When does the World Series start? Schedule, format, how to watch and more to know

The Fall Classic is upon us.

The MLB season will come to a close with the 2026 World Series, and one team has already clinched a spot by sweeping its way to the pennant.

The Milwaukee Brewers, MLB’s top team in the regular season, reached the World Series for the first time in 44 years with an NLCS sweep over the two-time reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

They will now await the winner of the ALCS between the top-seeded Tampa Bay Rays and the No. 2 Cleveland Guardians.

With the NLCS over and an AL champion to be determined, let’s take a look ahead to the 2026 World Series, including the schedule, format and more.

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When does the 2026 World Series start?

Game 1 of the World Series is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23.

How many games are in the World Series?

The World Series is a best-of-seven series.

What is the World Series format?

The World Series features a 2-3-2 format where the higher seed hosts Games 1 and 2, along with Games 6 and 7 if necessary. The lower seed hosts Games 3 and 4, along with Game 5, if necessary.

Who has home-field advantage in the World Series?

The team with the best regular season record gets home-field advantage in the World Series. Because the Brewers had the top record across MLB in the regular season, they will have home-field advantage regardless of who wins the ALCS.

Here’s a look at the records of Brewers, Rays and Guardians:

  • Milwaukee Brewers: 103-59
  • Tampa Bay Rays: 98-64
  • Cleveland Guardians: 85-77

2026 World Series schedule

Here’s a full look at the 2025 World Series schedule (* = if necessary):

  • Game 1: Friday, Oct. 23, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
  • Game 2: Saturday, Oct. 24, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
  • Game 3: Monday, Oct. 26, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
  • Game 4: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
  • Game 5*: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
  • Game 6*: Friday, Oct. 30, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
  • Game 7*: Saturday, Oct. 31, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

What TV channel is the 2026 World Series on?

All World Series games will air on FOX.

How to stream the 2026 World Series live online

The action will also be available to stream on Fox One.

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