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2026 Little League World Series: Full Schedule, Scores & How to Watch Live
Your Complete Guide to the 2026 Little League World Series
Everything you need to know about the biggest stage for young baseball and softball stars
What Is the Little League World Series?
Imagine the Super Bowl, but for kids aged 10 to 12 who play baseball and softball. That’s the Little League World Series (LLWS)!
Every summer, teams from around the United States and the world earn their spot by winning local, state, and regional tournaments. The best of the best then gather in two famous towns to compete for the world championship.
Quick Fact: There are actually two World Series happening back-to-back:
- Little League Softball World Series (LLSWS) – 12 teams in Greenville, North Carolina
- Little League Baseball World Series (LLBWS) – 20 teams in Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Key Dates at a Glance
| Event | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Softball Regionals (TV coverage starts) | July 17 onward | Various |
| Softball World Series | Aug 2 – Aug 9 | Greenville, NC |
| Baseball Regionals (TV coverage starts) | Aug 6 onward | Various U.S. sites |
| Baseball World Series | Aug 19 – Aug 30 | Williamsport, PA |
| MLB Little League Classic | Aug 23 (7:10 PM ET) | Williamsport, PA |
How to Watch Every Game
All games air on ESPN networks or ABC. You can also stream them live:
- Baseball: ESPN Watch – Baseball
- Softball: ESPN Watch – Softball
Tip: Games on ABC are free over-the-air (with an antenna). ESPN/ESPN2 require a cable login or streaming subscription (like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, etc.).
Little League Softball World Series Schedule
All times Eastern | Greenville, North Carolina
Opening Weekend (Doubleheaders Daily)
Saturday, Aug 2
- 10:00 AM – Game 1: Northwest vs. Southeast (ESPN2)
- 1:00 PM – Game 2: Mid-Atlantic vs. Asia-Pacific (ESPN2)
- 4:00 PM – Game 3: West vs. Central (ESPN2)
- 7:00 PM – Game 4: Canada vs. North Carolina
Sunday, Aug 3
- 10:00 AM – Game 5: Latin America vs. TBD
- 1:00 PM – Game 6: Europe-Africa vs. TBD
- 4:00 PM – Game 7: Southwest vs. TBD
- 7:00 PM – Game 8: New England vs. TBD
Mid-Week Games (ESPN2)
| Date | Games |
|---|---|
| Mon, Aug 4 | Games 9–12 (10 AM, 1 PM, 4 PM, 7 PM) |
| Tue, Aug 5 | Games 13–14 (10 AM, 1 PM) |
| Wed, Aug 6 | Games 15–16 (1 PM on ESPN, 5 PM on ESPN) |
| Thu, Aug 7 | Games 17–18 (3 PM, 6 PM) |
Championship Weekend
| Date | Game | Network |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Aug 8 | 3 PM – Orange Bracket Final | ESPN2 |
| Fri, Aug 8 | 6 PM – Purple Bracket Final | ESPN |
| Sat, Aug 9 | 10 AM – Consolation Game | ESPN |
| Sat, Aug 9 | 3 PM – World Series Championship | ABC |
What’s a “Bracket”?
Teams are split into two groups (Orange & Purple). Winners of each bracket meet in the championship. The “Consolation Game” lets the two bracket runners-up play for 3rd place.
Little League Baseball U.S. Regional Tournaments
Winners advance to Williamsport | All championship games on ESPN/ESPN2
| Region | Dates | Location | Championship Time & Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Lakes | Aug 8–12 | Whitestown, IN | Aug 12, 7 PM (ESPN2) |
| Metro | Aug 8–14 | Bristol, CT | Aug 14, 7 PM (ESPN) |
| Mid-Atlantic | Aug 9–14 | Bristol, CT | Aug 14, 3 PM (ESPN) |
| Midwest | Aug 7–14 | Whitestown, IN | Aug 14, 1 PM (ESPN) |
| Mountain | Aug 8–14 | San Bernardino, CA | Aug 14, 5 PM (ESPN) |
| New England | Aug 8–13 | Bristol, CT | Aug 13, 7 PM (ESPN) |
| Northwest | Aug 8–13 | San Bernardino, CA | Aug 13, 9 PM (ESPN) |
| Southeast | Aug 6–11 | Warner Robins, GA | Aug 11, 3 PM (ESPN) |
| Southwest | Aug 6–11 | Waco, TX | Aug 11, 7 PM (ESPN2) |
| West | Aug 9–14 | San Bernardino, CA | Aug 14, 9 PM (ESPN) |
Fun Fact: Three regions (Metro, Mid-Atlantic, New England) play in Bristol, CT – home of ESPN headquarters!
