Key takeaways from Match Day 2026

More than 44,000 residency positions were offered in over 6,800 program tracks nationwide in the 2026 Main Residency Match, according to the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). This year’s event, held March on 20, marked the largest Match Day in program history.

Approximately 93.5% of the offered positions were filled, and primary care specialties maintained strong participation. Internal medicine, internal medicine-pediatrics, pediatrics, and family medicine collectively continued to represent the largest share of positions in the Main Residency Match, with 20,712 positions offered. While 412 more primary care positions were offered this year compared to last year, the NRMP noted that only 92.1% of them were filled, a 1.4% decrease from 2025.

The NRMP reflected on family medicine workforce trends, noting increasing challenges in attracting students. More specifically, recent trends have raised concerns about how training pathways, expectations, and workforce needs are aligning.

“In response to these persistent recruitment trends, NRMP will convene a Blue Ribbon Panel of Family Medicine leaders and stakeholders in 2026 to closely examine medical student interest, evolving residency recruitment dynamics, and broader factors influencing the specialty’s growth and sustainability,” according to the press release.

Emergency medicine offered 3,198 positions and achieved a fill rate of 95.6%. Although the fill rate was 2.3% lower than in 2025, 3,058 applicants matched into the specialty in 2026, reflecting a 1.8% increase in matched applicants, according to the NRMP.

Psychiatry also showed strong numbers on Match Day, with 2,516 positions offered and a fill rate of 97.4%. After adding 30 programs, the specialty increased available positions by 128 in 2026. Although the fill rate rose slightly, 65 positions remain unfilled, eight more than in 2025.