The official mlb wild card Series schedule for 2026 is here. The wild card series mlb opens the postseason on Tuesday, September 29, with four best-of-three matchups that will decide which teams advance to the Division Series.
Fans searching for the MLB Wild Card Schedule, the latest wild card series MLB details, or answers to how many games in mlb wild card series will find everything they need on this page.
How Many Games in MLB Wild Card Series?
The answer to how many games in mlb wild card series is simple: it is a best-of-three format. The first team to win two games advances. All games are played at the higher seed’s home ballpark, and the entire mlb wild card Series schedule is compressed into a three-day window from September 29 to October 1.
2026 Complete MLB Wild Card Series Schedule
MLB Wild Card Series Schedule 2026
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | at Phillies at Braves Game 1 | TBD | 2:00pm ETNBC/Peacock |
| Tuesday | at White Sox at Astros Game 1 | TBD | 5:00pm ETPeacock/NBCSN |
| Tuesday | at Red Sox at Yankees Game 1 | TBD | 8:00pm ETNBC/Peacock |
| Tuesday | at Cubs at Padres Game 1 | TBD | 10:00pm ETPeacock/NBCSN |
| Wednesday | at Phillies at Braves Game 2 | TBD | 2:00pm ETNBC/Peacock |
| Wednesday | at White Sox at Astros Game 2 | TBD | 5:00pm ETPeacock/NBCSN |
| Wednesday | at Red Sox at Yankees Game 2 | TBD | 8:00pm ETNBC/Peacock |
| Wednesday | at Cubs at Padres Game 2 | TBD | 10:00pm ETPeacock/NBCSN |
| Thursday | at Phillies at Braves Game 3 | TBD | 2:00pm ETNBC/Peacock |
| Thursday | at White Sox at Astros Game 3 | TBD | 5:00pm ETPeacock/NBCSN |
| Thursday | at Red Sox at Yankees Game 3 | TBD | 8:00pm ETNBC/Peacock |
| Thursday | at Cubs at Padres Game 3 | TBD | 10:00pm ETPeacock/NBCSN |
MLB Wild Card Schedule – Day-by-Day Breakdown
Tuesday, September 29 – Game 1
- Phillies at Braves – 2:00 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock)
- White Sox at Astros – 5:00 p.m. ET (Peacock/NBCSN)
- Red Sox at Yankees – 8:00 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock)
- Cubs at Padres – 10:00 p.m. ET (Peacock/NBCSN)
Wednesday, September 30 – Game 2
Same matchups and times as Game 1.
Thursday, October 1 – Game 3 (If Necessary)
Times may shift depending on which series are still alive. If only one Game 3 remains, it will be played at 8:00 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
This compact MLB Wild Card Schedule ensures the Wild card series MLB wraps up quickly so the Division Series can begin on October 3.
Key Matchups in the 2026 MLB Wild Card Series
- Red Sox at Yankees – Classic AL East rivalry returns in the Wild card series MLB.
- Phillies at Braves – Two strong NL clubs battle for a Division Series berth.
- White Sox at Astros – Chicago’s remarkable turnaround meets Houston’s experience.
- Cubs at Padres – High-powered offenses clash on the West Coast.
How to Watch the MLB Wild Card Series Schedule
Every game on the MLB Wild Card Series schedule will air exclusively on NBC Sports platforms:
- NBC
- Peacock
- NBC Sports Network (NBCSN)
Spanish-language coverage is available on Universo, with radio options on Univision Radio and ESPN Radio. MLB Network will provide extensive studio coverage throughout the MLB Wild card series.
What Happens After the Wild Card Series MLB?
Winners of the four series advance to the Division Series (best-of-five), which begins Saturday, October 3. The top two seeds in each league received byes and will wait for their opponents from the wild card series MLB.
More MLB Playoff Coverage
Official updates are available at MLB.com/postseason.
FAQ
How many games in MLB Wild Card Series?
The MLB Wild Card Series is best-of-three. The first team to win two games advances.
When does the MLB Wild Card Series schedule start?
The mlb wild card Series schedule begins Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
Where can I watch the wild card series MLB?
All games air on NBC, Peacock, and NBC Sports Network.
Is the MLB Wild Card Schedule subject to change?
Yes. Game 3 times on October 1 can shift based on results from the first two days.
