MLB World Series 2026: Schedule, Teams & How to Watch
The MLB World Series 2026 will bring Major League Baseball's best teams together for the final championship series of the season. Learn about the World Series schedule, playoff format, dates, venues, teams and how to watch the action.
Baseball fans can follow the postseason from the Wild Card round through the League Championship Series before the final two teams meet in the World Series. The championship is decided through a best-of-seven series, with the first team to win four games becoming the MLB champion.
If you are also interested in other major sporting events, you can explore our guides to the 2026 NFL London Games and the 2026 Rugby League World Cup .
What Is the MLB World Series?
The World Series is Major League Baseball's championship series and the final stage of the MLB postseason. It features the American League champion and National League champion competing in a best-of-seven series.
The team that wins four games first becomes the MLB World Series champion and receives the Commissioner's Trophy.
The World Series is one of the most recognized events in American sports and attracts baseball fans across the United States and around the world.
When Is the MLB World Series 2026?
The MLB World Series 2026 is scheduled to begin on Friday, October 23, 2026.
If all seven games are required, the series is scheduled to continue through Saturday, October 31, 2026. The exact teams and home venues will be determined after the American League and National League postseason rounds are completed.
Key date: World Series Game 1 is scheduled for Friday, October 23, 2026. A potential winner-take-all Game 7 is scheduled for Saturday, October 31.
MLB World Series 2026 Schedule
The 2026 World Series is a best-of-seven series. The scheduled game dates are:
- Game 1: Friday, October 23
- Game 2: Saturday, October 24
- Game 3: Monday, October 26
- Game 4: Tuesday, October 27
- Game 5: Wednesday, October 28, if necessary
- Game 6: Friday, October 30, if necessary
- Game 7: Saturday, October 31, if necessary
Because the World Series is a best-of-seven series, Games 5, 6 and 7 will only be played if they are needed to determine the champion.
Which Teams Will Play in the 2026 World Series?
The two teams competing in the 2026 World Series will be determined by the MLB postseason.
The American League champion and National League champion will advance to the World Series after winning their respective League Championship Series.
The final World Series matchup should not be assumed until the American League Championship Series and National League Championship Series are completed.
How Do Teams Reach the World Series?
MLB teams must progress through several postseason rounds before reaching the World Series.
Wild Card Series
The 2026 MLB postseason begins with the Wild Card Series on September 29. These series are best-of-three contests.
The winners move on to the Division Series, while the top seeds in each league receive a bye through the Wild Card round.
Division Series
The Division Series is a best-of-five round. The 2026 Division Series is scheduled to begin on October 3.
Teams need to win three games in their Division Series to advance to the League Championship Series.
League Championship Series
The American League Championship Series and National League Championship Series determine which teams represent each league in the World Series.
Both Championship Series are best-of-seven matchups. The National League Championship Series is scheduled to begin October 11, while the American League Championship Series begins October 12.
How Many Games Are in the World Series?
The World Series can include between four and seven games. A team must win four games to become champion.
If one team wins the first four games, the series ends early. If the teams split the first six games, a deciding seventh game is played.
For 2026, a potential Game 7 is scheduled for October 31.
Where Will the 2026 World Series Be Played?
The 2026 World Series will be played at the home stadiums of the two participating teams.
The team with the better regular-season record will host Games 1 and 2, as well as Games 6 and 7 if those games are necessary. The opposing team will host Games 3 and 4, along with Game 5 if required.
The exact stadiums will become known once the American League and National League champions are determined.
What Is the World Series Format?
The World Series uses a 2-3-2 format. This means the team with home-field advantage hosts the first two games.
The series then moves to the other team's stadium for Games 3, 4 and Game 5 if necessary. If the series continues beyond five games, it returns to the first team's stadium for Games 6 and 7.
- Games 1 and 2: Home of the team with home-field advantage
- Games 3 and 4: Opposing team's home stadium
- Game 5: Opposing team's home stadium, if necessary
- Game 6: Home of the team with home-field advantage, if necessary
- Game 7: Home of the team with home-field advantage, if necessary
How to Watch the MLB World Series 2026
Fans in the United States can watch the 2026 World Series through the official postseason broadcast coverage.
The World Series is scheduled to be carried by FOX in the United States, with additional coverage available through FOX's related platforms and international broadcast partners.
International viewers should check the MLB broadcast information available in their country because television and streaming rights vary by region.
Fans should use authorized broadcasters and streaming services when watching MLB postseason games.
Can You Stream the World Series Online?
Depending on your location and television subscription, the World Series may be available through authorized streaming platforms carrying the official broadcast.
