Ipswich Join Coventry in Automatic Promotion, Play-Off Picture Finalized

Ipswich Town secured promotion to the Premier League

Wrexham’s draw with Middlesbrough ended their run of three straight promotions under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Hull beat Norwich 2-1 to jump to 6th and claim the last Championship play-off spot on the final day...

Ipswich secured promotion back to the Premier League after beating QPR to lock up second place in the Championship.  

It’s an immediate return to the top flight for the Tractor Boys following last season’s relegation. They’ll join champions Coventry as the two teams promoted automatically.  

🏆 GAWN UP! pic.twitter.com/X8RPDHDzY1

— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) May 2, 2026

Kieran McKenna’s side spent most of the campaign outside the top two, chasing Middlesbrough. A slump from Boro turned the race for second into a four-team fight.  

Ipswich Town 🤝 @premierleague.

WE'RE GOING UP AGAIN! ⬆️ pic.twitter.com/6S6QXdHKDP

— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) May 2, 2026

Millwall and Southampton were still in contention late, but Ipswich’s midweek draw with Southampton and win over QPR sealed it.

Millwall, Middlesbrough, Southampton, and Hull will contest the play-offs. All four except Hull were relegated from the Premier League last season.  

 

Hull started the final day in 8th but climbed to 6th after beating Norwich 2-1, combined with Derby losing to Sheffield United and Wrexham drawing with Boro. 

Wrexham’s run of three straight promotions under owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.  

Hull now face Millwall in the semi-finals, while Middlesbrough meet Southampton over two legs. The winners will play at Wembley on May 23rd for the final promotion spot.