The road to the NCAA tournament officially begins with the First Four, the opening chapter of 2026 March Madness, where eight teams battle for the final spots in the main bracket.
Before the field of 64 gets underway later this week, Tuesday’s matchups deliver the first taste of the drama, desperation and win-or-go-home stakes that define the tournament every year.
As has become tradition, the First Four takes place at UD Arena in Dayton, a venue that has hosted the opening games of the tournament since the NCAA expanded the field to 68 teams.
First Four games today in 2026 March Madness
The 2026 NCAA Tournament officially begins Tuesday with the First Four at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio, where four teams will battle for two spots in the Round of 64. Both winners will advance to the main bracket later this week.
The Miami Hurricanes face the Wichita State Shockers during 2016 March Madness (Source: Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
Tuesday, March 17 — First Four schedule
- Howard vs. UMBC — 6:40 p.m. ET
- Texas vs. NC State — 9:10 p.m. ET
How to watch the First Four today
The First Four of the 2026 NCAA Tournament will be broadcast on truTV in the United States, with live streaming available. The opening games tip off Tuesday night as the road to the main bracket officially begins.
TruTV carries the First Four on March 17 and March 18. The broadcast is part of the joint NCAA Tournament coverage shared by CBS Sports and TNT Sports across CBS, TBS and TNT throughout March Madness.
For streaming, viewers can watch the games through the NCAA March Madness Live app or website with a TV provider login. The First Four is also available via HBO Max, which streams games airing on TNT Sports networks, including truTV.
