Soccer Football – Championship – Ipswich Town v Queens Park Rangers – Portman Road, Ipswich, Britain – May 2, 2026 Ipswich Town’s George Hirst celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates Action Images/John Sibley
IPSWICH, England, May 2 : Ipswich Town returned to the Premier League at the first time of asking as a 3-0 victory over Queen’s Park Rangers on the final day of the regular Championship season on Saturday ensured they took the second automatic promotion slot.
Needing a victory to make absolutely certain of finishing as runners-up to Coventry City, early goals by George Hirst and Jaden Philogene settled any nerves at Portman Road.
The celebrations had already started by the time Kasey McAteer wrapped up the points late on.
Millwall and Middlesbrough also went into the final day with automatic promotion hopes if Ipswich slipped up.
Millwall beat relegated Oxford United 2-0 to secure third place while Middlesbrough drew 2-2 at Wrexham – a result that meant Wrexham missed out on the final playoff place.
Hull City’s 2-1 victory over Norwich City mean they finished above Wrexham in sixth place.
