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The clock above counts down to Game 1 of the 2026 MLB World Series on October 23, 2026, the opening night of the 122nd Fall Classic between the American League and National League pennant winners.
The World Series is the championship of Major League Baseball, contested as a best-of-seven series between the AL and NL pennant winners. The Commissioner's Trophy and the World Series MVP Award are presented at the conclusion of the deciding game. The 2-3-2 home-game format gives the team with the better regular-season record home advantage in Games 1, 2, 6, and 7.
The 2026 Series is the third under the expanded 12-team postseason that took effect in 2022 and will include a new wave of stadium and broadcast experiences. With Pitch Clock implementation now mature, average game length has stabilised around 2 hours 38 minutes during the regular season, though October baseball typically runs longer with intentional walks, mound visits, and replay reviews. Expect intense bullpen usage, particularly at the highest-leverage spots.
Per Fox's broadcast schedule, Game 1 begins around 20:00 ET. Pre-game ceremonies typically include the ceremonial first pitch from a host-city legend, the national anthem, and the MLB on-field commemorations. The series can run any of seven games, with off-days for travel between Games 2 and 3 and between Games 5 and 6. Pitching matchups are usually announced 48 hours in advance, and the Game 1 starter is by tradition the postseason ace of each rotation.
In the US the World Series is broadcast exclusively on Fox under the long-term rights deal. Canada has it on Sportsnet. The UK streams on BT Sport. International access is via MLB.TV with regional blackouts lifted for postseason. The 20:00 ET first pitch converts to 01:00 BST Saturday, 02:00 CEST, 05:30 IST, and 11:00 AEDT.
Baseball fans tracking the postseason can also follow the MLB All-Star Game 2026, the MLB World Series 2027 Game 1, the NBA Finals Game 1, and the Stanley Cup Final Game 1.
When does the 2026 World Series start? Game 1 is on October 23, 2026 with first pitch around 20:00 ET. Where is the 2026 World Series Game 1 held? At the home stadium of the AL or NL pennant winner with the better regular-season record. How can I watch the 2026 World Series? Live on Fox in the US, Sportsnet in Canada, BT Sport in the UK, and MLB.TV internationally. Why is it called the Fall Classic? Major League Baseball's championship has been played each October since 1903, earning the World Series its long-standing autumn nickname.
