The 2026 MLB Playoffs begin with the Wild Card Series on Tuesday, September 29, when all eight teams will play Game 1. If necessary, Game 3s will be played on Thursday, October 1. The start times listed below apply if all four series require a Game 3; MLB will adjust Thursday’s schedule if fewer games are needed.
AL Wild Card Series #1: The Houston Astros host the White Sox at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas, with Game 1 starting Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Game 2: Wednesday, September 30 at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Game 3 (if necessary): Thursday, October 1 at 5:00 p.m. ET
AL Wild Card Series #2: The New York Yankees host the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York, with Game 1 starting Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Game 2: Wednesday, September 30 at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Game 3 (if necessary): Thursday, October 1 at 8:00 p.m. ET.
NL Wild Card Series #1: The Atlanta Braves host the Philadelphia Phillies at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia starting Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. ET.
Game 2: Wednesday, September 30 at 2:00 p.m. ET
Game 3 (if necessary): Thursday, October 1 at 2:00 p.m. ET.
NL Wild Card Series #2: The San Diego Padres host the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park in San Diego, California starting Tuesday at 10:00 p.m. ET.
Game 2: Wednesday, September 30 at 10:00 p.m. ET.
Game 3 (if necessary): Thursday, October 1 at 10:00 p.m. ET.
The 2026 Division Series round starts on Saturday, October 3. In each league, the 1-seed plays the Wild Card winner of the 4/5-seed series and the 2-seed plays the Wild Card winner of the 3/6 seed series in two best-of-five series.
So, in the AL Division Series 1, the Tampa Bay Rays will play the winner of the Yankees/Red Sox series, hosting Games 1 and 2 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, plus Game 5 if necessary.
In ALDS #2, the Cleveland Guardians will play the winner of the Astros/White Sox series, hosting Games 1 and 2 at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, plus Game 5 if necessary.
In NLDS #1, the Milwaukee Brewers will play the winner of the Cubs/Padres series, hosting Games 1 and 2 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, plus Game 5 if necessary.
In NLDS #2, the Los Angeles Dodgers will play the winner of the Braves/Phillies series, hosting Games 1 and 2 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, plus Game 5 if necessary.
The National League Championship Series (NLCS) begins Sunday, October 11, and the American League Championship Series (ALCS) begins Monday, October 12. In each league, the two Division Series winners meet in a best-of-seven series to determine the National League and American League champions, respectively.
The 2026 World Series begins Friday, October 23. The NLCS and ALCS winners meet in a best-of-seven series to determine the 2026 World Series champion.