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Weather Forces Early Start to LLWS Semifinals
27 Aug
Summary
- Semifinal games moved to 9 a.m. ET due to severe weather.
- Latin America faces Japan and Midwest meets Great Lakes.
- Championship game is scheduled for Sunday, August 30, 2026.
Severe weather concerns have prompted Little League officials to move both semifinal games of the 2026 Little League World Series to an earlier start time. The contests are now scheduled for 9 a.m. ET on Thursday, August 27, 2026, a shift necessitated by forecasts predicting scattered severe thunderstorms. The National Weather Service has warned of potential damaging wind gusts, hail, and isolated tornadoes across central Pennsylvania.
This adjustment affects the final four teams competing for the championship. In the International semifinal, Latin America will face Japan. Simultaneously, the U.S. semifinal will pit Midwest against Great Lakes. ESPN and ESPN2 will broadcast these crucial matchups, with an ESPN re-air of the U.S. semifinal scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
The ultimate goal for these teams is the Little League World Series championship game, slated for Sunday, August 30, 2026. The winners of Thursday's semifinals will advance to this final contest, vying for the world title in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The tournament is being held at Howard J. Lamade Stadium and Volunteer Stadium.
