World Series 2026: Rays and Brewers Face Off in Historic First-Time Championship Bid

The 2026 World Series commences tonight, October 23, featuring the Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers in a matchup where a first-time champion is guaranteed. This marks the first time since 1980 that the Fall Classic will crown a new winner.

The Rays, who reached the World Series in 2020, will face the Brewers, making their second-ever World Series appearance, their first coming in 1982.

Road to the Series

Both teams navigated challenging paths to reach this point. The Rays swept the New York Yankees in the ALDS and won the ALCS against Cleveland in six games. The Brewers defeated the San Diego Padres in the NLDS and then swept the 2025 World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS.

Game 1 Details

Tonight's Game 1 is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on FOX. The Brewers will start their ace Jacob Misiorowski (16-5, 1.80 ERA), while the Rays will counter with Nick Martinez (15-6, 3.10 ERA).

For fans without cable, the game can be streamed live. DIRECTV is offering a five-day free trial, which can be used to watch the game. The Choice plan on DIRECTV includes FOX among its 125+ channels.

World Series Schedule

• Game 1: Oct. 23, 8 p.m. ET (FOX)
• Game 2: Oct. 24, 8 p.m. ET (FOX)
• Game 3: Oct. 26, 8 p.m. ET (FOX)
• Game 4: Oct. 27, 8 p.m. ET (FOX)
• Game 5: Oct. 28, 8 p.m. ET (FOX)*
• Game 6: Oct. 30, 8 p.m. ET (FOX)*
• Game 7: Oct. 31, 8 p.m. ET (FOX)*

*if necessary