Hull City and Southampton battle it out for the final spot in the Premier League.
Hull City and Southampton will meet at Wembley with a place in the Premier League on the line in what is widely regarded as the most lucrative game in football.
Both sides have taken very different routes to the final, but arrive with genuine belief they can join Coventry City and Ipswich Town in securing promotion. For Hull, it’s a chance to end a near decade-long absence from the top flight, while Southampton are aiming for an immediate return after last season’s relegation.
The Tigers edged past Millwall 2-0 over two legs in a controlled semi-final display, with Oli McBurnie central to their success across the campaign, finishing with 17 league goals. Southampton, meanwhile, needed extra time to overcome Middlesbrough, with Shea Charles netting a dramatic 116th-minute winner to seal a 2-1 aggregate victory at St Mary's Stadium.
Championship Play Off Final Odds
| Market | Hull City | Draw | Southampton |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90 Minutes | 15/4 | 23/10 | 17/20 |
| Promotion | 21/10 | - | 4/9 |
Who is favourite to win the Championship Play Off Final
Southampton FC head into the final with strong momentum and a profile that typically suits high-pressure matches. They finished fourth in the Championship with 80 points, winning 22 games, and ended the regular season on a 19-match unbeaten run - a level of consistency few sides in the division could match.
Crucially, Southampton have retained much of their Premier League core, giving them a level of experience and quality that often proves decisive in one-off fixtures. Their route to the final also tested their resilience, coming through a heated and emotionally charged semi-final that extended into extra time.
However, Hull City should not be underestimated. They completed a league double over Southampton this season - winning 3-1 at the MKM Stadium and 2-1 away - which offers a significant psychological edge. Hull’s defensive organisation in the play-offs, combined with their ability to grind out results, makes them a dangerous opponent.
Historically, the head-to-head record slightly favours Southampton (25 wins to Hull’s 18, with 21 draws), but recent meetings suggest a far more even contest. Finals at Wembley often hinge on moments rather than form, and Hull have already shown they can upset stronger sides.
When is the Championship Play Off Final?
The Championship Play-Off Final is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026, with kick-off time to be confirmed. It traditionally serves as the final match of the English domestic season calendar, drawing global attention due to its financial and sporting significance.
Where is the Championship Play Off Final?
The match will take place at Wembley Stadium in London, the home of English football. Wembley has hosted countless iconic fixtures, and its scale and atmosphere make it the perfect stage for a game of this magnitude, where promotion - and the riches of the Premier League - will be decided over 90 minutes, or more if required.
