Championship Clubs Previewed for 2026-27 Season

BBC Sport correspondents have released a comprehensive club-by-club preview of the 24 teams set to compete in the 2026-27 English Football League Championship season. This detailed analysis aims to provide fans and observers with insights into each team's prospects, potential challenges, and key personnel ahead of the campaign's commencement. The preview covers a wide range of factors, including squad strengths, managerial strategies, transfer market activity, and historical performance trends for each of the participating clubs.

The English Football League Championship, often referred to simply as the Championship, is the second tier of the English football league system. It sits below the Premier League and above League One. The league comprises 24 clubs, and the season typically runs from August to May. Promotion to the Premier League is a primary objective for many clubs, with the top two teams at the end of the regular season automatically promoted, and a further place decided by a playoff system involving the teams finishing between third and sixth.

Each club's preview is crafted by dedicated BBC Sport correspondents who have followed the teams closely. These journalists offer expert opinions on potential starting lineups, key player performances expected, and the tactical approaches likely to be employed by the managers. The previews also delve into the financial health of clubs, the impact of new ownership or investment, and the overall mood and expectations within each club's fanbase. This granular approach ensures that the analysis goes beyond superficial observations, providing a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play within each club.

The 2026-27 season is anticipated to be particularly competitive, with several clubs harbouring ambitions of promotion to the Premier League. The preview will likely highlight potential title contenders, teams expected to challenge for the playoff places, and those facing a battle to avoid relegation to League One. The insights provided by the BBC Sport correspondents are designed to equip readers with the knowledge to follow the season's narrative, understand the significance of key fixtures, and appreciate the individual journeys of each of the 24 clubs vying for success in one of football's most demanding leagues. The anticipation for the season's start is palpable, with this preview serving as an essential guide for followers of English football.