World Baseball Classic 2026: Full List of Pools and Teams

From Daisuke Matsuzaka’s dominant MVP performances to Nelson Cruz’s unforgettable home run, Adam Jones’ game-saving catch, Javier Báez’s lightning-quick no-look tag, and the epic showdown between Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout — the World Baseball Classic 2026 (WBC) has delivered countless moments that have become part of baseball history.

Now, fans around the world can start looking ahead to the next chapter of WBC excitement. The official pools and schedule for the 2026 World Baseball Classic were unveiled on Wednesday, setting the stage for another thrilling international tournament. Four nations secured their place in the upcoming competition through the Qualifiers: Colombia (Pool A), Brazil (Pool B), Chinese Taipei (Pool C), and Nicaragua (Pool D).

The 2026 tournament will once again feature a 20-team format, divided into four pools of five teams each — mirroring the structure from the 2023 edition. The top two teams from each pool will move on to the quarterfinals, which will take place in Houston and Miami on March 13 and 14. Notably, if Team USA advances from pool play, it is guaranteed to play its quarterfinal game on Friday, March 13, regardless of its final standing within the pool. Likewise, Samurai Japan’s quarterfinal game is locked in for March 14.

The tournament will culminate in Miami, where the semifinals and championship game are scheduled to begin on March 15.

World Baseball Classic 2026 Pool A: San Juan, Puerto Rico — Hiram Bithorn Stadium

Dates: March 6-11, 2026

Puerto Rico

2023 Result: Quarterfinal exit vs. Mexico
WBSC World Ranking: 9

Puerto Rico enters the 2026 World Baseball Classic eager to chase the title that has narrowly eluded them in recent tournaments. After finishing as runners-up in back-to-back editions, their 2023 campaign was cut short in heartbreaking fashion. A devastating injury to star closer Edwin Díaz early in the tournament set the tone for a challenging run, with Puerto Rico falling just short in a 5-4 quarterfinal loss to Mexico.

Still, there were standout performances — none bigger than Javier Báez, who earned a spot on the 2023 All-World Baseball Classic Team after batting .368 with a home run and six RBIs. Puerto Rico also made tournament history by recording the first-ever perfect game in WBC history — a combined effort against Israel.

Cuba

2023 Result: Semifinal exit vs. USA (Tied 3rd with Mexico)
WBSC World Ranking: 10

Cuba arrives in 2026 with renewed ambition after an impressive showing in the previous tournament. Emerging from a dramatic five-way tie in Pool A based on run differential, Cuba edged out Australia in a nail-biting 4-3 quarterfinal victory. Their journey ended in the semifinals, where they were overpowered by Team USA in a 14-2 loss.

Pitcher Miguel Romero was a bright spot for Cuba in 2023, earning All-World Baseball Classic honors after striking out 13 batters and posting a 2.08 ERA over 8 2/3 innings.

Canada

2023 Result: 3rd in Pool C
WBSC World Ranking: 22

Canada showed flashes of its potential during the 2023 WBC, finishing third in Pool C with a 2-2 record. Rising star Edouard Julien led the charge with a stellar performance at the plate, going 7-for-13 with two home runs and five walks — resulting in a 1.154 OPS.

Manager Ernie Whitt remains optimistic about the future of Canadian baseball, pointing to a growing pool of young talent. “I’m very excited about it,” Whitt said after Canada’s exit in 2023. “We have good young players that are coming.”

Panama

2023 Result: 4th in Pool A
WBSC World Ranking: 8

Making its return to the World Baseball Classic for the first time since 2009, Panama made the most of its 2023 appearance. Finishing with a 2-2 record in a highly competitive Pool A, Panama notched standout wins over Chinese Taipei (12-5) and Italy (2-0). In the victory over Italy, pitcher Harold Arauz delivered four shutout innings to help secure the win — and Panama’s direct qualification for the 2026 tournament.

With momentum on its side, Panama now sets its sights on a new goal: advancing beyond the group stage for the first time in World Baseball Classic history.

Colombia

2023 Result: Last in Pool C (1-3)
WBSC World Ranking: 13

Colombia opened its 2023 World Baseball Classic campaign in thrilling fashion, upsetting Mexico with a 5-4 victory. However, the early success didn’t last, as the team dropped its next three games and finished at the bottom of Pool C — a result that sent them to the Qualifiers for 2026.

Determined to bounce back, Colombia dominated the Tucson Qualifiers in March, sweeping their opponents while allowing just one run across the entire tournament. Third baseman Gio Urshela expressed the team’s renewed focus: “I know what happened two years ago. We feel really bad about it. Now this year, hopefully we’ll be better.”

Colombia will face a tough road in San Juan, with powerhouse teams like Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Panama in the mix. Adding extra intrigue is a rematch against Canada — the team that shut them out, 5-0, in the 2023 tournament.

Game to Watch: Cuba vs. Puerto Rico — March 9, 2026

A must-see showdown between two of the most storied baseball nations. This highly anticipated matchup will mark the first meeting between Cuba and Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic since 2006, when they split their two games — Puerto Rico dominating the first, 12-2, before Cuba answered with a narrow 4-3 win. With both sides eyeing a deep tournament run, this game could play a pivotal role in shaping Pool A’s outcome.