MLB.TV subscribers should also check the postseason access rules because postseason availability can depend on network authentication and regional broadcast rights.
Before game day, check your local broadcaster or official MLB listings to confirm where the game is available.
What Time Do World Series Games Start?
The exact first-pitch times for individual World Series games can vary. Fans should check the official schedule as the series approaches for confirmed game times.
Fans watching from outside the United States should convert the official first-pitch time to their local time zone.
Why Is the World Series Important?
The World Series is the final championship competition of the MLB season. It brings together the champions of the American League and National League.
Every game can have a major impact on the series. Teams must manage pitching rotations, batting lineups, defense and bullpen usage across multiple games.
The best-of-seven format also creates a different challenge from the regular season because teams must adapt to the same opponent over several games.
What Makes October Baseball Different?
The MLB postseason has a different atmosphere from the regular season. Every game carries greater significance, and teams have less room to recover from mistakes.
Starting pitchers, relief pitchers and position players can all have important roles as teams manage each series one game at a time.
For fans, postseason baseball also brings increased attention to individual performances, strategic decisions and series momentum.
Important 2026 MLB Postseason Dates
The World Series is the final stage of a postseason that begins in late September. Important 2026 dates include:
- September 29: Wild Card Series begins
- October 3: Division Series begins
- October 11: National League Championship Series begins
- October 12: American League Championship Series begins
- October 23: World Series Game 1
- October 31: Potential World Series Game 7
Postseason dates and individual game times can be subject to scheduling changes. Check official MLB information for the latest updates.
Tips for Watching the MLB World Series 2026
- Check the official MLB schedule before each game.
- Confirm the first-pitch time in your local time zone.
- Check your local TV or authorized streaming provider.
- Follow official MLB updates for lineup and game information.
- Allow for schedule changes if a game is postponed.
- Use authorized broadcasters and streaming services.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the MLB World Series 2026 start?
The 2026 World Series is scheduled to begin on Friday, October 23, 2026.
When is the 2026 World Series Game 7?
A potential Game 7 is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026. It will only be played if the series reaches seven games.
How many games are in the 2026 World Series?
The World Series is a best-of-seven series, so it can last anywhere from four to seven games. The first team to win four games wins the series.
Which teams are in the MLB World Series 2026?
The two World Series teams will be the American League and National League champions. The final matchup is determined through the 2026 MLB postseason.
Where will the 2026 World Series be played?
The World Series will be played at the home stadiums of the two participating teams. Home-field advantage determines which team hosts Games 1, 2, 6 and 7 if necessary.
What channel is the World Series on in 2026?
In the United States, the 2026 World Series is scheduled to be broadcast on FOX. Fans should check current listings for the latest broadcast information.
Can I watch the MLB World Series online?
Depending on your location and subscription, you may be able to watch the World Series through an authorized streaming service carrying the official broadcast. Check MLB and broadcaster listings for availability.
Is the MLB World Series best of seven?
Yes. The World Series is a best-of-seven championship series. The first team to win four games wins the series.
What is the World Series 2-3-2 format?
The 2-3-2 format means the team with home-field advantage hosts Games 1 and 2, the opposing team hosts Games 3 and 4 and Game 5 if necessary, and Games 6 and 7 return to the first team's stadium if required.
When do the MLB playoffs start in 2026?
The 2026 MLB postseason begins with the Wild Card Series on Tuesday, September 29. The Division Series begins October 3, followed by the League Championship Series and World Series.
When does the MLB postseason end in 2026?
If the World Series requires all seven games, the final game is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Does MLB.TV show the World Series?
Postseason viewing through MLB.TV can depend on authentication with the applicable television network and regional broadcast rights. Check the current MLB.TV postseason information before the World Series.
How long does the MLB World Series last?
The World Series can last between four and seven games. The total calendar length depends on how many games are needed and the scheduled travel days between games.
Final Thoughts
The MLB World Series 2026 will bring the American League and National League champions together for baseball's biggest championship series.
Game 1 is scheduled for October 23, with the series potentially continuing through October 31 if a deciding seventh game is required. With the postseason beginning in late September, fans will have several weeks of playoff baseball before the World Series matchup is finalized.
Whether you follow MLB throughout the regular season or mainly watch during October, checking the official postseason schedule and authorized broadcast listings is the best way to stay updated on game dates, times and viewing options.
Important: Postseason dates, game times and broadcast information can change. Check official MLB and broadcaster information for the latest details before watching a game.
You can also explore our latest IPTV guides and sports articles for more viewing and streaming information.