The Washington Nationals 2026 schedule has officially been released, offering fans plenty to look forward to during the upcoming season. In conjunction with Major League Baseball, the Nationals will kick off their 2026 campaign on Thursday, March 26, against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field — the earliest Opening Day in team history (2005–present).
The Nationals home opener is set for Friday, April 3, 2026, when the Los Angeles Dodgers come to Nationals Park for a three-game series across Easter Weekend. The St. Louis Cardinals will follow the Dodgers for a three-game set (April 6–8) to wrap up the first homestand.
Highlights of the Washington Nationals’ 2026 schedule include:
July 4, 2026: Annual Independence Day game at Nationals Park vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Interleague play: Beltway Series vs. the Baltimore Orioles — May 15–17 in D.C., June 26–28 in Baltimore.
Yankees Series: A three-game showdown against the New York Yankees (July 10–12), the last series before the All-Star break.
Post-All-Star play: Series against the Athletics, Rockies, Diamondbacks, and Blue Jays.
Late-season push: Key divisional matchups, including the Mets, Braves, Marlins, and Phillies.
Final series: A season-ending three-game set at Nationals Park vs. the New York Mets, Sept. 25–27.