Two clubs have already secured their place in England’s top flight following a strong campaign in the EFL Championship ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season.
Ipswich Town confirmed their return by finishing inside the automatic promotion spots. Their consistency across the season, particularly in both attacking output and defensive structure, ensured they avoided the uncertainty of the playoff route and sealed promotion on merit.
Alongside them, Derby County also secured automatic promotion after an impressive campaign. Their ability to maintain form under pressure, especially in the latter stages of the season, proved decisive in edging out competitors and clinching a top-two finish.
Attention now turns to the playoff race, where teams finishing between third and sixth will compete for the final promotion slot. The playoff system, often described as the most intense mini-tournament in English football, will ultimately decide which club joins Ipswich and Derby to complete the Premier League lineup for the new season.
The final promotion spot is still to be decided via the Championship playoffs, which involve teams finishing between third and sixth place. This knockout format will determine the third club joining Ipswich and Derby in the Premier League, completing the lineup for the 2026/27 season.
2025/26 Championship Playoffs showdown
Millwall vs Hull
Southampton vs Middlesbrough
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