World Baseball Classic 2026 Schedule: Full Game Dates, Times, TV, and Results
World Baseball Classic 2026: Full Schedule, Scores, Broadcast Info
The 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) has returned with global baseball powerhouses competing for the sport’s most prestigious international trophy. The tournament features elite MLB stars representing their home countries, reigniting rivalries and national pride across multiple continents.
Japan enters the competition as the defending champion after defeating the United States in a dramatic 2023 final in Miami, while Team USA, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and several emerging contenders are pushing for a breakthrough run. With games staged across San Juan, Houston, Tokyo, and Miami, the tournament combines global audiences with MLB-level talent in one of baseball’s most compelling international competitions.
Tournament Structure and Host Venues
The 2026 edition follows the established WBC format, beginning with a pool stage featuring 20 national teams divided into four groups of five.
Each group plays a round-robin schedule, with the top teams advancing to knockout rounds.
Pool Locations
Pool A — San Juan, Puerto Rico (Hiram Bithorn Stadium)
Puerto Rico
Cuba
Canada
Panama
Colombia
Pool B — Houston, United States (Daikin Park)
United States
Mexico
Italy
Great Britain
Brazil
Pool C — Tokyo, Japan (Tokyo Dome)
Japan
Australia
South Korea
Czechia
Chinese Taipei
Pool D — Miami, United States (loanDepot Park)
Venezuela
Dominican Republic
Netherlands
Israel
Nicaragua
The semifinals and championship game will also be played in Miami, positioning the city as the centerpiece of the tournament’s final stage.
Key Results From the Opening Round
Early games have already produced dominant performances from several favorites.
Japan demonstrated its offensive firepower with a 13–0 win over Chinese Taipei and a 9–0 victory against Czechia, reinforcing expectations that the defending champions remain the team to beat.
Team USA also opened strong, defeating Brazil 15–5 before edging Mexico 5–3 in a tightly contested matchup.
The Dominican Republic, widely viewed as one of the tournament’s most talented rosters, delivered a commanding 12–3 win over Nicaragua and later dismantled the Netherlands 12–1.
Meanwhile, Venezuela continued its rise as a major international contender, defeating the Netherlands 6–2 and Nicaragua 4–0 during the pool stage.
Knockout Stage Schedule
After the preliminary round concludes, the tournament moves into the elimination phase.
Quarterfinals
March 13
Pool D winner vs Korea — 6:30 p.m. ET
Pool B winner vs Pool A runner-up — 8:00 p.m. ET
March 14
Pool A winner vs Pool B runner-up — 3:00 p.m. ET
Japan vs Pool D runner-up — 9:00 p.m. ET
Semifinals
March 15 — Miami
Quarterfinal winners — 8:00 p.m. ET
March 16 — Miami
Quarterfinal winners — 8:00 p.m. ET
Championship Game
March 17 — Miami
Semifinal winners — 8:00 p.m. ET
The championship matchup will determine the sixth World Baseball Classic champion, with Japan aiming to extend its record as the tournament’s most successful nation.
How to Watch the World Baseball Classic 2026
The tournament is broadcast across multiple platforms in the United States.
TV Channels
Fox
FS1
FS2
Streaming Options
Fubo
Tubi
Fox app
Fox One
Fubo offers live streaming access to Fox networks and provides a free trial for new subscribers.
Radio Coverage
Every game of the 2026 tournament is also available through SiriusXM, which provides live play-by-play and tournament analysis.
Star Players Driving the Tournament
The 2026 WBC features a roster of MLB superstars representing national teams.
Japan’s lineup once again centers around Shohei Ohtani, whose two-way dominance continues to reshape modern baseball.
Team USA brings significant power with players including Aaron Judge, slugger Kyle Schwarber, and rising pitching star Paul Skenes under manager Mark DeRosa.
The Dominican Republic fields one of the tournament’s deepest rosters, led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto, Julio Rodríguez, and Manny Machado, creating a lineup capable of overwhelming opponents offensively.
These superstar rosters help explain why the WBC has grown into one of the most watched international baseball events, rivaling major international tournaments in soccer and basketball in global reach.
Historical Context: Past World Baseball Classic Champions
Since its launch in 2006, the WBC has produced only three champions.
| 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 |
Japan leads all nations with three titles, reflecting the country’s deep baseball tradition and strong professional league pipeline.
Global Stakes for Baseball’s Premier International Event
The World Baseball Classic has evolved into more than a preseason showcase. MLB executives view the tournament as a key driver of baseball’s international growth, particularly in markets such as Japan, South Korea, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
For players, the event represents a rare opportunity to compete for national pride while facing MLB-caliber opponents outside the regular season.
With powerhouse nations advancing and elimination rounds approaching, the 2026 edition appears poised to deliver another dramatic finish.