One of these London clubs will be playing Championship football next season. We break down exactly what Tottenham and West Ham need, and every possible outcome when the final whistles blow on 24 May.
On Sunday 24 May 2026, the final day of the Premier League season will answer the question that has defined the Tottenham West Ham relegation final day 2026 story: which London club drops into the Championship? Both clubs kick off at 4pm. Tottenham host Everton at White Hart Lane. Meanwhile, West Ham face Leeds United at the London Stadium. The two grounds are seven miles apart. Only one club will still be in the Premier League when the final whistles blow.
Tottenham head into the final day in 17th place with 38 points and a goal difference of -9. West Ham sit directly below them in 18th on 36 points, with a goal difference of -22. Consequently, Spurs hold a two-point advantage and a 13-goal buffer in goal difference. For a club with Tottenham’s history and resources, the position is almost unthinkable. Their first relegation since 1977 is a genuine possibility.
West Ham’s campaign has been no less turbulent. Graham Potter was dismissed earlier in the season following a dire start to the campaign. Nuno Espirito Santo replaced him in September 2025. Nuno steadied the ship — a 3-1 win over Newcastle was among the high points. Nevertheless, the Hammers have been unable to fully escape the relegation zone. On the final day, their survival depends heavily on events at White Hart Lane.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side are in the more comfortable position — though comfort is a relative term when relegation is on the table. A draw against Everton is enough to guarantee Premier League survival. A point would take Spurs to 39, beyond West Ham’s maximum of 39. Furthermore, even if the two clubs finished level on points, Tottenham’s goal difference of -9 against West Ham’s -22 would keep them up. A Spurs win makes the debate academic entirely.
The only scenario in which Tottenham go down is if they lose to Everton and West Ham beat Leeds. That is the scenario both clubs — and their supporters — will have in mind from the first whistle.
Spurs were handed a nervy wait after losing 2-1 at Chelsea in midweek. That result came on the same night Arsenal were confirmed as champions. As a result, De Zerbi’s side head into Sunday still needing a result rather than celebrating safety. De Zerbi was direct in his pre-match message: “Sunday is the final for Tottenham. This is the most important game.” He has called for “blood, character and spirit” from every player on the pitch. As BBC Sport reported, the pressure on the Spurs dressing room is enormous.
For West Ham, the equation is clear — and extremely demanding. They must beat Leeds United at home, and they need Everton to beat Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Both results must happen simultaneously. One without the other is not enough.
If West Ham win and Spurs draw, the two clubs would finish level on 39 points. However, Spurs’ 13-goal advantage in goal difference would be sufficient to save them. The gap is simply too large to overturn in a single game without an extraordinary scoreline. Therefore, West Ham’s only realistic path to safety runs through a full Spurs defeat — no half-measures will do.
Nuno has been measured in his public comments while clearly understanding what is at stake. Interestingly, De Zerbi went as far as praising Leeds, stating he hopes they will “play with the same spirit and qualities” against West Ham as they showed earlier in the campaign. That remark drew attention — a manager speaking warmly about his own rival’s opponent is an unusual form of pressure application. Read more on the full season-long battle in our Spurs vs West Ham relegation battle overview.
Everton arrive at White Hart Lane with nothing to play for in terms of league position. They sit comfortably in mid-table and can play with complete freedom. That freedom makes them a dangerous opponent for a Spurs side weighed down by relegation pressure. David Moyes’s team proved what they can do against motivated opposition earlier this season.
However, Tottenham’s record against Everton this season is encouraging. When the sides met earlier in the campaign, Spurs won 3-0. Micky van de Ven scored twice in that match. Moreover, playing at home in a full White Hart Lane — even a tense one — gives Tottenham a structural advantage over a team with nothing riding on the result.
The danger is psychological. Every Everton attack will provoke anxiety in the stands. That anxiety can transfer to the pitch if Spurs are not careful. De Zerbi’s biggest challenge on Sunday is not tactical — it is keeping his players calm under immense pressure.
Leeds United arrive in East London in a remarkably strong position for a newly promoted side. They sit 14th — closer to the top six than the relegation zone — following an impressive second half of the season. As a result, Leeds have nothing to play for either. However, they are an organised and physically capable side who will not simply roll over for West Ham.
For West Ham, the approach is straightforward: win from the first whistle. An early goal would be vital — not just for the scoreline, but for the atmosphere inside the London Stadium. The crowd will be desperate, and that energy can work both ways. If the Hammers fall behind, the mood inside the ground could turn toxic quickly.
Furthermore, West Ham will need to keep one eye on events at White Hart Lane throughout. If Everton score at Spurs, the mood in East London will shift to something close to euphoria. Conversely, if Spurs go ahead early, the task facing West Ham becomes almost impossible — they would need to win by a huge margin to even begin to threaten Spurs on goal difference.
Scenario 1 — Spurs draw or win, West Ham win: Tottenham survive. West Ham are relegated to the Championship. This is the most probable outcome given Spurs’ two-point advantage and home fixture.
Scenario 2 — Spurs win, West Ham draw or lose: Tottenham survive with comfort. West Ham are relegated. A straightforward conclusion to a difficult season for Spurs.
Scenario 3 — Spurs lose, West Ham win: West Ham survive. Tottenham are relegated for the first time since 1977. This is the only scenario in which the Hammers escape the drop, and it would rank among the most dramatic moments in Premier League history.
Scenario 4 — Spurs lose, West Ham draw or lose: Tottenham are relegated regardless. West Ham survive despite not winning their own game. A catastrophic afternoon at White Hart Lane.
Scenario 5 — Spurs draw, West Ham draw or lose: Tottenham survive. West Ham are relegated despite their best efforts. A tense but ultimately predictable conclusion.
For Tottenham, relegation would represent the single biggest setback in their modern history. The financial implications are severe — squad exodus, loss of broadcast revenue, and a stadium built for Premier League crowds now hosting Championship football. Moreover, a first drop since 1977 would shake the club to its foundations. De Zerbi’s future would be uncertain regardless of the outcome, but relegation would trigger a complete rebuild.
West Ham’s situation is similarly serious. The club’s infrastructure, commercial partnerships, and squad have all been built around top-flight football at the London Stadium. A drop to the Championship would represent a painful financial and sporting setback. Nuno would almost certainly not continue as manager, and a difficult summer of player sales and restructuring would follow.
Ultimately, one of English football’s most storied London clubs will spend next season in the second tier. The only question is which one. When all ten Premier League games kick off at 4pm on Sunday, the answer will begin to emerge almost immediately. Do not look away.
