Championship Promotion Race: Coventry and Middlesbrough Lead the Charge
London, 24 February 2026 – The battle for the Premier League has intensified as the EFL Championship enters its final third. Following the latest round of fixtures, Coventry City have strengthened their grip on the top spot, while Middlesbrough remain their primary challengers for the title. With the regular season progressing toward its conclusion in May, the race for automatic promotion and the lucrative play-off positions remains exceptionally tight.
The State of Play at the Summit
Frank Lampard’s Coventry City have emerged as the team to beat, recently ending a winless away run with a 2-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion. This result, combined with Middlesbrough’s consistent form, has created a small gap between the top two and the chasing pack. Meanwhile, Wrexham have surged back into the play-off conversation following a dramatic 5-3 victory over Ipswich Town, a result that moved the Welsh side into sixth place with 51 points after 33 matches.
At the other end of the table, Portsmouth have secured vital breathing room in their fight against relegation, moving six points clear of the drop zone after a -1 win over Millwall. Leicester City, now under the management of Gary Rowett, face a challenging period as they look to climb the table amidst off-field distractions.
EFL Championship: Key Standings and Facts
The following table outlines the current leaders in the promotion race and the structural facts of the 2025-26 Championship season based on the latest verified data.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current League Leader | Coventry City (65 Points) |
| Second Place | Middlesbrough (62 Points) |
| Final Play-off Spot (6th) | Wrexham (51 Points) |
| Automatic Promotion Places | Top 2 Teams |
| Play-off Qualification | 3rd to 6th Place |
| Relegation to League One | Bottom 3 Teams |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teams are promoted from the Championship?
A total of three teams are promoted to the Premier League each season. The top two teams earn automatic promotion, while the teams finishing between third and sixth enter a play-off tournament to determine the final promoted side.
Who is currently managing Coventry City?
Frank Lampard is the current manager of Coventry City. Under his leadership, the club currently sits at the top of the Championship table as of 24 February 2026.
What are the “automatic promotion” spots?
The automatic promotion spots are the first and second positions in the league table. Teams finishing in these places do not have to compete in the play-offs and move directly into the Premier League for the following season.
When do the Championship play-offs take place?
The play-offs typically begin in May, following the conclusion of the 46-game regular season. The semi-finals are played over two legs, culminating in the final at Wembley Stadium.