In the 2025-26 Championship season, Leeds United, Sheffield United, and Burnley are competing for the two automatic promotion spots to the Premier League, leaving Sunderland trailing. The top two teams will secure automatic promotion, while the next four will vie for the playoffs, leading to the promotion final at Wembley.
Leeds United, under Daniel Farke, have shown consistency and resilience, currently in a strong position for automatic promotion. Meanwhile, Scott Parker's Burnley excels defensively, with a significant lead over Sheffield United, managed by Chris Wilder, who have recently faced setbacks. Other contenders include Sunderland, Bristol City, Coventry, West Brom, Middlesbrough, and Millwall, each with their unique strengths and aspirations for promotion to the Premier League.