The road to the World Series is nearly here. The 2026 MLB Postseason officially begins on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, when the Wild Card Series gets underway following the conclusion of the regular season.
With 12 teams battling for baseball’s biggest prize, fans can expect several weeks of high-stakes playoff action leading up to the 2026 World Series, which is scheduled to begin on Friday, October 23.
When Does the 2026 MLB Postseason Start?
The 2026 MLB Postseason starts on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, with Game 1 of the Wild Card Series.
The regular season concludes on Sunday, September 27, while Monday, September 28, is reserved for potential tiebreakers or travel if necessary before the playoffs begin.
2026 MLB Postseason Schedule
Here are the key dates for the 2026 MLB playoffs:
- Regular Season Ends: Sunday, September 27, 2026
- Wild Card Series: September 29 – October 1
- Division Series (ALDS & NLDS): Early October
- League Championship Series (ALCS & NLCS): Mid-October
- World Series Begins: Friday, October 23, 2026
- Potential World Series Game 7: Saturday, October 31, 2026
The exact game times and television schedule will be announced closer to the start of the postseason.
MLB’s 12-Team Playoff Format Explained
Major League Baseball continues to use its 12-team postseason format, featuring:
- Six teams from the American League
- Six teams from the National League
Each league includes:
- Three division champions
- Three Wild Card teams
The top two division winners in each league receive a first-round bye, while the remaining four teams compete in the best-of-three Wild Card Series.
From there, the postseason progresses through:
- Wild Card Series
- Division Series (best-of-five)
- League Championship Series (best-of-seven)
- World Series (best-of-seven)
Race to October
With the regular season entering its final stretch, clubs across both leagues are competing for division titles, Wild Card positions, and the valuable first-round byes that come with finishing among the top two division winners.
Every game down the stretch could have significant playoff implications, making September one of the most exciting months on the MLB calendar.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 MLB Postseason begins on September 29, kicking off another month of dramatic baseball that will culminate with the World Series starting on October 23. Whether teams are chasing a division crown or fighting for a Wild Card berth, the final weeks of the regular season promise plenty of excitement as the race to October reaches its conclusion.