Major League Baseball revealed the game schedule for 2026, setting a new record for the earliest Opening Day in the league's history.
The 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) season is set to bring some unique changes, as the league has announced accommodations for the FIFA World Cup, which will be held in North America during June and July.
The World Cup matches will take place in Seattle, Texas (Rangers' home), cities where the Phillies and Royals are based, and other locations across the continent. This scheduling decision will undoubtedly impact several teams' schedules, causing disruptions and resulting in unusual off days, particularly on weekends.
For instance, the World Cup matches in Seattle will affect the schedule of the Mariners and the Red Sox, with a rare scheduled doubleheader on June 20 due to a World Cup match on June 19 in Seattle. Similarly, the World Cup matches in Texas, Philadelphia, and the city where the Royals are based will cause disruptions in their respective teams' schedules.
The traditional Opening Day, not counting international one-offs and special events, is scheduled for March 26, 2026. However, this year, the New York Yankees will play against the San Francisco Giants on the earliest Opening Day ever, which is March 25. The season schedule, otherwise, is mostly as usual, consisting of multiple three- and four-game series across six months of baseball.
Several unusual matchups are sprinkled throughout the 2026 MLB season schedule. One such instance is a soccer-induced doubleheader scheduled for Seattle. The All-Star Game, meanwhile, will be held in Philadelphia.
Another interesting development is the potential for postseason games in West Sacramento, should the Athletics make the playoffs. This would mark a significant departure from the usual playoff venues, further adding to the unpredictability of the 2026 MLB season.
Despite these changes, fans can still look forward to a thrilling season of baseball, with the final regular season games scheduled for September 25, 2026. The 2026 MLB season schedule includes adjustments to accommodate the FIFA World Cup, a departure from the usual schedule, but one that promises to make the season even more exciting.
