The 2026 World Series kicks off this week, featuring two teams vying for their first Major League Baseball championship.
The Milwaukee Brewers will host the Tampa Bay Rays for Game 1 of the MLB Championship Series on Oct. 23 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The matchup comes after the Rays defeated the Cleveland Guardians 7-3 in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) on Oct. 19, clinching the AL pennant. The Brewers advanced to the World Series by dominating the defending champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in a four-game sweep in the National League Championship Series (NLCS).
Here's everything to know about the 2026 World Series, including odds and how to watch the MLB championship.
When does the 2026 World Series start?
Game 1 of the 2026 World Series
will take place on Friday, Oct. 23.
Which teams are playing in the World Series?
The Tampa Bay Rays will take on the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2026 World Series.
2026 World Series schedule
The best-of-seven World Series will begin on Oct. 23 at the home park of the team with the better regular-season record.
- Game 1: Friday, Oct. 23 at Milwaukee.
- Game 2: Saturday, Oct. 24 at Milwaukee.
- Game 3: Monday, Oct. 26 at Tampa Bay.
- Game 4: Tuesday, Oct. 27 at Tampa Bay.
- Game 5: Wednesday, Oct. 28 at Tampa Bay (if necessary).
- Game 6: Friday, Oct. 30 at Milwaukee (if necessary).
- Game 7: Saturday, Oct. 31 at Milwaukee (if necessary).
What channel is the World Series on?
- TV channel: Fox.
- Stream: Fubo (free trial), Sling, Fox Sports.
Watch the 2026 MLB World Series on Fubo
All 2026 World Series games will be broadcast on Fox. In the Greater Cincinnati metro area, the games air on WXIX-TV (channel 19).
Streaming options for the game include Sling, the Fox Sports app, Fubo (which offers a free trial to potential subscribers), and any other services with live TV capabilities.
What time is the World Series?
All 2026 World Series games begin at 8 p.m. ET.
Who's favored to win the World Series?
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the Brewers are -165 to win the World Series as of Oct. 20. The Rays are +145.
Have the Tampa Bay Rays been to the World Series?
Yes. The Tampa Bay Rays have made three World Series appearances in franchise history, including the upcoming 2026 series. The team won the American League pennant in 2008, 2020, and 2026, but is still seeking its first championship.
In fact, it was 18 years ago on the exact date – Oct. 19, 2008 – that the Rays punched their ticket to their first World Series. Monday night's 7-3 win over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 6 of the ALCS is sending them back for another shot at their first World Series title.
Here's who the Rays faced in their World Series appearances:
- 2008: Philadelphia Phillies.
- 2020: Los Angeles Dodgers.
- 2026: Milwaukee Brewers.
Have the Milwaukee Brewers been to the World Series?
The Milwaukee Brewers have only made one other World Series appearance in franchise history before this year. Their first World Series appearance came in 1982 when they played in the American League. They lost in a close seven-game series to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Despite the outcome of the 2026 World Series, the MLB will be guaranteed a first-time champion.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: When does the 2026 World Series start? Teams, odds and more
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