Which global tournament affected several MLB home schedules in 2026?

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The global tournament that affected several MLB home schedules in 2026 was the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Because multiple World Cup venues are located near MLB ballparks, several clubs had to account for the tournament when building their home schedules.

The tournament is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 through July 19, 2026. In the United States, World Cup matches are scheduled in or near cities including Kansas City, Philadelphia, Seattle, and the Dallas–Arlington area. That proximity affects the Kansas City Royals, Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, and Texas Rangers, whose home stadiums or surrounding venues are connected to the event’s logistics.

The World Cup’s impact is broader than direct stadium use. Security, transportation, staffing, broadcast plans, and expected crowds can all make ordinary scheduling more difficult. The event also affects MLB national television plans, including Fox’s baseball coverage during selected World Cup dates. This is distinct from the World Baseball Classic, which is a baseball tournament and does not explain the 2026 home-schedule adjustments described in the question.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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