Tournament Kicks Off with Early Upsets

The 2026 World Baseball Classic is underway, with pool play already delivering exciting results. As of March 6, 2026, Australia has defeated Chinese Taipei 3-0 and South Korea has triumphed over Czechia with a score of 11-4.

Favorites Emerge as Contenders

Japan, led by Shohei Ohtani, enters the tournament as a strong favorite, having secured the trophy in 2023. Team USA, boasting stars like Aaron Judge, Kyle Schwarber, and Paul Skenes, is similarly expected to be a formidable opponent. The Dominican Republic, featuring Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez, and Manny Machado, is another team to watch.

Japan has to be the favorite entering the 2026 tournament. After finishing either first or third in every WBC to date, the Japanese know what it takes to succeed in this format. Sporting News

Other nations hoping to break through include Venezuela, Mexico, and Korea.

Key Matchups and Schedule Highlights (March 6th)

• Chinese Taipei vs. Japan – 5 a.m. ET (FS1, Fubo)
• Panama vs. Cuba – 11 a.m. ET (FS2, Fubo)
• Venezuela vs. Netherlands – 12 p.m. ET (Tubi)
• Great Britain vs. Mexico – 1 p.m. ET (FS1, Fubo)
• Colombia vs. Puerto Rico – 6 p.m. ET (FS1, Fubo)
• Dominican Republic vs. Nicaragua – 7 p.m. ET (FS2, Fubo)
• Brazil vs. USA – 8 p.m. ET

Broadcast Information

All 47 games of the 2026 WBC will be broadcast across Fox and its affiliated networks, including FS1, FS2, Fox Deportes, and Tubi. Games are also available on fubo (free trial available).

Tournament Format

The 20-team tournament will be held across four locations: Miami, Houston, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Tokyo. The Championship Game is scheduled for March 17 at loanDepot Park in Miami. Pool play is a round robin double-elimination tournament. The top two teams from Pools A and B will compete in the quarterfinals in Houston, while the top two from Pools C and D will battle in Miami. The semifinals and finals will also take place in Miami. After pool play, the tournament transitions to a single-elimination format.

Did You Know?

The Dominican Republic won the World Baseball Classic in 2013, making them the only nation other than Japan and the United States to claim the title.

FAQ

• When does the World Baseball Classic end? The championship game is on March 17, 2026.
• Where is the World Baseball Classic being played? Games are being held in Miami, Houston, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Tokyo.
• How can I watch the World Baseball Classic? Games are broadcast on Fox, FS1, FS2, Fox Deportes, Tubi, and fubo.