World Series 2026 is here, and it is a historic one. The Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays meet in the 122nd Fall Classic, the first time since 1980 that neither team has won a title. After 162 games and a month of playoffs, one of these franchises will finally celebrate as champion of the baseball world.
Who Is Playing in the World Series 2026?
The Brewers arrive with the best record in baseball for the second straight year. Last season they fell to the Dodgers in the NLCS. This time they swept Los Angeles and reached the final having lost only one playoff game. It is Milwaukee’s first World Series trip in 44 years, a moment longtime announcer Bob Uecker did not live to see.
The Rays are AL East champions and finished with the best record in the American League. This is their third World Series and their first since 2020. They lost to the Phillies in 2008 and the Dodgers in 2020.
The two clubs took very different roads here. The Brewers began as the Seattle Pilots in 1969, relocated to Milwaukee, and moved to the National League in 1997. The Rays, originally the Devil Rays, have always played in the AL East. Milwaukee’s only previous Fall Classic ended in a seven-game loss to the Cardinals in 1982.
World Series 2026 Schedule and Start Times
Every game starts at 8:00 p.m. ET.
- Game 1: Friday, October 23, at American Family Field, Milwaukee
- Game 2: Saturday, October 24, Milwaukee
- Game 3: Monday, October 26, at Tropicana Field, Tampa
- Game 4: Tuesday, October 27, Tampa
- Game 5 (if necessary): Wednesday, October 28, Tampa
- Game 6 (if necessary): Friday, October 30, Milwaukee
- Game 7 (if necessary): Saturday, October 31, Milwaukee
Milwaukee sends Jacob Misiorowski to the mound in Game 1. He led baseball with a 1.80 ERA and 252 strikeouts. Tampa Bay replaces Drew Rasmussen with Nick Martinez, who went 15-6 this season.
The “rest versus rust” debate is in play. The Brewers had seven days off, while the Rays had only three after closing out Cleveland.
World Series 2026 Odds: Who Is Favored?
On paper, the matchup is close. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Milwaukee is the favorite at -165, and Tampa Bay is the narrow underdog at +145. Oddsmakers credit the Brewers’ extra rest, a patient lineup that rarely swings and misses, and the best bullpen in the playoffs. Jake Bauers, the NLCS MVP, and Christian Yelich lead one of baseball’s top offenses.
The Rays have a counterpunch. Their top three starters have pitched deep into games, leaving a rested bullpen ready for matchups. Still, Tampa faces its toughest lineup of the postseason. Want to follow more betting trends? See our look at NBA MVP odds for 2026-27.
How to Watch the World Series
Fans following the World Series 2026 on television can find every game on Fox. Streaming options include Fox One and MLB.TV, and ESPN Radio carries the radio broadcasts. If you are also sorting out your viewing setup for the winter, our guide on how to watch NBA games in 2026-27 covers channels and streaming. For another big championship schedule, check out the WNBA Finals 2026 schedule and TV guide.
What Happened in the 2025 World Series?
Last year’s series was a classic. The Dodgers beat the Toronto Blue Jays in seven games, including an 18-inning marathon in Game 3. In Game 7, Miguel Rojas tied the game with a ninth-inning homer, and Will Smith’s solo shot in the 11th put Los Angeles ahead. Yoshinobu Yamamoto closed it out for a second straight Dodgers title.
FAQs
When does the World Series start?
Game 1 is Friday, October 23, at 8:00 p.m. ET in Milwaukee.
Which teams are playing?
The Milwaukee Brewers face the Tampa Bay Rays. Neither franchise has won a championship.
Who are the favorites?
The Brewers are -165 favorites, and the Rays are +145 underdogs, per DraftKings Sportsbook.
Where can I watch every game?
Fox has the TV broadcast, Fox One and MLB.TV offer streaming, and ESPN Radio carries the audio.