When does the 2026 MLB World Series Start? Schedule, Format, MORE

When is the 2026 World Series start? Full Schedule, format, Date, Game Times, how to watch live

The MLB season will come to a close in a few weeks with the 2026 World Series. Four teams remain in the MLB postseason picture, with three of the top teams from the regular season looking to dethrone the defending champions.

The 2026 World Series is a true international affair with the Milwaukee Brewers and Rays/Guardians facing off in the best-of-seven series beginning Friday, Oct. 23.

With the NLCS and ALCS are in the Books, let's take a look ahead to the 2026 World Series, including the schedule, format and more.

What to know for the ALCS, NLCS: Matchups, schedule, format and how to watch

When does the 2026 World Series start?

Game 1 of the World Series is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23.

How many games are in the World Series?

The World Series is a best-of-seven series.

What is the World Series format?

The World Series features a 2-3-2 format where the higher seed hosts Games 1 and 2, along with Games 6 and 7 if necessary. The lower seed hosts Games 3 and 4, along with Game 5, if necessary.

Who has home-field advantage in the World Series?

The team with the best regular season record gets home-field advantage in the World Series.

Here's a look at the records of the teams remaining in the MLB postseason:

Here's a look at the records of Brewers, Rays and Guardians:

Milwaukee Brewers: 103-59

Tampa Bay Rays: 98-64

Cleveland Guardians: 85-77

Last Year: The Dodgers capitalized on a disastrous defensive inning by the Yankees in a comeback victory in Game 5 to win the 2024 World Series for 8th title in franchise history.

Who is playing in the World Series?

The 2026 World Series will feature the Milwaukee Brewers vs. either the Cleveland Guardians or Tampa Bay Rays. 

The Brewers secured their spot by sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers 4–0 in the NLCS, while the Guardians currently lead the Rays 2–1 in the ALCS. 

The best-of-seven World Series begins Friday, October 23, with Milwaukee holding home-field advantage.

2026 World Series Schedule, Date, Game Time, TV Channel, Streaming

Here's a full look at the 20256 World Series schedule (* = if necessary):

Friday, Oct. 23:  World Series Game 1: Brewers vs. Rays/Guardians, Fox/Fox Deportes/fubo

Saturday, Oct. 24:  World Series Game 2: Brewers vs. Rays/Guardians, Fox/Fox Deportes/fubo

Monday, Oct. 26:  World Series Game 3: Rays/Guardians vs Brewers Fox/Fox Deportes/fubo

Tuesday, Oct. 27:  World Series Game 4: Rays/Guardians vs Brewers, Fox/Fox Deportes/fubo

Wednesday, Oct. 28:  World Series Game 5*: Rays/Guardians vs Brewers, Fox/Fox Deportes/fubo

Friday, Oct. 30:  World Series Game 6*: Brewers vs. Rays/Guardians, Fox/Fox Deportes/fubo

Saturday, Oct. 31:  World Series Game 7*: Brewers vs. Rays/Guardians, Fox/Fox Deportes/fubo

What TV channel is the 2026 World Series on?

All of the World Series games air on Fox with streaming options Fox One or Fox Sports apps. Fubo also offers a free trial for new subscribers.

• Milwaukee TV Channel: FOX (local Milwaukee affiliate WITI FOX 6)

How to stream the 2026 World Series live online

The action will also be available to stream on FoxSports.com and the Fox Sports app.

___