The 2026 World Series schedule, dates, times, and results are now available, with the championship series concluding on Wednesday, October 28. The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in five games to secure the first World Series championship in franchise history, winning the best-of-seven series 4–1.
Baseball fans looking for the complete 2026 World Series schedule can review every game date, Eastern Time start time, final score, and series result below. The guide also covers the championship matchup, broadcast options, postseason background, and key moments that shaped this year’s Fall Classic.
2026 World Series Schedule and Results
The 2026 World Series began on Friday, October 23, with the Brewers hosting the opening two games before the series moved to Tampa Bay. Milwaukee established a commanding lead with three consecutive victories, while Tampa Bay avoided a sweep with a win in Game 4 before the Brewers clinched the title in Game 5.
All scheduled start times are 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). Games 6 and 7 were conditional and were not played because Milwaukee won the series in five games.
|
Date |
Game |
Matchup |
Final score |
Series result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Friday, Oct. 23 |
Game 1 |
Rays at Brewers |
Brewers 3–2 |
Milwaukee leads 1–0 |
|
Saturday, Oct. 24 |
Game 2 |
Rays at Brewers |
Brewers 5–4 |
Milwaukee leads 2–0 |
|
Monday, Oct. 26 |
Game 3 |
Brewers at Rays |
Brewers 10–1 |
Milwaukee leads 3–0 |
|
Tuesday, Oct. 27 |
Game 4 |
Brewers at Rays |
Rays 4–3 |
Milwaukee leads 3–1 |
|
Wednesday, Oct. 28 |
Game 5 |
Brewers at Rays |
Brewers 4–1 |
Milwaukee wins 4–1 |
|
Friday, Oct. 30 |
Game 6* |
Rays at Brewers |
Not played |
Milwaukee already champion |
|
Saturday, Oct. 31 |
Game 7* |
Rays at Brewers |
Not played |
Milwaukee already champion |
Source: Official MLB postseason results and published schedule. *Games 6 and 7 would have been played only if necessary.
Who Won the 2026 World Series?
The Milwaukee Brewers are the 2026 World Series champions, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays four games to one. The championship was confirmed on October 28, when Milwaukee won Game 5 by a score of 4–1 and completed a successful postseason run.
The result marked a historic milestone for Milwaukee, which had not won a World Series title before 2026. The Brewers’ victory also ended Tampa Bay’s hopes of earning its first championship after reaching the Fall Classic for the third time in franchise history.
2026 World Series Game-by-Game Recap
Game 1: Brewers win 3–2 — October 23
The World Series opened with a closely contested game in Milwaukee, where the Brewers edged the Rays 3–2. The narrow victory gave the National League champions an early advantage and established the tone for a competitive opening stretch of the series.
Starting the championship with a win was important for Milwaukee, which had home-field advantage for the opening two games. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, needed to respond quickly to avoid falling into a difficult early deficit.
Game 2: Brewers win 5–4 — October 24
Milwaukee claimed Game 2 by a 5–4 score, securing another one-run victory and taking a 2–0 lead in the series. The result put the Brewers in a strong position before the teams traveled to Tampa Bay for the next three scheduled games.
The close final score demonstrated that Tampa Bay remained competitive, but the Rays were unable to turn their opportunities into a win. Milwaukee’s second consecutive victory increased the pressure on the American League champions.
Game 3: Brewers win 10–1 — October 26
Game 3 delivered the most decisive result of the series to that point, as Milwaukee defeated Tampa Bay 10–1. The nine-run margin gave the Brewers a commanding 3–0 advantage and placed them one victory away from the championship.
For Tampa Bay, the loss created an immediate need to win the remaining games to keep its title hopes alive. Milwaukee, on the other hand, had an opportunity to finish the series in four games.
Game 4: Rays win 4–3 — October 27
The Rays responded with a 4–3 victory in Game 4, avoiding elimination and reducing Milwaukee’s series lead to 3–1. The result ensured that the World Series would continue for at least one additional game.
Although Tampa Bay remained behind in the series, the victory offered a measure of relief and gave its fans another game to anticipate. Milwaukee still needed only one win to secure its first championship.
