Wembley Awaits: Full Preview Of The 2025 EFL Play-Off Finals

Three divisions. Three finals. One golden opportunity for six clubs to transform their season under the Wembley arch.

The EFL play-offs have once again delivered high drama, controversy, and unforgettable moments. Now, only 90 minutes (or perhaps more) stand between promotion and despair for six teams across the Championship, League One, and League Two.

Championship Final: Sheffield United v Sunderland

The headline act comes on Saturday afternoon as Sheffield United and Sunderland, two giants of the English game, face off for a coveted place in the Premier League.

Sheffield United, led by manager Chris Wilder, are looking to overcome a wretched history in the play-offs. The Blades have failed in nine previous play-off campaigns — the most of any club — and haven’t won at Wembley since 1925. Their semi-final victory over Bristol City was comprehensive: two 3–0 wins, aided by a contentious but arguably correct red card to Rob Dickie.

United’s squad depth, experience, and attacking prowess have seen them emerge as slight favourites, having finished third in the table and 14 points clear of fourth-placed Sunderland.

However, Sunderland, under the stewardship of Régis Le Bris, arrive with momentum after a stunning last-gasp victory over Coventry City. Dan Ballard’s 121st-minute winner sealed their place in the final, three years after they last triumphed at Wembley in the League One final.

Both clubs have endured their fair share of play-off heartache. Between them, they’ve won just once in 17 combined play-off campaigns. But with promotion worth upwards of £100 million, the stakes have never been higher. Expect a fiercely contested, emotionally charged encounter that could go right to the wire.

League One Final: Charlton Athletic v Leyton Orient

Sunday sees an all-London showdown between Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient in the League One final. On paper, it’s fourth versus sixth, but in reality, it’s a clash between expectation and overachievement.

Charlton, managed by Nathan Jones, were tipped for promotion at the start of the season and have come good in the second half of the campaign. Though their semi-final against Wycombe Wanderers was far from a classic, a late strike from Matty Godden sent the Addicks through.

Jones has tightened up Charlton’s defence and unlocked attacking flair at just the right time. They’ve lost just four games in 2025 and have already beaten Orient twice this season. Confidence will be high as they look to return to the Championship.

Leyton Orient’s journey is quite different. Richie Wellens has masterminded a remarkable turnaround after a torrid start saw them collect just eight points from their opening 11 games. A stunning mid-season run, including a perfect defensive December, launched them into play-off contention, but a late dip threatened to undo that work.

Yet Orient surged back, winning their final six games to clinch sixth spot. Their semi-final victory over third-placed Stockport County came via penalties and underlined their resilience. A win would mark Orient’s first return to the second tier in over 40 years — and complete one of the great League One stories.

League Two Final: AFC Wimbledon v Walsall

Monday’s League Two final features two clubs who were barely mentioned in promotion discussions back in August — but now stand 90 minutes from League One.

AFC Wimbledon’s progress has been built on defensive solidity. They’ve kept six consecutive clean sheets, including both legs against a free-scoring Notts County side. Goalkeeper Owen Goodman has been in inspired form, and goals from Riley Harbottle and Josh Neufville have ensured they’ve done enough at the other end.

Manager Johnnie Jackson has crafted a well-drilled unit. While Wimbledon’s 56 goals scored was the lowest among the play-off qualifiers, they’ve conceded just 35 — the best in the division. Striker Matty Stevens has scored 17 of those goals, and if he finds the net again, it may be enough.

Walsall, meanwhile, have travelled a rollercoaster route to Wembley. They led the division for much of the season and were seemingly cruising toward automatic promotion. But a catastrophic collapse, capped by a final-day slip-up, saw them tumble into the play-offs.

Credit must go to head coach Mat Sadler for rallying his players. They beat Chesterfield over two legs with a blend of discipline and timely finishing, despite questions over their recent home form. Walsall have never won a play-off final at Wembley, but their experience in big matches — including victories in 1988 and 2001 — could prove vital.

Both sides come into the game with credible claims. Wimbledon’s defensive steel meets Walsall’s attacking pedigree. It’s unlikely to be a goal-fest, but it promises to be tightly fought, perhaps decided by a single moment of brilliance or a solitary mistake.

Final Verdicts

Championship: Sheffield United’s play-off record is a glaring red flag, but their dominance in the semis and greater consistency over the season gives them the edge. Sunderland are dangerous, particularly late in games, but the Blades’ experience could finally carry them through.

League One: Charlton may be the favourites, but Orient’s resilience and narrative momentum makes them dangerous. The Addicks’ superior form and firepower just about tips it in their favour — but penalties would surprise no one.

League Two: Wimbledon’s defence is the best in the EFL and could be the decisive factor. Walsall’s collapse and recovery adds intrigue, but the Dons’ organisational strength might edge them over the line in a low-scoring encounter.

Whatever Happens, History Will Be Made

These finals are not just matches; they are turning points in clubs’ histories. For Sheffield United, Charlton, and Walsall, the weight of expectation looms. For Sunderland, Leyton Orient, and Wimbledon, a chance to defy odds and etch a new chapter into their club folklore.

Three days. Three promotions. Three sets of heroes. And for three others — a summer of regret and rebuilding.

Let the drama begin.