Philadelphia will become the center of the baseball world Tuesday night when the American League and National League meet in the 96th MLB All-Star Game, bringing together established superstars, breakout performers and several of the season’s most dominant pitchers.
The game will be played at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies, which is hosting the event for the first time since opening in 2004.
Philadelphia last staged the All-Star Game at Veterans Stadium in 1996, making this year’s return especially significant during the 250th anniversary of American independence.
FOX’s pregame coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET, with first pitch scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Viewers can also watch live through FOX One and supported FOX Sports streaming platforms.
What time does the 2026 MLB All-Star Game start?
The game begins Tuesday, July 14, at the following times:
- 8 p.m. ET
- 7 p.m. CT
- 6 p.m. MT
- 5 p.m. PT
- 1 a.m. BST on Wednesday, July 15
Fans attending in person can enter Citizens Bank Park when gates open at 5 p.m. ET.
FOX One will carry the game live and on demand, while viewers with participating television providers may also be able to stream through FOX Sports. Availability can depend on location, device and subscription package.
The All-Star Game caps a five-day celebration that included the HBCU Swingman Classic, MLB Draft, All-Star Futures Game, the new MLBx All-Star 3-on-3 event and the Home Run Derby, which aired on Netflix.
The All-Star Red Carpet Show also takes place Tuesday at Independence Mall, beginning at 2 p.m. ET on MLB Network and MLB’s digital platforms.
Who is starting and what should fans watch for?
The opening pitching matchup features two leading Cy Young Award contenders.
Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez will start for the National League in his home stadium, giving the local crowd an immediate reason to get involved. He becomes the first Phillies pitcher to start the Midsummer Classic since Roy Halladay in 2011.
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease will take the ball for the American League. His selection follows a dominant first half in which he emerged as one of baseball’s premier strikeout pitchers.
The rosters feature stars including Mike Trout, Bobby Witt Jr., Freddie Freeman, Juan Soto and Kyle Schwarber, although injuries and withdrawals have forced several late replacements.
The National League enters the night looking to build on its victory in 2025, when the game was decided by the first Home Run Derby-style swing-off in All-Star history after nine innings ended in a 6-6 tie.
Between Sanchez’s hometown start, Cease’s overpowering arsenal and the historic Philadelphia backdrop, the 2026 game offers more than a standard exhibition. It is baseball’s biggest stage arriving in one of the sport’s most passionate cities.
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