MLB Playoff Bracket 2026
The 2026 MLB playoff bracket, updated after every game. AL on the left, NL on the right, meeting in the World Series in the middle. Tap any matchup for the series and game pages.
MLB Playoff Bracket: Wild Card to World Series
How the MLB Playoff Bracket Is Built
Seeds 1-6
Three division winners, then three wild cards, ranked by record and tiebreakers in each league.
Round one
3 v 6, 4 v 5. The top 2 seeds in each league get a bye; the higher seed hosts every game.
No reseeding
The 4/5 winner always meets the No. 1 seed and the 3/6 winner the No. 2 seed; the bracket is fixed from the first pitch.
World Series home field
Goes to the pennant winner with the better regular-season record, Games 1, 2, 6 and 7. Game 1 is Oct 23, 2026.
The MLB playoff bracket above updates after every game, with each matchup linked to its live score and stats. For dates and first pitch times see the playoff schedule; to see who is still fighting for these spots, open the playoff picture, or pick your own bracket.
MLB playoff bracket FAQ
Is the MLB playoff bracket set?
Yes. The 12-team field was finalised after the regular season and every matchup above is official.
How does the MLB playoff bracket work?
Six seeds per league. In the Wild Card Series the pairings are 3 v 6, 4 v 5 while seeds 1-2 rest. The bracket is fixed: no reseeding.
Does the MLB reseed after the Wild Card?
No. The 4/5 winner always meets the No. 1 seed and the 3/6 winner meets the No. 2 seed, whatever the seeds of the winners.
Who gets home-field advantage in the bracket?
The higher seed in every series through the LCS; in the World Series, the pennant winner with the better regular-season record.
Who has the bye in the AL?
The Tampa Bay Rays (98-64) as the AL No. 1 seed.
Who has the bye in the NL?
The Milwaukee Brewers (103-59) as the NL No. 1 seed.
Can I fill in my own bracket?
Yes. The playoff predictor lets you pick every winner with the same pairing rules and share the result as a link.