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When is MLB Opening Day 2026? Full schedule, matchups, and start times for each team

MLB Opening Day 2026 is about to begin. Check out the full schedule, times and most anticipated games

The Washington Nationals warm up before ano pening-day baseball game...
The Washington Nationals warm up before ano pening-day baseball game against the Chicago Cubs,Erin HooleyAP

The World Baseball Classic left baseball fever at its peak, ready for the start of a new MLB season. Opening Day kicks off with an attractive schedule to get the ball rolling in a new race to reach the World Series

When does MLB Opening Day 2026 start?

The start of the season will not be on a single day, but on three key dates. The first game will be played on March 25, when the New York Yankees visit the San Francisco Giants in a duel that will mark the official start.

The main day will be March 26, with 11 games scheduled throughout the day. Finally, on March 27, the remaining six teams will make their season debut.

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The most attractive Opening Day games

The schedule at the start of the season offers matchups that promise entertainment from day one. One of the most exciting will be the clash between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks, scheduled for prime time.

Another standout matchup is the clash between the Boston Red Sox and the Cincinnati Reds, two traditionally strong teams that always generate excitement.

The Houston Astros will host the Los Angeles Angels in a matchup that could have an early impact on the divisional race.

Pitchers' duel: protagonists on the mound

One of the big attractions of Opening Day is the starting pitchers, and this year will be no exception. Stars such as Max Fried and Logan Webb will be in charge of opening the season.

In addition, young talents such as Paul Skenes will also have the opportunity to shine at the start, facing high-level opponents.

Opening Day 2026 full schedule

Wednesday, March 25

  • New York Yankees vs San Francisco Giants | 8:05 p.m. ET

Thursday, March 26

  • Pittsburgh Pirates vs New York Mets | 1:15 p.m. ET
  • Chicago White Sox vs Milwaukee Brewers | 2:10 p.m. ET
  • Washington Nationals vs Chicago Cubs | 2:20 p.m. ET
  • Minnesota Twins vs Baltimore Orioles | 3:05 p.m. ET
  • Boston Red Sox vs Cincinnati Reds | 4:10 p.m. ET
  • Los Angeles Angels vs Houston Astros | 4:10 p.m. ET
  • Detroit Tigers vs San Diego Padres | 4:10 p.m. ET
  • Texas Rangers vs Philadelphia Phillies | 4:15 p.m. ET
  • Tampa Bay Rays vs St. Louis Cardinals | 4:15 p.m. ET
  • Arizona Diamondbacks vs Los Angeles Dodgers | 8:30 p.m. ET
  • Cleveland Guardians vs Seattle Mariners | 10:10 p.m. ET

Friday, March 27

  • Athletics vs Toronto Blue Jays | 7:07 p.m. ET
  • Colorado Rockies vs Miami Marlins | 7:10 p.m. ET
  • Kansas City Royals vs Atlanta Braves | 7:15 p.m. ET

The countdown is over: MLB is back and promises excitement from the first inning.

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