LLWS 2026 Schedule Update: Both Semifinals Moved to 9:00 AM ET on August 27
Little League International consulted meteorologists and adjusted Thursday’s schedule in response. Severe weather is expected to hit Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on August 27. Moving both semifinals to 9:00 AM ET protects players and fans from deteriorating conditions. The earlier start preserves competitive balance for both remaining semifinal matchups.
Game 33 is the International Semifinal at Volunteer Stadium on ESPN2. Game 34 is the U.S. Semifinal at Lamade Stadium on ESPN. ESPN will re-air Game 34 at 7:00 PM ET Thursday evening. Fans who miss the morning broadcast can watch the U.S. Semifinal later that night.
August 27 Adjusted Game Times
| GAME | TIME ET | MATCHUP | VENUE | TV | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 33 | 9:00 AM | International Semifinal | Volunteer Stadium | ESPN2 | Moved to 9:00 AM |
| Game 34 | 9:00 AM | US Semifinal | Lamade Stadium | ESPN | Moved to 9:00 AM |
ESPN re-airs Game 34 at 7:00 PM ET: ESPN will broadcast Game 34 again at 7:00 PM ET on Thursday evening. Fans who miss the 9:00 AM live broadcast can watch the US Semifinal replay at 7:00 PM. Game 33 on ESPN2 does not have a confirmed re-air time as of this announcement.
Why Little League Moved the Semifinal Games
Little League International moved both semifinal games earlier because severe weather is expected later Thursday. The change reduces the risk of weather interruptions during the semifinals. Starting at 9:00 AM allows the remaining teams to compete before conditions deteriorate in Williamsport.
Dan Velte, Little League VP of Operations, explained that the decision focuses on player experience. These semifinals are the biggest games each remaining team has played. A mid-game weather suspension would disrupt a defining career moment for every player. Moving to 9:00 AM avoids that risk before Thursday’s storm arrives.
As we approach the conclusion of the Little League Baseball World Series, these children and teams are preparing for some of the biggest moments of their young lives, and we want to do everything we can to provide a playing environment that maintains competitive balance and minimizes disruptions to their game-day experience. After consulting with our experts, we felt it was best to proactively adjust the schedule to minimize the risk of weather interruptions while providing families and fans the opportunity to support their teams. “Dan Velte, Little League Vice President of Operations and International Tournament Director“
Thursday, August 27, Facility Hours
Fan Zone closes at noon: The Fan Zone opens at 8:30 AM but closes at 12:00 PM on Thursday. Fans who attend Game 33 or Game 34 should plan to arrive before first pitch at 9:00 AM. The Fan Zone will not be open after the games end Thursday morning due to expected weather conditions moving through the area.
What the Semifinal Results Will Determine
Game 33 determines who plays in the International Championship on August 29. Game 34 determines who plays in the US Championship on August 29. Both August 29 games were broadcast live on ABC in front of a national audience. Each championship starts at its scheduled time regardless of Thursday’s weather outcome.
The losers of both semifinals play an elimination game on August 28. The LLWS Championship Final runs August 30 at 3:00 PM ET on ABC at Lamade Stadium. Every game from here decides who reaches the Lamade diamond on Sunday afternoon for the final.
Stay updated Thursday morning: Fans attending Games 33 or 34 should arrive at the complex by 8:00 AM when gates open. Fans should allow extra time for parking, entry, and security screening before the 9:00 AM first pitch. Check LittleLeague.org/WorldSeries and the official LLWS App for any additional updates before leaving for the complex Thursday morning.
Summary
Both LLWS 2026 semifinal games move to 9:00 AM ET on Thursday, August 27. Game 33 is the International Semifinal at Volunteer Stadium on ESPN2. Game 34 is the US Semifinal at Lamade Stadium on ESPN. Little League moved both games earlier because severe weather threatened Williamsport.
ESPN replays Game 34 Thursday at 7:00 PM ET. Fans missing the morning broadcast can watch the US Semifinal on ESPN that evening. Check the LLWS App for real-time updates throughout the day. LittleLeague.org/WorldSeries also carries the latest schedule information as conditions develop in Williamsport.
All complex facilities open at 8:00 AM on Thursday. The Fan Zone runs from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM only. Weather conditions may change throughout Thursday. Check LittleLeague.org/WorldSeries and the LLWS App for the latest schedule updates before and during the games.
