The 2026 World Series is set and this year's title is guaranteed to go to a first-time champion.

The Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers begin the 2026 Fall Classic with Game 1 at American Family Field on Friday, Oct. 23. It's a matchup of two small-market franchises who compiled the best record in their respective leagues this regular season. They're now threatening to upend the MLB narrative about payroll disparity that many observers believe could lead to a lockout this offseason.

Neither the Brewers nor Rays have ever won the World Series before, with Tampa Bay falling short in its two previous appearances. Milwaukee, meanwhile, is back in the World Series for the first time since 1982 when it was still a member of the American League.

Here's more background on the Tampa Bay Rays history in the World Series:

Have the Tampa Bay Rays ever won a World Series?

The Rays are one of five MLB franchises without a World Series title, along with the Milwaukee Brewers, Colorado Rockies, Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres.

Tampa Bay debuted as the Devil Rays in 1998 and made the franchise's first World Series appearance in 2008, losing to the Philadelphia Phillies. The team got back to the Fall Classic in the 2020 pandemic season, falling against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Last Rays World Series appearances

When does the World Series start?

Game 1 of the 2026 World Series is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23 at American Family Field in Milwaukee.

World Series schedule