2026 MLB Wild Card Series Guide

The 2026 MLB regular season has concluded. The focus now shifts to the Wild Card Series from September 29 to October 1. Excitement builds as teams battle in this intense competition, broadcast on NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN.

Key Matchups

The American League features the Chicago White Sox facing the Houston Astros and the Boston Red Sox clashing with their rival, the New York Yankees. In the National League, the Philadelphia Phillies compete against the Atlanta Braves, while the Chicago Cubs meet the San Diego Padres.

Broadcast Details

Watch every Wild Card Series game on NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN. Here’s the viewing schedule:

Tuesday, September 29

• Game 1: Phillies vs. Braves – 2:00 PM ET
• Game 1: White Sox vs. Astros – 5:00 PM ET
• Game 1: Red Sox vs. Yankees – 8:00 PM ET
• Game 1: Cubs vs. Padres – 10:00 PM ET

Wednesday, September 30

• Game 2: Phillies vs. Braves – 2:00 PM ET
• Game 2: White Sox vs. Astros – 5:00 PM ET
• Game 2: Red Sox vs. Yankees – 8:00 PM ET
• Game 2: Cubs vs. Padres – 10:00 PM ET

Thursday, October 1

• *Game 3: Phillies vs. Braves – Time TBD
• *Game 3: White Sox vs. Astros – Time TBD
• *Game 3: Red Sox vs. Yankees – Time TBD
• *Game 3: Cubs vs. Padres – Time TBD
• * = if necessary

Sign up for Peacock to enjoy the series on multiple devices. NBCSN access is available on YouTube TV, Fubo, and Xfinity.

Series Format

Each Wild Card matchup is a best-of-three series. Higher-seeded teams have home-field advantage. Games are scheduled over three days, with Game 3 occurring if required.

Stay updated as Hall of Famer CC Sabathia and Ahmed Fareed recap the games on Peacock and the NBC Sports YouTube channel.