2026 MLB Postseason Schedule: Everything You Need to Know

2026 MLB Postseason Overview

The highly anticipated 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) postseason is set to commence on September 29, following the conclusion of the regular season. A total of 12 teams will compete for their chance at the championship, with matchups arranged by seeding based on their regular-season performance.

Key Dates and Format

The playoffs consist of several stages:

• Wild-Card Round: Begins on September 29, featuring four best-of-three series, with two from the American League and two from the National League. Each matchup requires a team to win two games to advance.
• Divisional Series: Set to start on October 3, transitioning to a best-of-five format, where teams need to secure three victories to move forward.
• Championship Series: Kicking off October 11, operated as a best-of-seven series.
• World Series: Final showdown starting October 23.

Wild-Card Round Matchups

The wild-card matchups are already generating excitement as fans await the outcomes.

Schedule Details:

September 29

• NL 5 vs. NL 4 | Game 1 | Start Time: TBD | Broadcast: NBC/Peacock
• NL 6 vs. NL 3 | Game 1 | Start Time: TBD | Broadcast: NBC/Peacock
• AL 5 vs. AL 4 | Game 1 | Start Time: TBD | Broadcast: NBC/Peacock
• AL 6 vs. AL 3 | Game 1 | Start Time: TBD | Broadcast: NBC/Peacock

September 30

• NL 5 vs. NL 4 | Game 2 | Start Time: TBD | Broadcast: NBC/Peacock
• NL 6 vs. NL 3 | Game 2 | Start Time: TBD | Broadcast: NBC/Peacock
• AL 5 vs. AL 4 | Game 2 | Start Time: TBD | Broadcast: NBC/Peacock
• AL 6 vs. AL 3 | Game 2 | Start Time: TBD | Broadcast: NBC/Peacock

October 1

• NL 5 vs. NL 4 | Game 3 | Start Time: TBD | Broadcast: NBC/Peacock
• NL 6 vs. NL 3 | Game 3 | Start Time: TBD | Broadcast: NBC/Peacock
• AL 5 vs. AL 4 | Game 3 | Start Time: TBD | Broadcast: NBC/Peacock
• AL 6 vs. AL 3 | Game 3 | Start Time: TBD | Broadcast: NBC/Peacock

Divisional Series and Championship Series

Winners from the wild-card round will proceed to the divisional series commencing on October 3. The series will feature a format where the first team to win three games advances to the championship series.

Schedule Insights:

• Divisional Series Start: October 3, continuing through October 9.
• Championship Series Start: October 11, determined by the outcomes of the divisional series, moving forward until a winner emerges by October 20.

World Series Details

The champions of both leagues will meet in the World Series that starts on October 23. Home-field advantage will go to the team with a better regular-season record, allowing for four home games in a best-of-seven scenario.

World Series Schedule:

October 23

• WS 2 vs. WS 1 | Game 1 | Start Time: TBD | Broadcast: Fox/Fox One

Conclusion

As the regular season draws to a close, teams are positioning themselves for a grueling playoff battle aimed at securing the coveted World Series title. Fans are encouraged to tune in for all the exciting matchups that commence at the end of September.