Hull City secure Premier League return after play-off final win

Hull City defeated Middlesbrough 1–0 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley, with Oli McBurnie scoring in stoppage time to secure promotion. The result followed Southampton's expulsion due to the espionage incident.

By Belfast Herald Sport1 min read

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Hull City won the Championship play-off final against Middlesbrough at Wembley Stadium on 23 May 2026. Oli McBurnie scored the only goal in second-half stoppage time.

The match took place after Southampton were expelled from the EFL due to the espionage incident. Middlesbrough had been reinstated following Southampton's disqualification.

Hull's manager, Sergej Jakirovic, described the achievement as unbelievable and expressed pride in the team's performance. The club had previously faced a transfer embargo and were near relegation the prior season.