Iowa Faces Alabama in Little League World Series After Pennsylvania Falls in Thriller

The Mid-Atlantic champion from West Chester, Pennsylvania, saw its Little League World Series run end Monday night in a heartbreaking 6-5 extra-innings loss to Phenix City, Alabama, setting up a crucial matchup for Iowa's own title hopes.

Iowa now stands between Alabama and a shot at the 2026 Little League World Series championship. The two teams will meet in Williamsport with a berth in the U.S. championship game on the line.

How Did West Chester Lose to Alabama?

West Chester jumped out to a commanding 5-0 lead through the top of the third inning, but Alabama answered with five runs in the bottom of the frame to tie the game.

Kinley Rasmus, one of just two girls on World Series rosters this year, entered in relief for Phenix City during the third inning and shut down the Pennsylvania bats the rest of the way.

Alabama threatened in the fifth, loading the bases with no outs, but Pennsylvania pitcher Cole Warner escaped by striking out the side, though one strikeout victim reached on a passed ball.

With the score tied after six innings, the international tiebreaker rule placed a ghost runner at second base. West Chester failed to score in the top of the seventh. Alabama then loaded the bases and won the game on a Brooks Cameron single up the middle.

When Do Iowa and Alabama Play in the Little League World Series?

Iowa faces Alabama in an elimination-bracket game at Lamade Stadium in Williamsport. The winner advances deeper into the U.S. bracket, while the loser goes home.

Exact start time and television details for the Iowa-Alabama matchup will be announced by ESPN, which is broadcasting all Little League World Series games this week.

How to Watch Little League World Series Games Tuesday

Tuesday's Little League World Series games will air on ESPN. Fans can also stream the action through Fubo and other live TV services.

Another key game Tuesday features Bayonne, New Jersey, facing the Great Lakes champion from Ohio at 7 p.m. ET at Lamade Stadium. That game is also win-or-go-home.

What Is the 2026 Little League World Series Bracket?

The updated 2026 bracket is available on the official Little League Baseball World Series website. Iowa's path to the championship now runs through Alabama, with the winner likely facing another tough opponent in the next round.

When Is the 2026 Little League World Series Championship Game?

The 2026 Little League World Series championship game is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 30, in Williamsport. The U.S. champion will face the international champion for the title.

Iowa's squad remains alive and one win closer to bringing the championship trophy back to the Hawkeye State.