Hull City fought their way back to the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough in the Championship playoff final. The Tigers' victory was sealed with a stoppage-time goal from Oli McBurnie.
What happened?
The match, played at Wembley, was a dull affair with few chances for both sides. Middlesbrough dominated possession but failed to have a shot on target.
Why it matters for Hull City
The win marks a significant turnaround for the club, which almost dropped into the third tier last term. Hull City's Turkish owner Acun Ilicali had threatened to take legal action over the 'Spygate' saga.
What comes next?
The Tigers will now reap the massive financial benefits that come with being part of the Premier League. Even a single season in England's top tier is estimated to be worth around 200 million pounds. As of the 2025-2026 season, Hull City's league standing is 6th in the Championship, with 73 points from 46 games. Their recent form has been impressive, with 4 wins and 1 draw in their last 5 games. | Stat | Value | | League standing | 6th in Championship | | Points | 73 | | Recent form | 4W-1D-0L | | Goals this season | 70 scored, 66 conceded | | Title race | 22 points behind leaders Coventry | | Last result | Hull City 1-0 Middlesbrough (2026-05-23) |
The team's manager, Sergej Jakirovic, worked wonders on a shoestring budget. Hull City's players, including Oli McBurnie and Ivor Pandur, played a crucial role in the team's success. The Tigers' fans were overjoyed with the win, which marks a new era for the club. And with their promotion to the Premier League, Hull City will look to build on their success and establish themselves as a top-tier team.
