Chicago Cubs vs San Diego Padres
Updated Sep 27, 2026 5:07 AM EDT.
Series
- Game 1Cubs at Padres
- Game 2Cubs at Padres
The No. 5 seed Chicago Cubs (88-73) visit the No. 4 seed San Diego Padres (90-71) in the Wild Card Series of the 2026 MLB playoffs on Wednesday, September 30 at 5:00 AM EDT at Petco Park.
Cubs: wild card, No. 5 seed. Padres: wild card, No. 4 seed.
This page switches to a live score at first pitch and to the final line score and recap when the game ends.
Matchup at a glance
| Seed | No. 5 | No. 4 |
| Record | 88-73 | 90-71 |
| Division | NL Central | NL West |
| League record | 14-18 | 18-9 |
| Runs scored / allowed | 844 / 701 | 713 / 677 |
| Run differential | +143 | +36 |
| Regular-season streak | L2 | W1 |
| How they got here | Wild card, No. 5 seed | Wild card, No. 4 seed |
Head-to-head this season
Cubs and Padres did not meet during the 2026 regular season.
What the winner gets
A place in the Division Series on 2026-10-03 to 2026-10-10. Seeds are reset after this round, so the No. 1 seed will face the lowest remaining seed.
More Wild Card games
Cubs vs Padres FAQ
When is Chicago Cubs vs San Diego Padres?
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 5:00 AM EDT, at Petco Park.
Who has home-field advantage?
The San Diego Padres host this game.
What round is this?
The Wild Card Series of the 2026 MLB playoffs (2026 season).
What does the winner get?
A place in the Division Series.
Where can I see the full bracket?
On the 2026 MLB playoff bracket page, which links to every game.


