Hull City secured promotion back to the Premier League after nine years away thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time winner in a tense 1-0 Championship play-off final victory over Middlesbrough at Wembley.
Hull City are back in the Premier League after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium, with a stoppage-time winner sealing promotion after nine years away from the top flight.
With the enormous financial and sporting stakes attached to the contest, the opening stages were understandably tense and cautious. Neither side managed to establish any attacking rhythm early on, and clear-cut opportunities were few and far between.
Welcome back, @HullCity 🐯
Congratulations on promotion to the Premier League! pic.twitter.com/zJRjVySDih
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 23, 2026
Middlesbrough’s Aidan Morris attempted to spark life into the game with a long-range effort from 20 yards, but his shot drifted comfortably wide and reflected the nervous nature of the first quarter of the match.
The game gradually began to open up as the first half progressed. David Strelec headed over from close range for Middlesbrough, while Hull finally tested Sol Brynn through a Lewie Coyle header that forced the goalkeeper into action.
Hull came closest to breaking the deadlock just before half-time when Oli McBurnie rose highest inside the penalty area, only to see his powerful header crash against the crossbar. Moments later, Strelec wasted another promising opportunity at the opposite end by dragging his shot wide.
The second half became an increasingly tense battle as both teams struggled to create openings. Every misplaced pass and missed challenge seemed magnified by the importance of the occasion, while both defences continued to stand firm under pressure.
With extra time appearing inevitable, Hull substitute Joe Gelhardt nearly produced the breakthrough in the closing stages, but his quick turn and shot inside the area flashed narrowly wide of the post to the relief of the Middlesbrough supporters.
WE ARE HULL CITY. WE ARE PREMIER LEAGUE!#hcafc pic.twitter.com/KTqB98nAaj
— Hull City (@HullCity) May 23, 2026
However, just as the match looked destined for another 30 minutes, McBurnie delivered the decisive moment in the 95th minute. The striker reacted quickest inside the box to turn the ball home and send the Hull supporters into wild celebrations.
The Tigers then saw out the final moments to confirm their return to the Premier League, while Middlesbrough were left heartbroken after falling short despite finishing above Hull in the regular Championship standings.
