The 2026 MLB World Series begins Friday, October 23, 2026, with the Milwaukee Brewers hosting the American League champion in Game 1 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The best-of-seven championship series will determine the 2026 Major League Baseball champion, with a potential Game 7 scheduled for Saturday, October 31.
The Brewers have secured the National League pennant after sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. Their World Series opponent will be either the Cleveland Guardians or the Tampa Bay Rays, who are competing in the American League Championship Series.
All seven potential World Series games are scheduled to air on FOX, with streaming available through FOX One. The first pitch for each scheduled game is set for 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), according to the published schedule. Dates and times remain subject to change.
2026 MLB World Series Schedule
The 2026 World Series is scheduled to begin on October 23 and could run through October 31 if all seven games are required. Games 1, 2, 6 and 7 are scheduled for Milwaukee, while Games 3, 4 and 5 will be played at the American League champion’s home ballpark.
Games 5, 6 and 7 will be played only if necessary.
Note: AL Champion refers to the winner of the American League Championship Series between the Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays. All listed times are Eastern Time (ET).
When Does the 2026 World Series Start?
The 2026 World Series starts on Friday, October 23, 2026, with Game 1 between the American League champion and the Milwaukee Brewers. First pitch is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET at American Family Field in Milwaukee.
Game 2 follows on Saturday, October 24, before the series moves to the American League champion’s home ballpark for Games 3 and 4 on October 26 and 27.
The teams have a scheduled travel day on Sunday, October 25, between Games 2 and 3. Another off day follows Game 5 on Thursday, October 29, before a potential Game 6 on Friday, October 30.
Which Teams Are Playing in the 2026 World Series?
The Milwaukee Brewers will represent the National League after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in four consecutive games in the NL Championship Series.
Their opponent will be the winner of the American League Championship Series between the Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays. The ALCS is scheduled to continue through October 20 if a decisive seventh game is needed.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers earned their place in the Fall Classic by completing a four-game sweep of the Dodgers in the NLCS. Milwaukee will open the World Series at home and will also host Games 6 and 7 if the series goes that far.
Cleveland Guardians or Tampa Bay Rays
The Guardians and Rays are battling for the American League championship. The team that wins the ALCS will face Milwaukee in the World Series, with Games 3 through 5 scheduled at the American League champion’s home park.
The final matchup will be confirmed once the ALCS concludes.
How to Watch the 2026 MLB World Series
Fans in the United States can watch every game of the 2026 World Series on FOX. The series will also be available to stream through FOX One.
Broadcast and streaming access may depend on location, subscription, and provider eligibility. Check the official MLB postseason schedule and FOX World Series coverage page for the latest details.
2026 World Series Format Explained
The World Series is Major League Baseball’s annual championship series between the American League and National League champions. The 2026 edition will be the 122nd Fall Classic.
The series uses a best-of-seven format, meaning the first team to win four games becomes the World Series champion.
- Games 1 and 2: Played at the Milwaukee Brewers’ home ballpark.
- Games 3 and 4: Played at the American League champion’s home ballpark.
- Game 5: Scheduled for the AL champion’s home ballpark, if necessary.
- Games 6 and 7: Return to Milwaukee, if necessary.
A team can win the championship in four, five, six or seven games. If either team wins four games before Game 7, the remaining games will not be played.
2026 World Series Dates at a Glance
- October 23: World Series Game 1
- October 24: World Series Game 2
- October 25: Scheduled travel day
- October 26: World Series Game 3
- October 27: World Series Game 4
- October 28: World Series Game 5, if necessary
- October 29: Scheduled travel day
- October 30: World Series Game 6, if necessary
- October 31: World Series Game 7, if necessary
FAQs
When does the 2026 MLB World Series begin?
The 2026 MLB World Series begins Friday, October 23, 2026. Game 1 is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET at American Family Field in Milwaukee.
What channel is the 2026 World Series on?
All seven potential games are scheduled to air on FOX. Spanish-language broadcasts will be available on FOX Deportes.
How can I stream the 2026 World Series?
Viewers can stream the World Series through FOX One. Eligible MLB.TV subscribers may also access FOX broadcasts through an authenticated participating pay-TV provider.
Which teams will play in the 2026 World Series?
The Milwaukee Brewers will represent the National League. Their opponent will be the American League champion, either the Cleveland Guardians or Tampa Bay Rays.
Where will the 2026 World Series be played?
Games 1, 2, 6 and 7, if needed, are scheduled for American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Games 3, 4 and 5, if needed, will take place at the American League champion’s home ballpark.
How many games are in the 2026 World Series?
The World Series can last up to seven games. The first team to win four games is crowned champion, so the series could end after Game 4, 5 or 6.
What are the dates for a potential World Series Game 7?
If the series requires all seven games, Game 7 will take place Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET in Milwaukee.
Are the 2026 World Series dates and times final?
The published schedule lists the dates and 8:00 p.m. ET start times for all seven potential games, but MLB notes that postseason schedules are subject to change. Check the official MLB schedule for updates.
