Image Source: Yahoo Sports
The World Series race has reached its most exciting stage, with baseballās final four teams officially set. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays have survived the Division Series and will now compete in the National League Championship Series and American League Championship Series.
According to Yahoo Sports, the best-of-seven championship series begin Sunday, October 11, and Monday, October 12. The winners will earn a place in the World Series, where baseballās ultimate prize will be decided beginning October 23.
World Series Contenders: Four Teams, One Historic Prize
The National League Championship Series features a matchup between the No. 2 Los Angeles Dodgers and the No. 1 Milwaukee Brewers. In the American League, the No. 2 Cleveland Guardians will face the No. 1 Tampa Bay Rays.
- NLCS: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Milwaukee Brewers
- ALCS: Cleveland Guardians vs. Tampa Bay Rays
- World Series Game 1: Friday, October 23
The matchups were finalized after a dramatic Division Series round. Tampa Bay swept the New York Yankees, while the Dodgers and Brewers each advanced after winning their series in four games. Cleveland completed the most dramatic comeback, rallying from an 0-2 deficit in the American League Division Series to eliminate the Chicago White Sox.
NLCS Schedule: Dodgers and Brewers Set for Fierce Battle
The Dodgers and Brewers begin their National League showdown in Milwaukee. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. The contest will air on Fox, Fox One and Fox Deportes.
Game 2 follows Monday at 5 p.m. ET on Fox, FS1, Fox One and Fox Deportes. The series then moves to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Wednesday, October 14, and Game 4 on Thursday, October 15.
- Game 1: Sunday, October 11, 8 p.m. ET
- Game 2: Monday, October 12, 5 p.m. ET
- Game 3: Wednesday, October 14, 8 p.m. ET
- Game 4: Thursday, October 15, 9 p.m. ET
- Game 5: Friday, October 16, 9 p.m. ET, if necessary
- Game 6: Sunday, October 18, 8 p.m. ET, if necessary
- Game 7: Monday, October 19, 8 p.m. ET, if necessary
The series brings together two clubs that have already handled difficult postseason tests. The Dodgers are seeking another deep October run, while the Brewers enter the championship round as the National Leagueās top seed.
ALCS Schedule: Guardians and Rays Chase October Glory
The American League Championship Series begins Monday, October 12, when the Guardians visit the Rays. Game 1 is set for 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on TBS, truTV and HBO Max.
Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, at 8 p.m. ET in Tampa Bay. The series shifts to Cleveland for Games 3 and 4 on Thursday and Friday, followed by a potential Game 5 on Saturday.
- Game 1: Monday, October 12, 8 p.m. ET
- Game 2: Tuesday, October 13, 8 p.m. ET
- Game 3: Thursday, October 15, 6 p.m. ET
- Game 4: Friday, October 16, 6 p.m. ET
- Game 5: Saturday, October 17, 8 p.m. ET, if necessary
- Game 6: Monday, October 19, 5 p.m. ET, if necessary
- Game 7: Tuesday, October 20, 8 p.m. ET, if necessary
Clevelandās comeback against Chicago has given the Guardians significant momentum. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, advanced with a dominant sweep and will have home-field advantage in the series as the American Leagueās No. 1 seed.
When Does the World Series Begin?
The World Series is scheduled to open Friday, October 23. Game 2 will be played Saturday, October 24, before the series takes a one-day break. Games 3 and 4 are scheduled for Monday, October 26, and Tuesday, October 27.
- Game 1: Friday, October 23
- Game 2: Saturday, October 24
- Game 3: Monday, October 26
- Game 4: Tuesday, October 27
- Game 5: Wednesday, October 28, if necessary
- Game 6: Friday, October 30, if necessary
- Game 7: Saturday, October 31, if necessary
With four talented teams remaining, the championship series promise high-pressure baseball, major pitching matchups and potentially unforgettable October moments. The first priority for each club is winning four games in its league championship series. Only then will the World Series field be complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which teams are in the 2026 World Series championship series?
The Dodgers and Brewers are competing in the NLCS, while the Guardians and Rays are meeting in the ALCS.
When does the World Series start?
Game 1 of the World Series is scheduled for Friday, October 23.
How many games are in the NLCS and ALCS?
Both championship series are best-of-seven matchups. The first team to win four games advances to the World Series.
Where can fans watch the championship series?
NLCS games will air across Fox and FS1, while ALCS games will be available on TBS and truTV, with streaming through the listed network platforms.
