Preview of the 2026 MLB Wild Card Series

The 2026 MLB regular season has concluded, and attention shifts to the Wild Card Series airing on NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN. Set from September 29 to October 1, these matchups promise excitement and unpredictability.

Matchups to Watch

This series features thrilling rematches and promising newcomers. The Red Sox and Yankees face off once more, while NL MVP contender Pete Crow-Armstrong and his Cubs meet the San Diego Padres. The youthful Chicago White Sox have pushed into the postseason, adding to the anticipation.

American League Matchups

• No. 6 Chicago White Sox vs. No. 3 Houston Astros
• No. 5 Boston Red Sox vs. No. 4 New York Yankees

National League Matchups

• No. 6 Philadelphia Phillies vs. No. 3 Atlanta Braves
• No. 5 Chicago Cubs vs. No. 4 San Diego Padres

CC Sabathia and Ahmed Fareed will provide post-game analysis on Peacock and the NBC Sports YouTube channel.

Viewing Options

Fans can catch all Wild Card Series games exclusively on NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN.

Schedule for the 2026 Wild Card Series

Tuesday, September 29

• Game 1: Phillies vs. Braves – 2:00pm ET on NBC and Peacock
• Game 1: White Sox vs. Astros – 5:00pm ET on Peacock and NBCSN
• Game 1: Red Sox vs. Yankees – 8:00pm ET on NBC and Peacock
• Game 1: Cubs vs. Padres – 10:00pm ET on Peacock and NBCSN

Wednesday, September 30

• Game 2: Phillies vs. Braves – 2:00pm ET on NBC and Peacock
• Game 2: White Sox vs. Astros – 5:00pm ET on Peacock and NBCSN
• Game 2: Red Sox vs. Yankees – 8:00pm ET on NBC and Peacock
• Game 2: Cubs vs. Padres – 10:00pm ET on Peacock and NBCSN

Thursday, October 1

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

How to Watch

NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN will host the MLB Wild Card Series. You can sign up for Peacock, which is compatible with various devices. NBCSN is available on platforms such as YouTube TV, Fubo, and Xfinity.

Series Format

Each Wild Card Series is a best-of-three format. The higher-seeded team enjoys home-field advantage throughout the series. Matches will occur over three days from September 29 to October 1, with possible Game 3s on October 1.