Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 World Baseball Classic
The 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) is just around the corner. But what exactly is the WBC, and how can fans watch it? This article breaks down everything that you need to know about the WBC.
What is the World Baseball Classic?
The World Baseball Classic is an international baseball tournament where teams from different countries, made up of top professional players, including many MLB stars, represent their nations and compete against each other to determine the best baseball team in the world.
Example: Shohei Ohtani would be eligible to play for Team Japan because he is from Japan.
Which Players Can Play in the World Baseball Classic?
Players eligible to participate in the World Baseball Classic are those who are citizens of the countries represented (see example above), or have links to said country. Each nation’s manager selects its roster by asking Major League Baseball players and other professional players from around the world to join.
How Often Is the World Baseball Classic Held?
The World Baseball Classic is typically held every 3-4 years. The most recent World Baseball Classic was held in 2023.
When Does the 2026 World Baseball Classic Start?
The 2026 World Baseball Classic will begin on March 5, 2026, with the first game taking place at the Tokyo Dome (which is where the Cubs and Dodgers played their first game of the 2025 season).
When Does the 2026 World Baseball Classic End?
The World Baseball Classic will end on March 17, 2026, with the championship game taking place at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.
Which Teams Compete in the World Baseball Classic?
There are 20 teams that compete in the WBC:
Australia
Brazil
Canada
Chinese Taipei
Colombia
Cuba
Czechia
Dominican Republic
Great Britain
Israel
Italy
Japan
Korea
Mexico
Netherlands
Nicaragua
Panama
Puerto Rico
Venezuela
United States
Which Teams Are Usually the Best in the World Baseball Classic?
Japan, the United States, (the two teams that made it to the finals in 2023) and the Dominican Republic usually rise above other teams. Other competitive teams include Canada, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela.
How Can I Watch the 2026 World Baseball Classic?
The 2026 World Baseball Classic will be broadcasted on FOX and its related networks, including FS1, FS2, and the FOX Sports app. FOX Deportes will also air games in Spanish.
How Can I Get Tickets to Watch the 2026 World Baseball Classic?
You can buy tickets to the 2026 World Baseball Classic tickets on GoTickets.com here, on MLB.com here, on SeatGeek.com here, on StubHub.com here, on TicketCity.com here, on Tickets-Center.com here, on ViaGoGo.com here, and on VividSeats.com here.
Thanks for reading!
