when is cubs opening day 2026
The Chicago Cubs' Opening Day for the 2026 MLB season is Thursday, March 26, at 1:20 p.m. CT at Wrigley Field, hosting the Washington Nationals.
Key Schedule Details
This marks the first home opener for the Cubs at Wrigley since 2023, following road starts in Texas (2024) and Japan (2025). The series continues with off- day Friday, then Nationals games on Saturday and Sunday. Spring training wraps March 22 vs. Milwaukee before the team heads home.
What to Expect
Fans can look forward to a magnet schedule giveaway for the first 10,000 attendees, plus neighborhood parties in Wrigleyville. Matthew Boyd starts on the mound, with Seiya Suzuki sidelined on the IL from a World Baseball Classic injury. Watch on Marquee Sports Network; tickets are on sale now.
Fan Buzz
Cubs Nation is buzzing after their 2025 playoff return—aiming for the NL Central crown and another World Series run, per manager Craig Counsell. Wrigleyville transforms into a blue-and-white party zone, with spots like aliveOne hosting post-game vibes.
TL;DR : Mark March 26—Opening Day vs. Nats at Wrigley, 1:20 p.m. CT. First home start since '23!
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