The IPL 2026 playoff line-up is finally locked in, with four teams now set to battle for the title after weeks of intense league-stage action.
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans had already secured their spots earlier, while the fight for the fourth and final playoff berth went right down to the final league matches.
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In the end, Rajasthan Royals grabbed the last available spot after defeating Mumbai Indians in a high-pressure clash, officially ending Mumbai’s campaign and completing the playoff picture.
With the league stage now over, attention shifts towards Dharamsala, Chandigarh and Ahmedabad, where the biggest matches of the season are set to unfold over the next few days.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans, who finished inside the top two positions, will now face each other in Qualifier 1.
The match will be played on May 26 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. The winner will directly qualify for the IPL 2026 final, while the losing side will still get another opportunity through Qualifier 2.
Qualifier 1
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans
Date: May 26, 2026
Venue: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala
Time: 7:30 PM IST
The Eliminator, meanwhile, will feature Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals in a knockout clash on May 27 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.
Unlike Qualifier 1, there will be no second chances here. The losing side will be eliminated from the tournament, while the winner will move into Qualifier 2.
Eliminator
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals
Date: May 27, 2026
Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Qualifier 2 will be played on May 29 in New Chandigarh between the loser of Qualifier 1 and the winner of the Eliminator. The winner of that match will secure the second spot in the IPL 2026 final.
The final itself is scheduled to take place on May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
IPL 2026 Playoff Schedule
Qualifier 1
RCB vs GT — May 26 — Dharamsala — 7:30 PM IST
Eliminator
SRH vs RR — May 27 — New Chandigarh — 7:30 PM IST
Qualifier 2
Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator — May 29 — New Chandigarh — 7:30 PM IST
Final
Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2 — May 31 — Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad — 7:30 PM IST
With Royal Challengers Bengaluru chasing back-to-back titles, Gujarat Titans looking to return to the top, Sunrisers Hyderabad carrying strong momentum and Rajasthan Royals entering the playoffs after a late surge, the race for the IPL 2026 trophy is now wide open.
