The English Football League (EFL) has unveiled the fixture schedules for the 2026-27 season, covering the Championship, League One, and League Two.
The announcement was made at 12:00 BST on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
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The competitive campaign begins with the Carabao Cup first round on the weekend of August 7-9. League matches follow on the weekend of August 14-16.
The Championship will feature relegated Premier League sides West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Burnley.
Promoted clubs include Bolton Wanderers, Cardiff City, and Lincoln City, the latter returning to the second tier after 65 years.
New Playoff Format
The Championship introduces a major structural change to the promotion race. Playoff eligibility expands from four teams to six, covering clubs finishing between third and eighth place.
The new playoff structure includes seven total fixtures.
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A single-legged quarterfinal round will see the fifth-place team host the eighth-place team, while the sixth-place side hosts the seventh-place team.
The winners advance to face the third and fourth-place finishers in traditional two-legged semifinals, culminating in the final at Wembley Stadium.
In League One, Leicester City enters the third tier for only the second time in their 142-year history after consecutive relegations.
They join Oxford United, Sheffield Wednesday, and newly promoted Bromley.
League Two will feature Exeter City, Port Vale, Rotherham United, and Northampton Town following their relegations, alongside National League graduates York City and Rochdale.
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The Carabao Cup first-round draw takes place at 16:30 BST on Thursday, June 25, 2026. The Vertu Trophy tournament begins in the week commencing September 21.
