The Elite Eight games for the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball tournament are scheduled for Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29. Notably, No. 9 Iowa will face off against No. 3 Illinois at 6:09 p.m. ET on March 28, followed by No. 2 Purdue taking on No. 1 Arizona at 8:49 p.m. ET on the same day. These matchups promise to be thrilling as teams vie for a place in the Final Four.
The games will be broadcast on TBS and TruTV, allowing fans to catch all the action live. This year’s tournament began with Selection Sunday on March 15, 2026, marking the start of an exciting journey toward the championship.
Iowa’s return to the Elite Eight is particularly significant, as it marks their first appearance since 1987, a gap that highlights the team’s long-awaited resurgence in the tournament. Meanwhile, Purdue has demonstrated consistent performance, winning 10 NCAA tournament games over the past three seasons, showcasing their capability to compete at a high level.
Illinois advanced to this stage by defeating No. 2 Houston in the Sweet 16, while Arizona secured their spot by overcoming No. 4 Arkansas. Both teams are looking to capitalize on their momentum as they head into these critical matchups.
The Final Four is set to take place on April 4 and 6, 2026, with the tournament culminating in the NCAA championship game on April 6. As the Elite Eight approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these matchups will unfold and which teams will secure their spots in the next round.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding potential injuries or lineup changes that could impact the games. However, the excitement surrounding the Elite Eight is palpable as teams prepare for one of the most pivotal moments in college basketball.
