Hull City secured promotion to the Premier League on May 23, 2026, by winning the EFL Championship play-off final 1-0 against Middlesbrough at Wembley Stadium.
Oli McBurnie scored the decisive goal in stoppage time after a mistake by Middlesbrough goalkeeper Sol Brynn.
The match was overshadowed by the 'spygate' controversy, in which Southampton were expelled from the play-offs for filming Middlesbrough's training session prior to their semi-final. Southampton had beaten Middlesbrough in the semi-finals but were removed after an independent commission ruled that their manager had authorized the spying. Middlesbrough replaced Southampton in the final but lost to Hull.
Key Details
- Goal: Oli McBurnie (90+ minutes)
- Score: Hull City 1–0 Middlesbrough
- Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
- Attendance: Not specified
Background
Hull City finished sixth in the regular season, securing a play-off spot on the final day. They are the first sixth-placed team to win promotion via the second-tier play-offs since Blackpool in 2010. The club had faced a transfer embargo, later reduced after appeal, but exceeded expectations under manager Sergej Jakirovic.
Middlesbrough's Riley McGree left the match in the 76th minute with an apparent hamstring injury, raising concerns ahead of the World Cup.
"We believed in ourselves when no one else did." — A sentiment echoed by the Hull City camp after the final whistle.
Financial Impact
According to Deloitte, Hull City's promotion is estimated to generate at least £205 million ($A375 million) over the next three seasons from match-day, broadcast, and commercial revenues. This could rise to approximately £365 million if the club avoids relegation in their first season.
Aftermath
The 'spygate' incident resulted in Southampton's expulsion from the play-offs. The club criticized the sanctions as "manifestly disproportionate." Hull City owner Acun Ilicali had vowed legal action if his team did not win the final.
"We were the underdogs, but justice was served on the pitch." — Acun Ilicali, Hull City owner.