The 2026 National League Division Series (NLDS) is set, with four teams competing for two spots in the National League Championship Series.
This year’s NLDS features the Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres vs. Milwaukee Brewers. Each series follows MLB’s best-of-five format, meaning the first team to win three games advances to the 2026 NLCS.
Here is the complete 2026 NLDS schedule, including dates, start times and where to watch.
2026 NLDS Matchups
The two National League Division Series matchups are:
Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
San Diego Padres vs. Milwaukee Brewers
The Dodgers and Brewers have home-field advantage in their respective series.
2026 NLDS Schedule
All times listed are Eastern Time (ET).
Saturday, October 3 — Game 1
Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers
Time: 4:00 PM ET
San Diego Padres at Milwaukee Brewers
Time: 8:30 PM ET
Sunday, October 4 — Game 2
San Diego Padres at Milwaukee Brewers
Time: 4:00 PM ET
Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Tuesday, October 6 — Game 3
Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves
Time: 6:00 PM ET
Milwaukee Brewers at San Diego Padres
Time: 9:30 PM ET
Wednesday, October 7 — Game 4, If Necessary
Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves
Time: 6:00 PM ET
Milwaukee Brewers at San Diego Padres
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Friday, October 9 — Game 5, If Necessary
San Diego Padres at Milwaukee Brewers
Time: 4:30 PM ET
Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers
Time: 8:00 PM ET
If only one National League Division Series reaches Game 5, MLB has indicated that the remaining game will be scheduled for 8:00 PM ET.
Where to Watch the 2026 NLDS
The 2026 National League Division Series will air across FOX and FS1.
Games are also available through FOX Deportes for Spanish-language coverage and supported FOX streaming options.
Exact television assignments can vary by game, so viewers should check the MLB postseason schedule and local listings before first pitch.
How Does the NLDS Format Work?
The NLDS is a best-of-five series.
The first team to win three games advances to the National League Championship Series.
The format is:
Games 1-2: Higher seed hosts
Games 3-4: Lower seed hosts
Game 5: Higher seed hosts
Game 4 and Game 5 are played only when necessary.
Unlike the Wild Card Series, the Division Series gives the higher-seeded team another opportunity to play at home if the matchup goes the full five games.
When Does the 2026 NLCS Begin?
The winners of Braves-Dodgers and Padres-Brewers will advance to the 2026 National League Championship Series, where they will compete for the National League pennant and a place in the 2026 World Series.
The NLCS changes from the best-of-five Division Series format to a best-of-seven series.
2026 NLDS Schedule at a Glance
Game 1: Saturday, October 3
Game 2: Sunday, October 4
Game 3: Tuesday, October 6
Game 4: Wednesday, October 7, if necessary
Game 5: Friday, October 9, if necessary
The Braves vs. Dodgers and Padres vs. Brewers series will determine which two clubs move one step closer to representing the National League in the 2026 World Series.