What makes the KC Royals’ 2026 schedule unique — and important dates to know
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Royals will open 2026 season on March 26 at Truist Park, the earliest start in club history.
- Kansas City scheduled key home games around FIFA World Cup events in the city.
- 2026 slate brings high-profile teams and players, including Mike Trout and Aaron Judge.
The Kansas City Royals offered a first look at their 2026 regular-season schedule on Tuesday afternoon.
It starts with opening day — on the road.
The Royals will begin next season against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Opening day is slated for March 26, marking the earliest start in franchise history. It’s just the third time since 2015 that the Royals will open on the road. The last time that happened was against the Cleveland Guardians (2020), and the Minnesota Twins (2017) before that.
It won’t take long for the Royals to return home. On March 30, the Royals will renew their American League Central rivalry against the Minnesota Twins in the home opener at Kauffman Stadium.
The 2026 season will also be unique. The Royals will navigate around the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with games in Kansas City. The final draw will be announced on Dec. 5, but the Royals have already carved out time in their schedule.
Royals fans will not have to worry about missed home games. The Royals will host the St. Louis Cardinals from June 18-21, 2026. The three-game series will begin Thursday and conclude Sunday, with an off-day Saturday to accommodate a World Cup contest.
The same will happen in early July.
This time, the Royals will play the Philadelphia Phillies at Kauffman Stadium from July 4-6. It’s a weekend series that will begin Saturday and conclude Monday. The Royals will be idle on that Friday (July 3) due to the World Cup.
The 2026 schedule will also bring some top stars to Kansas City. Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout will return to Kauffman Stadium from April 24-26. Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees will be in town from May 25-27.
The Royals will have two 10-game road trips and a pair of nine-game homestands.
The schedule is also favorable after the All-Star Break. The Royals will host the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants from July 17-22. It will also be a homecoming for beloved former Royals catcher Freddy Fermin. He was traded to the Padres ahead of the 2025 MLB trade deadline.
The Royals will play on the major holidays throughout the year, too. KC will play the Detroit Tigers on Jackie Robinson Day (April 15), Cincinnati Reds on Lou Gehrig Day (June 2) and the Houston Astros on Roberto Clemente Day (Sept. 15).
