The 2026/27 English Football League season has officially begun, and the excitement is already palpable across all three divisions. This weekend marks the start of a packed schedule, with every Championship, League One and League Two fixture being broadcast live on Sky Sports, offering fans a front‑row seat to the action from the very first kick‑off. One of the headline changes for the new campaign is the expansion of the Championship play‑offs.
Historically, only the teams finishing third to sixth have had a shot at promotion via the post‑season mini‑tournament. This year, the format has been widened to include the clubs finishing seventh and eighth, meaning eight teams will now contest the play‑offs.
The alteration, the most significant overhaul of the domestic league structure in decades, gives a larger pool of clubs a realistic pathway back to the Premier League and is expected to keep the promotion race alive deep into the season. Two clubs have quickly emerged as the early favourites for an immediate return to the top flight: West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Hammers are back in the second tier for the first time since the 2011‑12 season, and they have retained both manager Nuno Espirito Santo and prolific winger Jarrod Bowen.
Nuno is no stranger to the Championship, having guided Wolves to the division title in 2018, while Bowen previously plied his trade in the league with Hull City before his move to London. Wolves, on the other hand, have taken a bold step by appointing the relatively unknown Portuguese coach Cesar Peixoto in place of Rob Edwards.
Their opening match, a 2‑2 draw at home against Blackburn Rovers, was a modest start but gave a glimpse of the attacking intent the club hopes to build on. Burnley presents a slightly more uncertain picture.
The Clarets have hired Belgian tactician Nicky Hayen, a 45‑year‑old who previously steered both Club Brugge and Genk. Despite the managerial change, Burnley’s recent history is impressive: they secured promotion in each of the last two Championship campaigns, amassing over 100 points on both occasions. Their pedigree at this level suggests they will be a formidable opponent regardless of the new coach’s adaptation period. Sky Sports’ predictive model currently lists West Ham and Wolves as the top two contenders, with Burnley placed fourth, just behind Middlesbrough.
Speaking of the latter, Middlesbrough endured a roller‑coaster season last term. They spent more weeks in the top two than any other side but ultimately finished fifth. Their campaign was further marred by the infamous Spygate controversy, a semi‑final defeat to Southampton, a reinstatement to the final, and a heartbreaking loss to Hull City after Oli McBurnie’s stoppage‑time winner at Wembley.
Nevertheless, the club appears to have shaken off the lingering gloom, thanks in large part to a vigorous summer transfer window. Owner Steve Gibson has opened the purse strings, bringing in striker Will Lankshear—who netted the decisive goal against Wrexham in the Carabao Cup—and American forward Sebastian Berhalter, fresh from the World Cup. Goalkeeper Radek Vitek, a Manchester United product who impressed while on loan at Bristol City, also joins the squad.
These signings have sparked optimism among the Riverside faithful, who are eager to see how far the team can go. Southampton, still reeling from the Spygate fallout, have shown resilience. Although they were expelled from last season’s play‑offs, the club quickly rallied behind manager Tonda Eckert. While an FA charge still looms, the Saints have managed to retain most of their core, with only midfielder Shea Charles departing.
They have secured permanent deals for goalkeeper Daniel Peretz and striker Cyle Larin, both of whom performed admirably during their loan spells. The club also faces a four‑point deduction this season, but a strong second‑half run last year demonstrates they possess the quality to overcome such setbacks. Several other managerial appointments deserve mention. Tony Mowbray returns to Blackburn Rovers after a four‑year absence, while Watford have entrusted Alessio Dionisi with the helm.
Lincoln City’s successful boss Michael Skubala departed for Bristol City, prompting the Imps to adopt a joint‑manager model with Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw. Leicester City, now in League One for only the second time in their history and a decade after their Premier League triumph, have hired Russell Martin to halt a double relegation slide. The club has also added experienced players like Liam Cullen, Conor Chaplin and Wes Burns to bolster their promotion push.
Sheffield Wednesday, emerging from the Chansiri era under new owner David Storch, have appointed Henrik Pedersen to build on a squad already designed to compete. Notable signings include Louie Barry, whose talent shone at Stockport County despite injury setbacks, and the return of veteran Barry Bannan from Millwall. Luton Town, guided by Jack Wilshere, and Plymouth Argyle, who have been impressive this season, are both considered strong contenders for promotion. Oxford United made a surprising move by appointing Aaron Ramsey—fresh from his playing career—as manager, replacing Matt Bloomfield.
Ramsey’s tenure begins under a transfer embargo, limiting his ability to reinforce the relegated side. Meanwhile, Daniel Stendel returns to Barnsley, Martin Drury takes charge at Huddersfield Town, and Jimmy McNulty leaves Rochdale for Stockport after Dave Challinor’s exit. Bromley’s meteoric rise continues; after gaining EFL entry in 2024, they clinched promotion from League Two in just two seasons and will now contest the third tier.
Andy Woodman’s side, long‑dismissed as relegation favourites, aim to defy expectations once more. York City have re‑entered the EFL after a decade away, but their start has been rocky. Manager Stuart Maynard, who guided them to a 100‑plus point promotion, left shortly before the season began. His successor, Scott Lindsey, has struggled to win over supporters, with the team exiting the Carabao Cup early and fans demanding Maynard’s return.
Rochdale, another recent promotion success, also lost their manager—Jimmy McNulty—who moved to Stockport. They have appointed Ian Watson from National League North side South Shields to fill the vacancy. Salford City, ten years after their ascent to League Two, remain eager to break the play‑off barrier.
After a near‑miss last season, manager Karl Robinson departed and was replaced by Peter Cklamovski, formerly of the Malaysian national team. High‑profile signings such as Macaulay Langstaff and Luke Molyneux signal the club’s ambition to finally reach League One. Other fresh faces include Chris Hogg at Northampton Town, Alex Bruce at Rotherham United, Darrell Clarke at Tranmere Rovers, Lee Grant at Walsall and Hayden Mullins at Newport County.
The season’s opening fixture—Wolves versus Blackburn—sets the tone for what promises to be a thrilling campaign across the three divisions. Sky Sports will broadcast every match from the opening weekend, offering more than 1,000 live games across the EFL, Carabao Cup and EFL Trophy. Fans can also catch free highlights on the Sky Sports app after each round, and enjoy in‑depth analysis through the Essential EFL podcast and The EFL Show on Sky Sports News, airing every Monday at 2 pm.
The opening weekend schedule lists the Saturday 15th fixtures kicking off at 3 pm, and a Super 6 competition runs alongside the league action, giving participants a chance to win £1 million for free.