2026 Little League World Series: Schedule, Teams to Watch, and How to WATCH ON DISH
August in Williamsport is more than just a baseball tournament. It's a coming-of-age spectacle. For nearly 80 years, the best young baseball players from around the world have come to Williamsport chasing a childhood dream. The result? Diving catches. Walk-off home runs. Big emotions. And, of course, kids sliding down the famous hill beyond the outfield fence.
The 79th edition of the Little League World Series (LLWS) brings together 20 teams, 10 from the United States and 10 from international regions, who battled through qualifying tournaments to earn their ticket to Pennsylvania. From Wednesday, August 19, through Championship Sunday on August 30, it's pure, unadulterated baseball magic.
How to Watch the Little League World Series with DISH
All 38 games of the 2026 Little League World Series will air live across ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC, beginning with Opening Day action on Wednesday, August 19, and continuing through Championship Weekend. To watch the 2026 Little League World Series on ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC with DISH, subscribe to a DISH package that includes ESPN.
2026 LLWS Teams to Watch
Every August, new heroes emerge in Williamsport. All 20 teams have earned their place on the big stage, but here are a few storylines worth following throughout the tournament:
Great Lakes and Midwest Champions: Keep an eye on the squad from Hamilton, Ohio (representing the Great Lakes Region) as well as the players from Davenport, Iowa (representing the Midwest). Both teams survived highly competitive regional brackets to earn their place in the tournament
Curaçao and Panama Join the Fray: Representing the Caribbean, the team from Willemstad, Curaçao returns to the world stage, while the powerhouse region of Panama is represented this year by Chiriquí.
Japan Contenders: Joto Little League of Tokyo returns to Williamsport for the second straight year after going 2-2 in its LLWS debut in 2025. Japan has a rich history in the tournament, making Joto a team worth watching in the International bracket.
The MLB Little League Classic
Major League Baseball and youth sports unite on Sunday, August 23, for the ninth annual MLB Little League Classic presented by New York Life. Earlier in the day, Brewers and Braves players will attend Little League World Series games and interact with the young players and fans. Then the roles reverse: LLWS players and their families will fill the stands at Historic Bowman Field to watch the Milwaukee Brewers take on the Atlanta Braves at 7:10PM ET on ESPN.
2026 LLWS Tournament Schedule
The 38-game tournament runs from August 19-30 at the Little League International Complex in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Here's a look at the key dates to circle on your calendar.
Wednesday, August 19: Opening Day
Four games kick off the tournament beginning at 1PM ET on ESPN, with action from both the U.S. and International brackets.
August 20 – August 28: Bracket and Elimination Games
Games continue across ESPN and ESPN2 as the U.S. and International fields narrow toward Championship Weekend.
Sunday, August 23: MLB Little League Classic
LLWS action starts early, with International bracket games scheduled for 9AM and 1PM ET and U.S. bracket games at 11AM ET and 2PM ET.
The Milwaukee Brewers face the Atlanta Braves in the MLB Little League Classic at Historic Bowman Field at 7:10PM ET on ESPN.
Saturday, August 29: U.S. and International Championships
International Championship Game: 12:30PM ET
United States Championship Game: 3:30PM ET
Sunday, August 30: Championship Sunday
Third Place Game at 10AM ET
LLWS Championship Game: U.S. Champion vs. International Champion at 3PM ET on ABC.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Little League World Series?
The tournament runs from August 19 through August 30, 2026, in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
How many teams play in the LLWS?
The tournament features 20 teams: 10 representing regions from the United States and 10 representing international regions.
Where can I watch the Little League World Series?
All 38 games will air across ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC, with the Championship Game airing Sunday, August 30, at 3PM ET on ABC.
