Chicago Cubs Playoffs 2026
Chicago Cubs 2026 playoff page. The Cubs are 85-68, 2nd in the NL Central with a +143 point differential and a 1-game winning streak. If the season ended today they would be the No. 4 seed in the NL (wild card, magic number 5).
Last time out they beat the Atlanta Braves 8-4 at home. Next up: away at the Cincinnati Reds (71-81) on Friday, September 18, 2026 at 6:40 PM EDT. Their remaining opponents have a combined 0.501 record, including 3 games against teams currently in playoff position. Updated Sep 17, 2026 6:10 AM EDT.
Cubs Playoff Outlook
Last game
W 8-4 vs 
Atlanta Braves
Next game
at 
Cincinnati Reds (71-81)
What it takes
Magic number 5: any combination of Cubs wins and Arizona Diamondbacks losses adding up to 5 clinches a berth.
Remaining schedule
9 games left · opponents’ record 0.501 · 3 vs current playoff teams
NL Central Standings
| # | Team | W-L | Div | Conf | Diff | Strk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Milwaukee Brewers | 95-57 | 10-5 | 17-8 | +200 | W2 |
| 2 | Chicago Cubs | 85-68 | 6-10 | 11-15 | +143 | W1 |
| 3 |  Pittsburgh Pirates | 75-77 | 3-5 | 7-10 | +21 | L2 |
| 4 |  St. Louis Cardinals | 75-78 | 6-5 | 11-15 | -14 | L2 |
| 5 | Cincinnati Reds | 71-81 | 7-7 | 13-19 | -148 | W1 |
Projected Path to World Series
- Wild Card: vs #5 Philadelphia Phillies (home)
- LDS: reseeded matchup
- LCS: NL title game, higher seed hosts
- World Series: Home park of the pennant winner with the better record, Oct 23, 2026
Season Trend
Cubs Playoff Push: 2026 Recent Results and Upcoming Games
| # | Date | Opponent | Opp. record | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs Brewers #1 | 95-57 | L 4-9 | |
| 2 | vs Brewers #1 | 95-57 | L 5-9 | |
| 3 | vs Brewers #1 | 95-57 | W 2-1 | |
| 4 | at  Marlins | 76-77 | W 6-1 | |
| 5 | at Marlins | 76-77 | W 6-5 | |
| 6 | at Marlins | 76-77 | L 3-10 | |
| 7 | at Brewers #1 | 95-57 | L 3-4 | |
| 8 | at Brewers #1 | 95-57 | L 3-4 | |
| 9 | at Brewers #1 | 95-57 | L 6-8 | |
| 10 | vs Pirates | 75-77 | W 12-2 | |
| 11 | vs Pirates | 75-77 | W 4-3 | |
| 12 | vs Pirates | 75-77 | L 3-4 | |
| 13 | vs Braves #3 | 89-64 | W 7-3 | |
| 14 | vs Braves #3 | 89-64 | L 3-6 | |
| 15 | vs Braves #3 | 89-64 | W 8-4 | |
| 16 | at Reds | 71-81 | ||
| 17 | at Reds | 71-81 | ||
| 18 | at Reds | 71-81 | ||
| 19 | vs Marlins | 76-77 | ||
| 20 | vs Marlins | 76-77 | ||
| 21 | vs Marlins | 76-77 | ||
| 22 | at  Red Sox #5 | 82-70 | ||
| 23 | at Red Sox #5 | 82-70 | ||
| 24 | at Red Sox #5 | 82-70 |
This Chicago Cubs playoffs page refreshes after every Cubs game: record, seed, magic number and remaining schedule. Compare them with the rest of the NL playoff picture, or see their projected route on the bracket.
Chicago Cubs playoffs FAQ
Are the Chicago Cubs in the 2026 playoffs?
As of today, yes: they hold the No. 4 seed in the NL, with a magic number of 5 to clinch.
What seed would the Cubs be?
No. 4 in the NL (wild card).
Who leads the NL Central?
Milwaukee Brewers (95-57); the Cubs are 2nd.
When is the next Cubs game?
Friday, September 18, 2026 at 6:40 PM EDT, away at the Cincinnati Reds.
How hard is the Cubs remaining schedule?
9 games left against opponents with a combined 0.501 record; 3 against teams currently in playoff position.
How can the Cubs clinch a playoff spot?
Win the NL Central, or finish with one of the three best records among NL non-division-winners. Current magic number: 5.
What is the Cubs record at home and on the road?
10-9 at home, 4-9 away; 6-10 in the division and 11-15 in the league.