The NCAA men’s tournament play‑in games (the “First Four”) for 2026 are on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, and Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

Quick Scoop: When Are the NCAA Play‑In Games?

  • Name: “First Four” play‑in games.
  • Dates in 2026:
    • Tuesday, March 17
* **Wednesday, March 18**
  • These games happen right after Selection Sunday (March 15, 2026) and before the main first round starts on March 19.

In recent years, these play‑in/First Four games are traditionally held early in the week (Tuesday and Wednesday) and serve to narrow the field from 68 teams to 64 before the main bracket tips off.

How They Fit Into March Madness

  • Selection Sunday: March 15, 2026.
  • First Four (play‑in games): March 17–18, 2026.
  • First Round begins: March 19–20, 2026.

Those play‑in games decide which lower‑seeded teams get into the main 64‑team bracket, so if you’re planning to watch from the very start of March Madness 2026, circle March 17–18 on your calendar.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.