Little League Baseball World Series Schedule
All times Eastern | Williamsport, Pennsylvania | 20 teams (10 U.S., 10 International)
Opening Round – Tuesday, Aug 19 (All on ESPN)
- 1:00 PM – Latin America vs. Caribbean
- 3:00 PM – Southeast vs. Northwest
- 5:00 PM – Canada vs. Asia-Pacific
- 7:00 PM – Metro vs. New England
Wednesday, Aug 20
| Time | Game | Network |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 PM | Australia vs. Mexico | ESPN |
| 2:00 PM | Great Lakes vs. Mountain | ESPN |
| 4:00 PM | Curaçao vs. Japan | ESPN |
| 6:00 PM | West vs. Midwest | ESPN2 |
Thursday, Aug 21 (All ESPN)
- 1:00 PM – Game 9: Panama vs. TBA
- 3:00 PM – Game 10: Southwest vs. TBA
- 5:00 PM – Game 11: Europe-Africa vs. TBA
- 7:00 PM – Game 12: Mid-Atlantic vs. TBA
Friday–Tuesday, Aug 22–26: Doubleheaders Daily (1 PM, 3 PM, 5 PM, 7 PM on ESPN)
Note: Matchups for Games 13–32 depend on earlier results. Check ESPN or LittleLeague.org for updated brackets.
Wednesday, Aug 27 (Quarterfinal-Style)
- 3:00 PM – Game 33 (ESPN)
- 7:00 PM – Game 34 (ESPN)
Championship Weekend
| Date | Game | Network |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Aug 29 | 12:30 PM – International Championship | ABC |
| Fri, Aug 29 | 3:30 PM – United States Championship | ABC |
| Sat, Aug 30 | 10:00 AM – Consolation Game | ESPN |
| Sat, Aug 30 | 3:00 PM – World Series Championship | ABC |
Special Event: MLB Little League Classic
Saturday, Aug 23 | 7:10 PM ET | ESPN
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Atlanta Braves at historic Bowman Field (Williamsport, PA)
Before the big league game, the MLB players hang out with the Little Leaguers, watch their games, and sign autographs. It’s a heartwarming tradition that reminds pros where their dreams started.
Important Points to Remember
Mark Your Calendar
- Softball Championship: Aug 9, 3 PM on ABC
- Baseball U.S. & International Championships: Aug 29 on ABC
- Baseball World Championship: Aug 30, 3 PM on ABC
Free to Watch
All championship games (and many earlier rounds) are on ABC – free with an antenna.Stream Anywhere
Use the ESPN app or ESPN+ with a valid TV provider login.Follow the Journey
Full schedules, standings, highlights, and team bios:
LittleLeague.org/world-series
Summary
The 2026 Little League World Series is a month-long celebration of youth sports – from regional battles in July and August to the world championships on ABC.
- Softball kicks things off in Greenville, NC (Aug 2–9)
- Baseball regionals decide the 10 U.S. teams heading to Williamsport (Aug 6–14)
- Baseball World Series takes over Williamsport (Aug 19–30)
- Don’t miss the MLB Little League Classic on Aug 23 – big leaguers cheering on little leaguers
Grab the family, pick a team to root for, and enjoy the purest baseball and softball you’ll see all year.
FAQ
1. What’s the difference between the Softball and Baseball World Series?
They’re separate tournaments for different sports. Softball has 12 teams and plays first (Aug 2–9 in NC). Baseball has 20 teams and plays later (Aug 19–30 in PA). Both crown a world champion.
2. How does a team qualify for the World Series?
Teams start in local leagues → win district → win state → win regionals. Only regional champions advance to the World Series.
3. Are all games on TV?
Yes! Every game is on ESPN, ESPN2, or ABC. Championship games are on ABC (free over-the-air). You can also stream via the ESPN app with a TV login.
4. What is the “Consolation Game”?
It’s a 3rd-place game. The two teams that lose in the bracket finals (semifinals) play each other the day before the championship.
5. Can I attend in person?
Absolutely! Tickets for Williamsport and Greenville are free but require advance registration via LittleLeague.org. Bowman Field (MLB Classic) requires a separate MLB ticket purchase.
