Championship Promotion and Play-off Race Heats Up in 2026

Ipswich Town leads the race for the second automatic promotion spot

Introduction to Final Day The Championship promotion and play-off races will be decided on the final day of the season, after 267 days and 540 games. Ipswich Town is in a strong position to claim the second automatic promotion spot, but Millwall and Middlesbrough are still in contention. At least two of these teams, along with Southampton, will compete in the play-offs, but their semi-final opponents are yet to be determined. Wrexham, Hull City, and Derby County are also battling for sixth spot and a potential route to the Premier League via Wembley on 23 May. ## Current Standings Coventry City has already secured the championship title and will watch the final day's drama unfold from the top spot. Ipswich Town is a point ahead of Millwall, with a significant goal-difference advantage, which is equivalent to an extra point. To secure promotion, Ipswich needs to beat QPR, who have not won in five games and have lost their last three matches. If Ipswich falters, Millwall can take second place by beating relegated Oxford United at home. Middlesbrough faces a tougher task, needing to win and hoping Ipswich loses and Millwall fails to beat Oxford. ## The Race for Sixth Place The Championship play-off picture is still unclear going into the final day. Southampton is the only team guaranteed a play-off spot, but their final position depends on their result against Preston North End and the outcomes of the teams above them. Two of Ipswich, Millwall, and Middlesbrough will join Southampton in the play-offs, while the other spot is up for grabs. Wrexham is currently in sixth place, ahead of Hull City on goal difference, and hosts Middlesbrough in a crucial match. If Wrexham wins, but Hull City defeats Norwich by a wider margin, Hull could overtake Wrexham. Derby County is also in contention, a point behind Wrexham, and can take sixth place with a win over Sheffield United if Wrexham and Hull City drop points.