The Milwaukee Brewers are hosting the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the 2026 World Series on Friday night, beginning a championship series between two franchises that have never won the title.
First pitch at American Family Field in Milwaukee was scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern time on October 23, with the Brewers entering as National League champions and the Rays representing the American League.
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Milwaukee Brewers begin long-awaited World Series return
The Milwaukee Brewers reached the Fall Classic for only the second time in franchise history.
Their previous appearance came in 1982, when they lost the World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games.
Milwaukee secured the National League pennant by sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers in the League Championship Series.
The Brewers completed that series with a 6-4 victory on October 15, according to Major League Baseball.
The result also gave Milwaukee a chance to end the longest championship drought in its franchise history.
The Brewers have reached the postseason several times in recent years but had not returned to the World Series since their 1982 appearance.
Rays provide unfamiliar matchup
The Tampa Bay Rays reached the World Series after defeating the Cleveland Guardians in six games in the American League Championship Series.
Tampa Bay last appeared in the World Series in 2020, losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Like Milwaukee, the Rays are seeking their first championship since entering Major League Baseball.
The matchup is unusual because both teams are trying to win the first World Series title in their histories.
It is also the first Fall Classic since 1991 involving two clubs ranked in the lower half of Major League Baseball payrolls, according to pre-series coverage of the matchup.
Misiorowski starts for Milwaukee
Milwaukee handed the Game 1 start to right-hander Jacob Misiorowski, while the Rays countered with Nick Martinez.
Misiorowski immediately drew attention by throwing a 103.5-mph fastball with his first pitch of the World Series to Tampa Bay’s Yandy Díaz.
The pitch set a World Series record for the fastest opening-game pitch since Statcast tracking began for the sport’s championship series.
The 24-year-old pitcher has become one of the Brewers’ most prominent postseason weapons because of his elite velocity.
His role in the series will be closely watched as Milwaukee manages a rotation and bullpen that carried the club through the National League playoffs.
What comes next in the series
Games 1 and 2 are scheduled for Milwaukee before the series moves to Tampa Bay for Games 3, 4 and, if necessary, Game 5.
| Game | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | October 23 | American Family Field, Milwaukee |
| Game 2 | October 24 | American Family Field, Milwaukee |
| Game 3 | October 26 | Tampa Bay |
| Game 4 | October 27 | Tampa Bay |
| Game 5 | October 28, if necessary | Tampa Bay |
Games 6 and 7, if required, are scheduled to return to Milwaukee on October 30 and October 31.
For Canadian viewers, the World Series is being carried in English by Sportsnet, with French-language coverage available through TVA Sports and RDS, according to MLB’s broadcast information.
The opening game is also taking place amid broader labour uncertainty in baseball, with negotiations between Major League Baseball and the players’ association drawing attention ahead of the next collective bargaining deadline.
That issue, however, remains separate from the immediate task facing both clubs: winning four games and claiming the first championship in franchise history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Milwaukee Brewers playing in the 2026 World Series?
The Brewers are playing the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2026 World Series.
When did the Brewers last reach the World Series?
Milwaukee last reached the World Series in 1982, when it lost to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Have the Milwaukee Brewers won a World Series?
No. The Brewers are seeking the first World Series championship in franchise history.
Where is World Series Game 1 being played?
Game 1 is being played at American Family Field in Milwaukee.
Who is starting Game 1 for the Brewers?
Right-hander Jacob Misiorowski is scheduled to start Game 1 for Milwaukee.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, team advancement, the Game 1 pitching matchup and the World Series schedule were checked against official Major League Baseball and Milwaukee Brewers information.
Disclaimer: The series schedule and live-game details may change as Major League Baseball announces official updates.