The 2026 World Series was only minutes old when a graphic on FOX’s broadcast pulled fans’ attention away from the field and onto the screen.

The segment, titled “Mirror Images,” used cartoon-style renderings of Brewers manager Pat Murphy and Rays manager Kevin Cash standing face to face, with a home-plate-shaped scoreboard between them comparing the two clubs.

It showed both teams, which have guaranteed a World Series first to take place, ranked first in their leagues in record, batting average, bunt hits, infield hits and singles, which suits a matchup between two low-payroll teams that win with contact, speed and defense.

Viewers focused on how the image looked, though, and many said it had the glossy, uncanny feel of artificial intelligence.

The backlash arrived within minutes. “It’s the WORLD SERIES and Fox is still insisting on using some of the absolute worst AI slop and garbage you’ve ever seen. Truly awful to see on such a big stage,” one fan wrote.

Another posted, “Disgusting to see that AI slop on the World Series broadcast. Just hire artists, Fox, we know you have the money.”

Others argued that the graphic disrespects the people who actually produce the broadcast. “FOX playing their AI SLOP during the World Series is disgusting and insulting and hideous. It casts a shadow on actual camera operators and the people putting in real work,” one viewer wrote.

Meanwhile, Game 1 was set for 8 p.m. ET at American Family Field, where the retractable roof took the weather out of play.

The Brewers won 103 games, beat the two-time defending champion Dodgers in the NLCS and are in the Fall Classic for the first time since 1982.

The Rays, who had the best record in the American League, are making their third trip, after 2008 and 2020. Neither franchise has won a World Series title.

The Game 1 pitching matchup pits Jacob Misiorowski, who posted a 1.80 ERA this season and is expected to win the Cy Young Award, against Rays veteran Nick Martinez, an All-Star in his first year with Tampa Bay.

Milwaukee’s bullpen has a 1.33 ERA in the postseason, while Tampa Bay’s four starters have a combined 1.98 ERA, the best of any playoff team.

Before the first pitch, Brewers legend Robin Yount and former commissioner Bud Selig threw out ceremonial first pitches, and Mickey Guyton sang the national anthem.