When do the MLB Playoffs start in 2026? Baseball postseason schedule, format, TV info.

The 2026 MLB playoffs begin on Tuesday, September 29, with the Wild Card Series and conclude with a potential World Series Game 7 on Saturday, October 31. Major League Baseball has released the complete postseason calendar, giving fans a clear roadmap from the opening best-of-three series all the way to the Fall Classic.

Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 MLB postseason schedule, playoff format, and broadcast details.

When does the 2026 MLB regular season end?

The 2026 MLB regular season ends on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

When do the 2026 MLB Playoffs start?

The 2026 MLB playoffs start on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

What is format for the 2026 MLB Playoffs?

A total of 12 teams qualify for the postseason — six from the American League and six from the National League.

The top two division winners in each league receive a first-round bye.

The third division winner and the three wild-card teams compete in the Wild Card Series.

Wild Card Series are best-of-three and are hosted by the higher seeds.

Winners advance to face the top-seeded teams in the Division Series.

2026 MLB Playoffs schedule?

Wild Card Series: September 29 – October 1 (best-of-three)

Division Series (ALDS/NLDS): October 3 – October 10 (best-of-five)

League Championship Series (ALCS/NLCS): October 11 – October 20 (best-of-seven)

MLB World Series: October 23 – October 31 (best-of-seven)

When Does Start 2026 MLB World Series ?

The 2026 MLB World Series begins on Friday, October 23, 2026, and will conclude no later than Saturday, October 31, 2026.

The full best-of-seven game schedule released by Major League Baseball runs as follows:

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

Game 6:* Friday, October 30

Game 7:* Saturday, October 31 (Halloween night)

Where To watch the 2026 MLB Playoffs?

Wild Card Round: NBC and Peacock

Division Series & League Championship Series: Split coverage on TBS/Max (primarily American League) and FOX/FS1 (primarily National League), with additional NBC coverage depending on matchups

World Series: Exclusive coverage on FOX

This schedule provides the complete framework for the 2026 MLB postseason. Specific game times and matchups will be confirmed closer to each round.

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