Championship key dates 2026/27
Plan around the opening round, international breaks and the final day. See what is confirmed and check the matches that matter to you.
UK dates and kick-off times · GMT / BST
Next date for your diary
November international window
9 Nov 2026 to 17 Nov 2026 Current
Check club fixtures for the return to league action.
Season timeline
UK dates · 2026/27| Milestone | Date | Publication status | In the calendar | Matchday notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixture release | Published | Past | 12:00 BST; the original list is published. Later TV selections may move fixtures. | |
| Opening round | Published | Past | First-round matches run from Friday to Monday. | |
| Autumn international window | Published | Past | No regular Championship match round is scheduled in the international window. | |
| November international window | Published | Current | Check club fixtures for the return to league action. | |
| Boxing Day fixtures | Published | Upcoming | Individual dates and kick-off times remain subject to TV selections and rearrangements. | |
| Spring international window | Published | Upcoming | The dates are in 2027, during the second half of the 2026/27 season. | |
| Final regular-season matchday | Published | Upcoming | Published kick-off: 12:30 BST. Check each fixture before travelling. | |
| Play-off eliminators | To be confirmed | No verified date in this guide | — | Follow the play-off schedule |
| Play-off semi-finals | To be confirmed | No verified date in this guide | — | Follow the play-off schedule |
| Play-off final | To be confirmed | No verified date in this guide | — | Follow the play-off schedule |
Check matches around a key date
These views use the current match date. A rearranged fixture may move outside the original day's selection.
International breaks
The EFL lists three international windows in 2026/27:
- 21 September to 6 October 2026
- 9 to 17 November 2026
- 22 to 30 March 2027
No regular Championship match round is scheduled in these windows. Check this week's fixtures and your club's schedule for changes around the break.
TV selections and fixture changes
Published does not mean fixed forever
TV picks are announced in batches. Dates and kick-off times can also change because of cup commitments, weather or other circumstances. Check this week's confirmed TV matches before arranging travel.
Confirmed UK TV listings · Find your club · Subscribe to fixture changes
Frequently asked questions
When did the 2026/27 Championship season start?
The first match was on Friday 14 August 2026. The opening round continued through Monday 17 August, so the first round covered four calendar days.
When does the 2026/27 Championship regular season finish?
The published final matchday is Saturday 1 May 2027, with kick-off at 12:30 BST. Play-off matches are separate. Always check the individual fixture for changes.
Why do Championship fixture dates change?
TV selections, cup commitments, weather and other circumstances can move a match after the original fixture release. Check the club and broadcaster's confirmed information before booking travel.
Are play-off dates confirmed?
This guide does not yet have a verified 2026/27 play-off timetable. Dates are shown as to be confirmed, rather than inferred from last season or an expected bank-holiday weekend. Check the official EFL key dates and the play-off centre.
Can I put Championship fixtures in my calendar?
Yes. Use our calendar tool to subscribe to a club or the league. A subscription can follow later changes when your app refreshes; downloading an ICS file gives you a one-off copy.