Battle for Promotion: Which Teams Will Fight Their Way Through the 2025-26 League Two Playoff Drama?

League Two might sit at the bottom of the four tiers in the English Football League (EFL)—but that shouldn't mislead you.

Within a division filled with competitive teams, several of which have previously featured in the Premier League, the battle is relentless. An extended, demanding 46-match campaign, tough players, even tougher challenges, restricted finances and narrow differences all merge to create one of English football's most difficult promotion races to League One.

To advance, teams must either achieve automatic promotion by placing in the top three positions, or survive the merciless playoffs.

Here, we examine the latter in detail—understanding how the 2025–26 League Two playoffs operate, their timing, the value of promotion and which teams are competing to move up.

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How do the League Two Playoffs Work?

Following the League Two season's conclusion, teams finishing fourth through seventh earn playoff qualification, entering an elimination tournament for the remaining promotion spot.

The playoffs commence with semifinal matches. Fourth position meets seventh, while fifth confronts sixth, with each matchup spanning two legs. The superior-ranked team hosts the decisive second leg—a benefit meant to acknowledge league standing.

Victors are determined by combined scores from both games. Should the totals remain equal after the second leg, additional time and penalty shootouts decide the outcome.

The semifinal champions then clash in the playoff final at Wembley Stadium. As with any premier final, it's a single match, resolved through extra time and penalties if necessary, with the winner securing League One promotion.

When Are the 2025–26 League Two Playoffs?

The 2025–26 League Two campaign wraps up with the final regular-season matches on May 2–3, 2026 weekend.

Currently, the EFL has only confirmed the League Two playoff final date, scheduled for Wembley Stadium on Monday, May 25, 2026. The precise timing for the two-leg semifinals remains unannounced, though they're anticipated in early May, following the regular season's completion.

How Much Is Winning the League Two Playoff Final Worth?

Claiming the League Two playoff final victory doesn't include a direct monetary reward from the EFL. Teams already obtain standard EFL distributions plus a Premier League solidarity payment annually, combining for approximately £1.5 million, making promotion itself the genuine prize.

The Wembley final can still deliver immediate financial benefits through ticket revenue and matchday earnings.

Over time, League One promotion delivers enhanced EFL payments, increased solidarity funds, better television revenue and typically larger attendances, making the playoffs economically meaningful despite lacking an official prize fund.

Who Are in Contention for the 2025–26 League Two Playoffs?

As frequently occurs in League Two, forecasting playoff participants proves challenging until the season's closing weeks. The division is famously close and competitive, with small margins dividing numerous clubs.

Walsall, Bromley and Swindon Town are leading the standings. Nevertheless, with minimal points separating fourth from ninth position, the competition remains completely open.

Realistically, any team in the upper half stays genuinely competitive at this point—and even clubs slightly lower could push into contention with impressive form.

*League Two standings accurate as of 28-12-25.

Who Has the Best League Two Playoffs Record?

The most accomplished team in League Two playoff history is Blackpool, having captured the final three times—exceeding all other clubs.

Additionally, Cheltenham Town, Northampton Town, Southend United and AFC Wimbledon have each succeeded twice.

Conversely, Exeter City and Torquay United have both endured final defeats on three occasions.