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World Baseball Classic 2026: Complete Schedule, Dates, Times, and How to Watch Every Game

  • bjiopn65
  • Mar 2
  • 2 min read

The world's best baseball players are ready to represent their countries once again as the 2026 World Baseball Classic begins this week, with opening games starting March 4-5.

After Japan's thrilling victory over Team USA in the 2023 championship game in Miami, the WBC returns with even more star power and international competition. With Shohei Ohtani leading Japan's quest for back-to-back titles and Aaron Judge headlining a stacked American roster, this tournament promises unforgettable moments.

The Favorites

Japan enters as the team to beat, having won three of the five WBC titles to date. Led by the incomparable Shohei Ohtani, they've mastered this tournament format like no other nation.

Team USA is hungry to reclaim the crown they won in 2017. Manager Mark DeRosa has assembled an impressive squad featuring Aaron Judge, Kyle Schwarber, and pitching sensation Paul Skenes.

The Dominican Republic might have the most loaded roster on paper, boasting Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez, and Manny Machado—a lineup that could challenge anyone.

Pool Play Schedule (March 5-11)

The tournament begins with the first game late Wednesday, March 4 (ET) / early Thursday, March 5 (in Tokyo), with games across four host cities through March 11. Each pool features round-robin play, with the top two teams advancing to the knockout rounds.

Note: Pool C in Tokyo runs March 5-10, starting a day earlier than the other pools due to the time zone difference.

  • Pool A – Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico, Cuba, Canada, Panama, Colombia)

  • Pool B – Daikin Park, Houston, Texas (USA, Mexico, Italy, Great Britain, Brazil) — First WBC at this venue following Minute Maid Park's rebranding

  • Pool C – Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan (Japan, Australia, South Korea, Czechia, Chinese Taipei)

  • Pool D – loanDepot park, Miami, Florida (Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Netherlands, Israel, Nicaragua)

Key Games to Watch

Times and networks subject to final confirmation.

  • Friday, March 6 – Brazil vs. USA (8 p.m. ET, Fox) – Team USA opens against Brazil

  • Saturday, March 7 – Japan vs. South Korea (5 a.m. ET, FS1) – A classic Asian rivalry

  • Monday, March 9 – USA vs. Mexico (8 p.m. ET, Fox) – North American showdown

  • Wednesday, March 11 – Venezuela vs. Dominican Republic (8 p.m. ET, FS1) – Latin American powerhouses collide

Note: Tokyo games air in the early morning hours ET due to the time difference.

Knockout Rounds

  • Quarterfinals: March 13-14 (Houston & Miami)

  • Semifinals: March 15-16 at loanDepot park, Miami

  • Championship: Tuesday, March 17 at 8 p.m. ET at loanDepot park, Miami (Fox)

How to Watch

WBC History

Year

Champion

Runner-up

2023

Japan

United States

2017

United States

Puerto Rico

2013

Dominican Republic

Puerto Rico

2009

Japan

South Korea

2006

Japan

Cuba

Will Japan three-peat? Can Team USA get revenge? Or will the Dominican Republic's all-star lineup finally break through? The answers begin this week.

 
 
 

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