The air is still a bit too cold in Chicago. You know that specific January chill that makes you question why anyone ever settled in the Midwest. But if you’re a baseball fan, today—January 13, 2026—is the day things start feeling real. The holiday hangover is gone, the NFL playoffs are in full swing, and suddenly, everyone is looking at the calendar for the Cubs vs Brewers next game.
Honestly, it’s about time.
After the way 2025 ended—with the Brewers knocking the Cubs out of the NLDS in a heart-wrenching five-game series—the bad blood has reached a boiling point. We aren’t just looking at a division rivalry anymore. This is a legitimate fight for the soul of the NL Central. And while the regular season doesn't "technically" start until March, the first real chance to see these two squads trade blows is right around the corner.
The Cubs vs Brewers Next Game: Mark Your Calendars
If you’re looking for the very first time these two teams share a field in 2026, you’ll have to look toward the desert.
The Cubs vs Brewers next game is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 1:10 PM MST.
It’s happening at American Family Fields of Phoenix. Yeah, it’s Spring Training. No, it doesn't count in the standings. But tell that to the fans who watched Milwaukee celebrate on the Wrigley Field grass last October. For the Cubs, this Cactus League matchup is about setting a tone. For the Brewers, it's about reminding "big brother" who still wears the crown.
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If you can't make it to Arizona, the first "real" meeting—the one that actually matters for the win-loss column—doesn't happen until mid-May. The Brewers will travel to Wrigley Field for a three-game set starting Monday, May 18, 2026.
Why This Matchup Is Actually a Massive Deal
Most people think Spring Training is just guys in high-socks jogging to first base and pitchers working on their changeups. Usually, they're right. But 2026 is weird.
The Cubs just went out and spent money like it was going out of style. Adding Alex Bregman to play third base was a massive statement. It basically told the Brewers, "We're done chasing you." Bregman brings a championship pedigree that the North Siders have been missing since the 2016 core dissolved into the ether.
On the other side, the Brewers aren't exactly rolling over. They brought back Brandon Woodruff on a qualifying offer, and despite losing some pieces, they still have that "Milwaukee Magic" where they somehow win 95 games with a roster that looks like a collection of guys you’d meet at a local bowling alley.
The Pitching Chess Match
We don't have official starters for March 4th yet—nobody does this early—but the projected rotations for the 2026 season are fascinating.
- Chicago's New Look: With Shota Imanaga back and the trade for Edward Cabrera, the Cubs have a flamethrower-meets-finesse vibe.
- Milwaukee's Reliability: Freddy Peralta is still the ace, but keep an eye on how they use Trevor Megill in those late-inning high-leverage spots.
Basically, the Cubs are trying to buy the division, and the Brewers are trying to keep it through pure, unadulterated grit.
How to Get Tickets and Where to Watch
If you're trying to catch the Cubs vs Brewers next game in person, you've got options, but they aren't as cheap as they used to be. For the March 4th game in Phoenix, tickets are currently hovering around $25 for lawn seating, though they’ll spike as we get closer to February.
For the regular season opener at Wrigley on May 18, expect to pay a premium. Early resale prices on sites like Ticketmaster and StubHub are already north of $40 just to get in the door. If you’re staying home, Marquee Sports Network and Bally Sports Wisconsin will be the primary homes for these games, though MLB.TV remains the go-to for out-of-market fans.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Rivalry
People love to talk about the Cubs vs Cardinals as the "great" rivalry. Kinda feels like living in the past, doesn't it? Since 2018, the Brewers have consistently been the more dangerous team. They’ve won more division titles recently, and they’ve played with a chip on their shoulder that the Cubs are only now starting to replicate.
The "I-94 Series" is the best rivalry in baseball right now because the fans actually travel. When the Cubs go to Milwaukee (June 26-28 is their first trip there in 2026), it’s basically "Wrigley North." When the Brewers come to Chicago, the blue-collar Milwaukee fans make sure their voices are heard over the Ivy.
Actionable Steps for the 2026 Season
If you want to stay ahead of the curve for the Cubs vs Brewers next game, don't just wait for the highlights on Twitter.
- Monitor the Bullpens: The Cubs signed a handful of veteran relievers like Phil Maton and Hoby Milner (a former Brewer, spicy!). Watch how they perform in late February. If the bullpen is shaky, Bregman’s bat won’t matter.
- Check the Weather for May: If you’re planning on that May 18th series at Wrigley, remember that "May at Wrigley" can mean 70 degrees or it can mean 38 degrees with a 20mph wind off the lake. Dress in layers.
- Fantasy Value: Grab Jackson Chourio if you're in a keeper league. The kid is 21 and already playing like a ten-year vet. He's going to be a thorn in the Cubs' side for the next decade.
The rivalry is no longer just a regional curiosity. It’s the headline act of the National League Central. Whether it's a dusty field in Phoenix or the historic confines of Wrigley, when these two meet, something weird usually happens. And honestly? That's why we watch.