Game 5: Brewers win 4–1 — October 28
Milwaukee closed out the World Series with a 4–1 victory in Game 5, completing the series four games to one. The win officially crowned the Brewers champions and brought the 2026 MLB postseason to its defining conclusion.
The decisive result meant that no Game 6 or Game 7 was required. Instead, the Brewers celebrated a historic championship after a postseason in which they also swept the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series.
2026 World Series Teams: Brewers vs. Rays
National League champions
Milwaukee entered the series after sweeping the Dodgers 4–0 in the NL Championship Series. The Brewers finished the World Series with a 4–1 record against Tampa Bay and earned the first title in franchise history.
American League champions
Tampa Bay advanced to the World Series after defeating the Cleveland Guardians 4–2 in the American League Championship Series. The Rays won Game 4 against Milwaukee but ultimately finished as runners-up.
The matchup brought together two teams seeking their first World Series championship. Milwaukee’s victory ended that wait for the Brewers, while Tampa Bay’s search for its first title continues after previous World Series appearances in 2008 and 2020.
Where Was the 2026 World Series Played?
The 2026 World Series schedule was split between Milwaukee and Tampa Bay. The Brewers hosted Games 1 and 2, while the Rays hosted Games 3, 4, and 5, following the announced home-and-away arrangement for the series.
Under the original seven-game schedule, Milwaukee would also have hosted Games 6 and 7 if the series had lasted that long. Since the Brewers clinched the title in Game 5, those potential games were canceled.
How to Watch the 2026 World Series
In the United States, the 2026 World Series was broadcast nationally on FOX, with streaming availability through FOX One and eligible MLB.TV subscriptions authenticated through participating pay-TV providers. FOX Deportes provided Spanish-language television coverage, while ESPN Radio carried national radio coverage.
Viewers outside the United States should check their local sports broadcasters and authorized streaming platforms for regional rights and replay availability. Broadcast arrangements can vary by country, so availability on a particular service should be verified locally.
Fans who want highlights, recaps, and official postseason records can also visit the MLB postseason schedule and results page .
How the MLB Playoffs Led to the 2026 World Series
The World Series was the final stage of the 2026 Major League Baseball postseason, following the Wild Card Series, Division Series, and League Championship Series. Teams had to progress through these elimination rounds to win their respective American League and National League pennants and qualify for the championship.
Milwaukee’s route to the title included a 3–1 Division Series win over the San Diego Padres and a four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series. Tampa Bay advanced by sweeping the New York Yankees in the Division Series before beating Cleveland in six games to win the American League pennant.
These results set up a championship matchup between the two league winners, with Milwaukee ultimately proving more consistent across the five World Series games.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 World Series
When did the 2026 World Series start?
The 2026 World Series began on Friday, October 23, 2026, with Game 1 between the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers. Milwaukee won the opener 3–2.
Who won the 2026 World Series?
The Milwaukee Brewers won the 2026 World Series, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays four games to one. The championship was clinched on October 28 with a 4–1 win in Game 5.
What was the final World Series score?
The Brewers won the series 4–1. The five game scores were 3–2, 5–4, 10–1, 3–4, and 4–1 from Milwaukee’s perspective.
What time did the 2026 World Series games start?
The published schedule listed an 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time start for the scheduled games, including the potential Games 6 and 7. Those final two games were not played because Milwaukee won Game 5.
Was there a Game 7 in the 2026 World Series?
No. Game 7 was scheduled for Saturday, October 31, if necessary, but the Brewers secured the championship in five games. As a result, neither Game 6 nor Game 7 took place.
How many games are played in the World Series?
The World Series uses a best-of-seven format, meaning the first team to win four games becomes the MLB champion. A series can finish in four, five, six, or seven games, depending on the results.
Final Summary: World Series Schedule 2026
The 2026 World Series concluded on October 28, with the Milwaukee Brewers defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 4–1 to win the first championship in franchise history. The series featured three consecutive Milwaukee wins, a Tampa Bay response in Game 4, and a decisive Brewers victory in Game 5.
For fans searching for the 2026 World Series schedule, game dates, start times, final scores, and championship results, the key takeaway is that the Fall Classic is complete and Milwaukee is the reigning 2026 champion. The official MLB postseason page remains a useful destination for the final bracket, game recaps, and postseason records.
