League Two is the fourth tier of English football, and each season, four teams are promoted to League One.
According to League Two promotion rules, the top three are guaranteed to go up automatically. The fourth spot will be determined by the winner of the play-offs, which is contested between teams finishing 4th to 7th.
This guide gives you an overview of how League Two promotion works, which clubs are new to the division, and how league positions are decided.
How Many Teams Get Promoted from League Two?
Each season, four teams ascend to League One. This consists of the top three finishers and one via the play-offs. Our table explains more:
| Position | Outcome |
| 1st-3rd | Automatic promotion to League One |
| 4th-7th | Play-offs (one promotion place up for grabs) |
| 8th-22nd | Remain in League Two |
| 23rd-24th | Relegated to the National League |
League Two follows a standard EFL structure, so there are 24 teams. Comprising a round-robin style, the campaign normally runs from August until early May.
Every club plays the other twice, so a campaign consists of sides contesting 46 league matches, and the basic points system works the same as the other EFL divisions — three points for a win, one for a draw and zero for a defeat.
Automatic Promotion
League Two promotion dictates that the top three finishers go straight up. Positions in the league are decided primarily by points, and the champions will collect the League Two title.
If clubs finish level on points, they are separated by goal difference (goals scored minus goals conceded), then by goals scored, then by their head-to-head results. If a promotion, play-off or relegation place still can’t be decided, the clubs play a deciding play-off match.
How the League Two Play-Offs Work
Apart from automatic promotion, one team goes up via the League Two play-offs, and we’ve shared some cursory details below:
- The teams finishing 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th cement play-off berths.
- This starts with the semi-finals, which are played over two legs.
- The highest-placed team (4th) takes on 7th, while 5th faces 6th.
- The first leg is played at the lower-placed side’s ground, while the higher-placed team hosts the second leg.
- The Final is traditionally hosted at Wembley Stadium.
- The winner of the semi-finals is decided by the aggregate score after two legs.
- Away goals have been scrapped by the EFL.
- If the aggregate score is level after 90 minutes of the second leg, an additional 30 minutes is played to find a winner.
- If the score after extra time is level, a semi-final tie is then decided by penalty kicks.
- The Final uses extra-time and penalties, with the winner taking the fourth promotion spot.
League Two 2026-27: Who Is New This Season?
There was a shake-up ahead of the 2026/27 season (see our League One teams guide) in terms of teams moving to and from League Two. This is what you should know:
- York City went up from the National League as champions after securing a points tally of 108.
- They were joined by Rochdale, who beat Boreham Wood on penalties in the National League play-off final at Wembley Stadium.
- The four clubs that were demoted from League One were: Exeter City, Rotherham United, Port Vale, and Northampton Town.
- Bromley went up to League One for the first time in their history as champions.
- Milton Keynes Dons and Cambridge United were also promoted automatically after the 25/26 campaign, while Notts County climbed into League One via the play-offs, thrashing Salford City 3-0 in the final.
- Harrogate Town and Barrow headed the other way and were relegated to the National League.
How Relegation From League Two Works
In League Two, two teams drop down to the National League after the end of each season.
Two teams from the National League take their place, and last campaign, the relegated League Two teams were replaced by National League champions York City and Rochdale (see our National League teams guide), with the latter coming up via the play-offs.
Generally speaking, relegation can be influenced by other factors. Apart from a loss in form, points deductions may be handed out for financial breaches, and this can have a big bearing on final league positions.
League Two Promotion Betting Markets
Throughout the season, League Two has outright markets covering several outcomes. They are as follows:
- Outright winner: which club finishes as champions.
- Promotion includes a top-three finish or via the play-offs.
- There are also lines available for who will finish in the top seven or which side/s will be relegated.
- Promotion, according to 7bet’s market rules, dictates that being promoted includes going up via the play-offs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teams go up from League Two?
Each season, four teams are promoted from League Two. Three go up automatically if they finish in the top three at the end of the regular season, while one will go up via the play-offs.
Where is the League Two play-off final played?
Wembley Stadium traditionally stages the League Two play-off final.
How many teams are relegated from League Two?
Two teams are normally relegated from League Two to the National League at the end of the season.
Do League Two champions get a trophy?
Yes. The champions receive the League Two trophy as well as promotion.
Who was promoted from League Two in 2025-26?
Bromley (champions), Milton Keynes Dons and Cambridge United went up automatically, and Notts County won the play-off final.
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