MLB Playoff Schedule 2026
Complete 2026 MLB playoff schedule with dates, first pitch times (Eastern), results and scores for every series and game from the Wild Card Series to the World Series. Matchups will be added the moment the playoff field is set; the key dates are already confirmed below. Updated Sep 17, 2026 6:10 AM EDT.
MLB Playoff Schedule by Round
Projected Wild Card Series matchups
Chicago White Soxat3
Texas Rangers
Boston Red Soxat4
New York Yankees
San Diego Padresat3
Atlanta Braves
Philadelphia Philliesat4
Chicago CubsMLB Playoff Schedule: Key Dates and TV
| Round | Dates | Games | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Card Series | Sep 29 – Oct 1, 2026 | 4 | NBC, Peacock and NBC Sports Network |
| Division Series | Oct 3–10, 2026 | 4 | NLDS on FOX, FS1 and FOX Deportes; ALDS on TBS, truTV and HBO Max |
| League Championship Series | Oct 11–20, 2026 | 2 | NLCS on FOX, FS1 and FOX Deportes; ALCS on TBS, truTV and HBO Max |
| World Series | Oct 23–31, 2026 | 1 | FOX and FOX Deportes, with ESPN Radio nationally |
This MLB playoff schedule fills in the moment the 2026 matchups are confirmed; the round dates are already fixed. Times are Eastern. The bracket shows the same games by round, and each team page lists its own path.
MLB playoff schedule FAQ
When do the 2026 MLB playoffs start?
The Wild Card Series runs Sep 29 – Oct 1, 2026.
When is the 2026 Division Series?
Oct 3–10, 2026, best of 5.
When is the 2026 League Championship Series?
Oct 11–20, 2026, best of 7.
When is the 2026 World Series?
Oct 23–31, 2026, best of 7.
What time zone are the first pitch times in?
Eastern Time (ET), the zone the MLB uses for its official schedule.
What channels show the playoff games?
Wild Card Series on NBC, Peacock and NBC Sports Network; NLDS and NLCS on FOX/FS1; ALDS and ALCS on TBS, truTV and HBO Max; the World Series on FOX.
When are the playoff first pitch times announced?
Game times are released round by round, usually the day after the previous round ends.