The countdown to the 2026 World Series is underway, with Major League Baseball’s postseason moving toward its final stage.
The Fall Classic is scheduled to begin on Friday, October 23, when the American League champions face the National League winners in Game 1.
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The series could last until Halloween, with a potential decisive Game 7 scheduled for Saturday, October 31. However, that final date will only be needed if neither team manages to win four games earlier in the best-of-seven contest.
MLB’s official schedule confirms that the championship could span nine calendar days, including scheduled rest days.
The teams competing for the title have yet to be determined. As the League Championship Series unfolds, the remaining clubs are fighting for the opportunity to represent their respective leagues on baseball’s biggest stage.
2026 World Series schedule: Dates for every game
MLB has released the dates for all seven potential games. The schedule includes two games at the start, a move to the opposing team’s ballpark for Games 3 and 4, and additional contests if the series remains undecided.
Here is the complete calendar, with games marked as conditional where applicable:
– Game 1 — Friday, October 23: American League champion at National League champion.
– Game 2 — Saturday, October 24: American League champion at National League champion.
– Game 3 — Monday, October 26: National League champion at American League champion.
– Game 4 — Tuesday, October 27: National League champion at American League champion.
– Game 5 — Wednesday, October 28: National League champion at American League champion, if necessary.
– Game 6 — Friday, October 30: American League champion at National League champion, if necessary.
– Game 7 — Saturday, October 31: American League champion at National League champion, if necessary.
The dates and home-team order are listed in MLB’s published postseason calendar. Specific starting times remain subject to confirmation, so fans should check the official schedule as the series approaches.
Where will the 2026 World Series be played?
The opening two games are scheduled to take place at the home ballpark of whichever league champion finishes with the better regular-season record. Games 3 and 4 will then move to the other finalist’s stadium, with the schedule alternating back if the series extends further.
That arrangement makes the regular season relevant even after the playoff field has been reduced to two teams.
Earning home-field advantage can give a club the benefit of playing in front of its own supporters at the beginning of the championship, while potentially hosting the deciding game if the matchup goes the distance.
The World Series follows a best-of-seven format, meaning the first team to collect four victories becomes MLB champion. A sweep would conclude the series after four games, while a more competitive matchup could require all seven scheduled contests.
How to watch the Fall Classic
For viewers in the United States, FOX will broadcast the 2026 World Series, with streaming available through FOX One.
FOX Sports also provides postseason coverage and updates, while MLB’s official postseason page is the place to follow the bracket, results and schedule as the playoffs progress.
Fans should check local listings and the relevant streaming service closer to each game, particularly if start times or broadcast details are updated. International viewing options may differ by country.
The stakes will be considerable for both finalists. The World Series represents the final hurdle after the Wild Card Series, Division Series and League Championship Series, and it gives the two remaining teams the chance to turn a successful season into a championship.
With Game 1 set for October 23 and a possible Game 7 on October 31, baseball fans can already mark the key dates in their calendars. Whether the title is decided quickly or comes down to the final night, the Fall Classic will bring the 2026 MLB season to its conclusion.