ALCS schedule 2026: Dates, times, TV channel for every Rays-Guardians game

The American League Championship Series is set, featuring two teams that advanced in drastically different ways.

The Tampa Bay Rays became the first team to punch their ticket to the ALCS, completing a dominant three-game sweep of the New York Yankees. Victor Mesa Jr.’s tie-breaking two-run homer off Max Fried propelling the Rays to a 4-3 victory in the Game 3 clincher on Wednesday, Oct. 7. With the sweep, the Rays got extra rest as they prepare for their first ALCS appearance in six years and continue their quest for the franchise’s first World Series title.

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Guardians came back from a 2-0 deficit in their ALDS against the Chicago White Sox, grabbing the winner-take-all Game 5 on Saturday at Progressive Field behind a home run from Jose Ramirez.

Here is a look at the ALCS schedule, as the Rays and Guardians prepare to battle for a spot in the World Series.

More: Yankees left with ‘broken clubhouse’ after agonizing postseason sweep

**ALDS Game 1:** Cleveland Guardians outfielder Angel Martínez takes the field before the game.

(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

**ALDS Game 1**: Players line up for the anthem and flyovers in Cleveland.

(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

ALDS Game 1: Cleveland Guardians starter Parker Messick reacts after a strikeout in the first inning.

(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

ALDS Game 1 Munetaka Murakami watches his home run in the fourth inning.

(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

ALDS Game 1: Miguel Vargas rounds the bases on Murakami’s home run in the fourth.

(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

ALDS Game 1: Munetaka Murakami celebrates after hitting a two-run homer in the fourth against Cleveland.

(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

**ALDS Game 1**: Chicago White Sox pitcher Grant Taylor celebrates with catcher Kyle Teel after the final out against the Guardians.

(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Get 2026 ALCS tickets

2026 ALCS schedule

All times Eastern

Game 1: Monday, Oct. 12. Guardians at Rays, 8 p.m. – TBS / truTV / HBO Max
Game 2: Tuesday, Oct. 13. Guardians at Rays, 8 p.m. – TBS / truTV / HBO Max
Game 3: Thursday, Oct. 15. Rays at Guardians 6 p.m. – TBS / truTV / HBO Max
Game 4: Friday, Oct. 16. Rays at Guardians 6 p.m. – TBS / truTV / HBO Max
*Game 5: Saturday, Oct. 17. Rays at Guardians 8 p.m. – TBS / truTV / HBO Max
*Game 6: Monday, Oct. 19. Guardians at Rays, 5 p.m. – TBS / truTV / HBO Max
*Game 7: Tuesday, Oct. 20. Guardians at Rays, 8 p.m. – TBS / truTV / HBO Max

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ALCS schedule 2026: Dates, times, TV channel for every Rays-Guardians game

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