The 2026 Major League World Series will feature the Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers, two organizations aiming to win their first MLB title. Milwaukee secured its ticket to the Fall Classic after a regular season with 103 wins and 59 losses, the best record in the Majors, in addition to sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-0 in the National League Championship Series. Previously, the Brewers defeated the San Diego Padres in the Division Series, solidifying themselves as one of the strongest teams of the season. Their qualification marks their return to the World Series for the first time since 1982, when they lost to the St. Louis Cardinals.

For their part, Tampa Bay finished the regular season with a record of 98 wins and 64 losses. They swept the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series and then defeated the Cleveland Guardians in six games to become AL champions. The ticket was sealed with a 7-3 victory in the sixth game, where Junior Caminero hit a two-run homer and Yandy Díaz added another home run to halt Cleveland's comeback attempt. Dominican Freddy Peralta was recognized as the Championship Series MVP after allowing one run in 12 innings pitched over three appearances. For the Rays, this will be their third appearance in the Fall Classic, following the 2008 and 2020 finals, both of which they lost.

The matchup will also feature Mexican representation with Jonathan Aranda, who will play in his first World Series with Tampa Bay. In nine postseason games, the Tijuana native is batting .257 with nine hits, five RBIs, four runs scored, and one home run. The first game is scheduled for Friday, October 23, at American Family Field in Milwaukee, where the Brewers will look to capitalize on their home-field advantage. The series will be a best-of-seven and guarantees a new Major League champion, as neither franchise has ever lifted the trophy. Milwaukee will attempt to break a 44-year drought since their last appearance, while Tampa Bay will seek to turn their third opportunity into their first title in franchise history.