Your Guide to the 2026 World Series: Format, Schedule & Tickets
The 2026 MLB playoffs are down to four teams: the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League, and the Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays in the American League.
Milwaukee leads its best-of-seven series 2-0, while Cleveland and Tampa Bay are tied 1-1. The winners will advance to the 2026 World Series, which begins October 23. Here's how the playoffs work, which teams are in contention, and what to know about the World Series schedule, host cities, and tickets.
How Do Teams Get to the World Series?
Major League Baseball (MLB) has two leagues: the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). Each league has three divisions (East, Central, and West) and sends one team to the World Series.
A total of 12 teams qualify for the MLB playoffs to compete for a spot in the World Series. Three teams in each league earn their postseason spot by winning their division, and three in each league secure a Wild Card spot based on their regular-season record.
The playoffs have three rounds before the World Series. Each round eliminates teams until only one contender remains in each league. The two league winners advance to the World Series.
Which Teams Will Play in the 2026 World Series?
The World Series matchup has not been decided yet. The National League and American League playoffs are underway.
The Milwaukee Brewers are facing the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series. Milwaukee won the first two games and is working toward its first World Series appearance since 1982.
In the AL Championship Series, the Tampa Bay Rays are playing the Cleveland Guardians. The series is tied at one game apiece.
Both series are best-of-seven, meaning a team must win four games to advance.
How Many Games to Win the World Series
The first team to win four games in the World Series becomes the MLB champion. It’s a best-of-seven series and can last from four to seven games.
For example, if a team wins the first four games, the series ends in a sweep. If the teams split the first six games, they play a decisive seventh game to determine the champion.
The team with home-field advantage based on their regular season record hosts Games 1 and 2, the opposing team hosts Games 3 through 5, and the first team hosts Games 6 and 7 if necessary.
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2026 World Series Schedule
Game 1 of the 2026 World Series is scheduled for Friday, October 23. The series could run through Saturday, October 31 if all seven games are needed.
The schedule is subject to change, and the host cities will be confirmed once the AL and NL champions are known.
- Game 1 - Friday, October 23 - Los Angeles, CA or Milwaukee, WI
- Game 2 - Saturday, October 24 - Los Angeles, CA or Milwaukee, WI
- Game 3 - Monday, October 26 - Cleveland, OH or St. Petersburg, FL
- Game 4 - Tuesday, October 27 - Cleveland, OH or St. Petersburg, FL
- Game 5 (if necessary) - Wednesday, October 28 - Cleveland, OH or St. Petersburg, FL
- Game 6 (if necessary) - Friday, October 30 - Los Angeles, CA or Milwaukee, WI
- Game 7 (if necessary) - Saturday, October 31 - Los Angeles, CA or Milwaukee, WI
Game times and the final matchup will be determined as the playoffs come to an end.
Where Will the 2026 World Series Be Played?
The World Series takes place at the home ballparks of the two competitors. The team with the better regular-season record hosts the first two games and, if needed, Games 6 and 7.
Since both remaining National League teams have better records than the remaining American League teams, the first two games will be hosted by the NL winner: either the Brewers or the Dodgers.
The other team hosts Games 3 through 5. This gives both teams home games during the series, with the higher-record team receiving the advantage of hosting the potential deciding game.
Comparing the Four Remaining Teams
The four remaining teams finished the regular season with the following records:
- Milwaukee Brewers: 103-59
- Los Angeles Dodgers: 100-62
- Tampa Bay Rays: 98-64
- Cleveland Guardians: 85-77
Milwaukee had the best regular-season record, followed by Los Angeles. Both National League teams finished ahead of the remaining American League teams. As a result, the National League champion will have home-field advantage in the World Series.
How to Get 2026 World Series Tickets
Ready to see the MLB's best teams compete for the championship? As an MLB Authorized Marketplace, Event Tickets Center is your place to find 2026 World Series tickets. Browse available seats, compare ticket options, and get ready to experience the excitement of baseball's biggest stage live. Whether you're cheering for the American League or National League champion, you can find tickets to experience the World Series live.