, the second tier of English professional soccer provides the pool of clubs that fight for promotion. Championship playoff encompasses the top‑six finishers, but only teams placed third to sixth enter the knockout rounds. The ultimate reward – a coveted Premier League slot – creates a promotion, the upward move to the top‑flight league that brings massive TV money and global exposure. This incentive drives clubs to invest heavily in squads, coaching staff and stadium improvements throughout the season.

The format requires two‑legged semi‑finals followed by a single‑match final at Wembley. The third‑placed club hosts the sixth‑placed side, while fourth meets fifth. Winners are decided on aggregate goals; away‑goal rules no longer apply, so teams push for clear margins. The final – commonly called the playoff final, the one‑off showdown that determines promotion – is billed as "the richest game in football" because the victorious side secures an estimated £170 million boost. Timing matters too: the playoffs run in May, immediately after the regular season, meaning squad fatigue, injuries and momentum become decisive factors.

Fans and analysts alike watch the playoff race closely, parsing league standings, head‑to‑head records and recent form. You’ll find discussions about how a club’s goal‑difference, managerial experience and squad depth influence their chances. Below, we’ve gathered the freshest articles, match previews, tactical breakdowns and player interviews that shed light on every angle of the Championship playoff. Dive in to see which teams are primed, which tactics are paying off, and what the drama at Wembley could mean for English football’s future.