The 2026 NCAA men’s basketball tournament begins in full on Thursday with first-round games taking place across multiple sites nationwide. As March Madness returns, the opening day sets the stage for the rest of the bracket, with teams looking to advance and keep their seasons alive.
Live coverage from around the country
Reporters are stationed at tournament locations throughout the United States, providing real-time updates as games unfold. The live tracker will follow key moments from Thursday’s action, including in-game developments and notable turning points as the first round progresses.
What to watch Thursday
With the first round underway, the focus shifts to the immediate stakes of single-elimination basketball. Every possession carries added weight, and Thursday’s results will determine which teams move on to the next stage of the tournament.
Check back throughout the day for continuing updates from the opening round as the 2026 NCAA tournament gets rolling.