The EFL play-offs are here. The Championship semi-finals get underway this week, with four clubs battling for the two Wembley final spots and a prize worth over £200m in Premier League broadcasting revenue. The semi-final draw has produced two genuinely competitive ties: Sheffield United face Norwich City over two legs, while Sunderland take on Millwall. All four clubs have legitimate arguments for why they can go all the way, which is what makes the play-offs the most watchable knockout football in the English calendar every May.
Sheffield United vs Norwich City
Sheffield United finished third in the Championship, which on paper gives them a slight edge, but Norwich have been in excellent form through April and their manager has drilled them into a side that is very difficult to break down on the road. The Blades have the crowd at Bramall Lane for the first leg and will look to establish an advantage before heading to Carrow Road. United's key player is Rhian Brewster, who has rediscovered the kind of clinical finishing that made him so highly-rated early in his career. If he fires, Sheffield United have a genuine chance of making Wembley.
Sunderland vs Millwall
Sunderland have been building impressively under their current management structure and the Stadium of Light will be rocking for the first leg at home. Their young squad plays with an energy that suits the knockout format. Millwall, though, are experienced play-off participants — they know how to grind out results and their defensive structure is well-organised. This tie is the harder one to call. Millwall away from home in a play-off semi-final is never straightforward regardless of who you are.
The Wembley finals
Bank Holiday weekend, May 23-25, sees all three play-off finals at Wembley. Championship final is the main event on May 25 and, for whoever makes it, it represents the most lucrative 90 minutes in world football. The League One and League Two finals on the Friday and Saturday respectively carry their own significant stakes. For supporters of any of the eight clubs involved, this is the week everything gets decided. No second chances, no other route up. Win or go home.
EFL Play-offs 2026: Championship semi-finals: Sheffield United vs Norwich City; Sunderland vs Millwall. Wembley finals: League Two final May 23, League One final May 24, Championship final May 25. Prize value for Championship promotion: approx £200m in Premier League broadcasting revenue.
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