World Baseball Classic 2026: Team USA Faces Tough Competition
The 2026 World Baseball Classic is underway, marking the sixth iteration of baseball’s premier international tournament.
Japan, the three-time winner, is looking to defend its title and has been favored by four of nine experts from the USA TODAY Network to win again. Team USA and the Dominican Republic are also considered strong contenders.
Team USA’s Star-Studded Roster
This year’s American team is widely considered the country’s most talented group since the inaugural WBC in 2006. Three-time MVP Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees captains Team USA, with reigning Cy Young winners Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal anchoring the pitching staff.
Key Dates and Schedule
The championship game is scheduled for March 17 at LoanDepot Park in Miami.
- Pool play: March 5-March 11
- Quarterfinals: March 13 & 14 (Houston and Miami)
- Semifinals: March 15 & 16 (Miami)
- Championship game: March 17 (Miami)
Expert Predictions
Here’s how USA TODAY’s team of baseball reporters and editors see the tournament unfolding:
- Bob Nightengale:
USA over Japan / Aaron Judge MVP- Gabe Lacques:
Japan over USA / Shohei Ohtani- Jesse Yomtov:
Japan over USA / Yoshinobu Yamamoto- Steve Gardner:
USA over Dominican Republic / Bobby Witt Jr.- Ehsan Kassim:
Dominican Republic over USA / Shohei Ohtani- Aria Gerson:
Japan over USA / Shohei Ohtani- Steve Borelli:
USA over Dominican Republic / Alex Bregman- Jordan Mendoza:
Japan over USA / Seiya Suzuki
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the World Baseball Classic start? Pool play began on Wednesday, March 4.
- Where is the championship game? The championship game will be played on March 17 in Miami.
- Who are the favorites to win? Japan, Team USA, and the Dominican Republic are considered the top contenders.
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