2026 MLB playoffs narrow to final four teams in ALCS and NLCS
The 2026 Major League Baseball playoffs have narrowed to the final four teams, featuring a clash of National League 100-win heavyweights and an American League matchup between top-seeded Tampa Bay and upstart Cleveland.
Heading into the mid-October schedule, the National League Championship Series brings a direct rematch of last year’s NLCS. The top-seeded Milwaukee Brewers entered the series looking to avenge their previous postseason loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers opened the matchup by dropping the first two games on the road, falling 2-1 on October 11 and 7-4 on October 12, forcing the defending champions to break through away from home if they intend to secure a third title.
American League Matchup Contrasts Top Seeds With Upstart Guardians
The American League Championship Series presents a different dynamic. The top-seeded Tampa Bay Rays are pursuing their first World Series appearance since the COVID-shortened 2020 season and chasing the first title in franchise history. They opened against the Cleveland Guardians, who advanced after rallying to defeat the Chicago White Sox in five games in their division series. Cleveland claimed the opening game of the ALCS 7-3 on October 12, according to USA Today.
ALCS Games Air on TBS, truTV and HBO Max
Games continue across both leagues through mid-October with all times listed in Eastern. The ALCS schedule features Game 2 on Tuesday, Oct. 13, with the Guardians visiting the Rays at 8 p.m. Game 3 shifts to Cleveland on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 6 p.m., followed by Game 4 on Friday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m. If necessary, Game 5 takes place in Cleveland on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 8 p.m., with Game 6 on Monday, Oct. 19, at 5 p.m., and Game 7 on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m., with all games broadcast on TBS, truTV, and HBO Max.
In the National League, the series shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 8 p.m., and Game 4 on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 9 p.m. If needed, Game 5 is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 16, at 9 p.m. in Los Angeles. The teams return to Milwaukee for Game 6 on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 8 p.m., and Game 7 on Monday, Oct. 19, at 8 p.m., with coverage across FOX, FS1, FOX Deportes, and FOX One.
World Series Games Air on FOX and FS1
The winner of each league championship series advances to the World Series, which begins with Game 1 on Friday, Oct. 23. Game 2 is set for Saturday, Oct. 24, Game 3 for Monday, Oct. 26, and Game 4 for Tuesday, Oct. 27. If necessary, Game 5 takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 28, Game 6 on Friday, Oct. 30, and Game 7 on Saturday, Oct. 31. All World Series broadcasts will air on FOX, FS1, FOX Deportes, and FOX One.