Hull City and Middlesbrough will battle for a place in the Premier League when they meet in the Championship playoff final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon in what is widely regarded as the richest game in football.
Following Southampton’s expulsion from the playoffs after the spygate scandal, Middlesbrough were handed a dramatic second chance at promotion and now face a Hull City side looking to complete a remarkable turnaround under Sergej Jakirovic.
For Hull, this season has already exceeded expectations. After narrowly avoiding relegation last campaign and dealing with a transfer embargo earlier in the season, the Tigers have transformed into genuine promotion contenders under Jakirovic’s leadership.
Hull booked their place at Wembley after a disciplined and clinical 2-0 aggregate victory over Millwall in the playoff semi-finals. Their organisation out of possession, aggressive pressing and ability to strike quickly in transition have been key features of their rise during the second half of the campaign.
The Tigers will also take confidence from their strong playoff pedigree. Hull have won both of their previous Championship playoff finals, earning promotion in both 2008 and 2016. They also edged Middlesbrough 1-0 in their most recent meeting earlier this season at the Riverside Stadium.
Striker Oli McBurnie has been central to Hull’s attacking threat throughout the campaign. The Scottish forward has registered 24 goal contributions this season and will once again be relied upon to lead the line, hold up play and bring runners into attacking areas around the box.
Middlesbrough, meanwhile, head into the final after one of the most chaotic weeks in recent Championship history. Boro had originally been knocked out by Southampton in the semi-finals before the Saints’ expulsion handed them a dramatic route back into contention.
Despite the disruption, Kim Hellberg’s side still possess enough quality and attacking depth to trouble Hull. Middlesbrough have looked dangerous going forward for most of the season, with Morgan Whittaker, Riley McGree and David Strelec capable of unlocking defences with quick movement and clever combinations in the final third.
The return of Hayden Hackney could also provide a massive boost for Boro. The midfielder’s composure in possession, ability to dictate tempo and range of passing could prove decisive in a high-pressure Wembley contest.
However, Middlesbrough’s record at Wembley remains a concern. Boro have failed to win in five appearances at the national stadium and have often struggled to cope with the intensity and occasion of playoff football.
With both clubs desperate to secure promotion and the financial rewards that come with Premier League football, another tense and tactical playoff final could be on the cards.
What time does Hull City vs Middlesbrough start?
Kick-off is at 4:00 PM (EAT) on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Wembley Stadium in London.
Hull City vs Middlesbrough team news
Hull City will be without striker Kyle Joseph after the forward picked up an ankle injury during the semi-final victory over Millwall. Eliot Matazo remains sidelined with an ACL injury, while Manchester United loanee Toby Collyer is also unavailable.
There is positive news for the Tigers, however, with Cody Drameh and Amir Hadziahmetovic both returning to training and pushing for involvement in the final. Oli McBurnie is expected to spearhead the attack alongside Liam Millar and Mohamed Belloumi.
Middlesbrough have their own injury concerns heading into Wembley. Tommy Conway has been ruled out after suffering an ankle injury that now requires surgery, while former Hull defender Alfie Jones remains sidelined. Alex Bangura is also doubtful due to a muscle issue.
The biggest boost for Boro is the return of Hayden Hackney, who is expected to be fit enough to feature after recovering from a calf injury. Morgan Whittaker and David Strelec are likely to lead the attack for Hellberg’s side.
Predicted Lineups
Hull City possible starting XI: Pandur; Hughes, Egan, Ayari; Coyle, Slater, Crooks, Giles; Belloumi, Millar; McBurnie
Middlesbrough possible starting XI: Brynn; Ayling, Malanda, Fry; Brittain, Morris, Hackney, Targett; McGree, Whittaker; Strelec
Hull City vs Middlesbrough head to head record previous meeting and current form
Hull City defeated Middlesbrough 1-0 in their most recent Championship meeting earlier this season and have generally looked solid defensively during the playoffs.
The Tigers recovered strongly after a difficult run towards the end of the regular season and have shown resilience under pressure, particularly in knockout football.
Middlesbrough, meanwhile, have endured significant off-field disruption but still possess attacking quality capable of changing games in moments. Boro have won three of their last four playoff finals and historically tend to rise to the occasion in promotion battles.
With Wembley nerves expected and promotion on the line, this encounter could be decided by fine margins and moments of individual quality.
Hull City vs Middlesbrough prediction
Championship playoff finals are often cagey and tightly contested, and this year’s showdown could follow a similar pattern.
Hull’s defensive organisation and playoff experience make them dangerous opponents, but Middlesbrough’s attacking quality and the return of key midfield figures may ultimately give them the edge over 120 minutes.
If Hackney and McGree can control possession and release Whittaker and Strelec into dangerous spaces, Boro may just find the breakthrough needed to return to the Premier League.