Short Description: Get ready, Mariners fans! The 2026 schedule is out, bringing with it some unique quirks thanks to the FIFA World Cup, a rare home doubleheader, and a potentially smoother path to the postseason. Here’s what you need to know about the M’s journey next year.
The Seattle Mariners have officially dropped their 2026 schedule, and it’s got some interesting twists and turns, largely thanks to the FIFA Men’s World Cup making a stop in Seattle. While it might seem a bit early to be planning for 2026, for a team like the Mariners, every game counts, and this schedule certainly presents some unique challenges and opportunities.
One of the most notable features is a rare home doubleheader on Saturday, June 20th, against the Boston Red Sox. This isn’t just a random scheduling quirk; it’s a direct result of the World Cup. The U.S. men’s national team is slated to play a group stage game at Lumen Field, right across the street from T-Mobile Park, on June 19th. So, to avoid conflicts, the M’s will be playing two games in one day. Another World Cup-induced oddity sees the Mariners with a mid-series off-day on July 1st, right in the middle of a four-game set against the Angels, because Lumen Field will be hosting a knockout round match. It’s a bit of a headache for scheduling, but hey, at least we get more baseball!
The season kicks off on March 26th with a six-game homestand against the Cleveland Guardians and an early visit from the New York Yankees. The
Vedder Cup, the rivalry series against the San Diego Padres, starts on the road from April 14-16, with return games at T-Mobile Park in May. Interleague play will see the M’s hosting Atlanta, Arizona, and the New York Mets in the first half of the season, and the Cubs and Philadelphia in August.
Good news for player fatigue: unlike this season, which saw two stretches of 17 straight games without a day off, the longest stretch without a break in 2026 is a more manageable 13 days. This should help keep the team fresh, especially as they head into the crucial final month of the season. September is heavily weighted with AL West matchups, with 19 of the final 24 games against division rivals. This could be a huge advantage if the Mariners are in a tight race for a playoff spot, as they’ll be facing familiar opponents.
The road schedule also looks a bit kinder in 2026, with only three three-city road trips compared to five this season. The longest trip will be 10 games in 10 days, with stops in Detroit, Baltimore, and Washington in early June. Overall, the 2026 schedule seems to offer a more balanced approach, taking into account the unique circumstances of the World Cup while still providing plenty of exciting baseball action. Mariners fans, mark your calendars – it’s going to be an interesting year!