World Baseball Classic 2026 Pool B: Houston — Minute Maid Park

Dates: March 6-11, 2026

United States

2023 Result: Runner-up (Lost to Japan in Final)
WBSC World Ranking: 5

Team USA came within one swing of repeating as World Baseball Classic champions in 2023. In a dramatic final against Japan, it all came down to Shohei Ohtani on the mound and one final at-bat — but the Americans fell just short in a 3-2 thriller. Along the way, shortstop Trea Turner delivered one of the tournament’s most memorable moments: a go-ahead grand slam against Venezuela in the quarterfinals. Turner finished tied for the tournament lead with five home runs.

With a deep talent pool and unfinished business, the U.S. returns to the 2026 WBC looking to reclaim the title.

Mexico

2023 Result: Tied for 3rd (Lost to Japan in Semifinals)
WBSC World Ranking: 4

Mexico’s 2023 run was its best-ever performance in World Baseball Classic history — and nearly even better. Leading powerhouse Japan, 5-4, entering the bottom of the ninth in the semifinals, Mexico saw its dream run end on a walk-off double. Still, the tournament marked a breakthrough moment for Mexican baseball, fueled by the electric play of Randy Arozarena.

Since then, the sport has surged in popularity across Mexico, with rising attendance numbers and increased youth participation making the future of Mexican baseball brighter than ever.

Italy

2023 Result: Quarterfinalist (Lost to Japan)
WBSC World Ranking: 14

Under the leadership of Hall of Famer Mike Piazza, Italy embraced a new identity in 2023, blending its Italian-American talent with homegrown players through its “Mission Classic” initiative. The Italians battled hard against eventual champions Japan in the quarterfinals before falling, 9-3.

Piazza has made it clear that the mission doesn’t end there — Italy is committed to growing the game domestically, with hopes of seeing more Italian-born players on future rosters.

Great Britain

2023 Result: 4th in Pool C
WBSC World Ranking: 18

In its World Baseball Classic debut, Great Britain made history — and ensured it wouldn’t be a one-time appearance. With a crucial 7-5 win over Colombia in pool play, GB secured automatic qualification for 2026. Catcher Harry Ford starred with two home runs during the tournament.

For manager Drew Spencer, the 2023 campaign was about more than just results: “When you’re managing a national team, you’re not playing for one game or one season — you’re playing for generations,” he said. Now, Great Britain turns the page to its next chapter on the international stage.

Brazil

2023 Result: Qualified via Tucson Qualifiers
WBSC World Ranking: 23

After missing out on the 2023 tournament, Brazil returned to the World Baseball Classic in style — defeating Germany, 6-4, in the Tucson Qualifiers to book its ticket to Houston. Veteran leaders like Lucas Rojo and longtime national team star Leonardo Reginatto helped guide the team back to the big stage.

For Reginatto, who owns the record for most hits in WBC Qualifier history, this appearance will be a fitting capstone to his international career: “This is a dream come true — not only for me, for a lot of guys — and we’re very happy to qualify.”

Game to Watch: Mexico vs. United States — March 9, 2026

Few international sports rivalries deliver the passion and energy of Mexico vs. USA — and this time, it’s baseball’s turn to take center stage. The last time these teams met in World Baseball Classic play was back in 2013, when Mexico stunned the Americans with a 5-2 victory.

World Baseball Classic 2026 Pool C Location: Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan

Dates: March 5-10, 2026

Pool C of the 2026 World Baseball Classic is shaping up to be must-watch baseball. Hosted at the iconic Tokyo Dome, the group features international powerhouse Japan, rising squads like Australia and Chinese Taipei, and fan-favorite underdogs Czechia. Let’s break down the teams to watch.

Japan

2023 Finish: Champions
WBSC Ranking: 1

Japan is the gold standard in international baseball — and the defending World Baseball Classic champions are back to defend their crown. The Samurai Japan squad has won a record three WBC titles and continues to dominate globally — their women’s team recently captured its seventh straight Women’s Baseball World Cup.

Superstar Shohei Ohtani earned All-WBC Team honors at both designated hitter and pitcher in 2023, while Masataka Yoshida added another big bat to the lineup.

Japan will be the team to beat — again.

Australia

2023 Finish: Lost to Cuba in Quarterfinals
WBSC Ranking: 12

Australia returns looking to build off a strong 2023 showing — though they’ll hope to avoid another heartbreak against Cuba. Manager Dave Nilsson’s creative pitching strategy — limiting starters to one trip through the lineup — kept opposing teams guessing last time around.

Veteran outfielder and team captain Tim Kennelly, also a firefighter, led by example in 2023 and recently set the Australian Baseball League’s all-time home run record.

Korea

2023 Finish: 3rd in Pool B
WBSC Ranking: 6

Korea enters 2026 with something to prove. The team hasn’t advanced beyond pool play since finishing as runner-up in 2009.

MLB stars like Ha-Seong Kim (Padres) and Jung Hoo Lee (Giants) delivered standout performances in 2023, but bullpen struggles hurt Korea’s chances. With a talented core returning, Korea will look to break its WBC slump.

Czechia

2023 Finish: 4th in Pool B
WBSC Ranking: 15

Czechia became a global baseball Cinderella story in 2023. Made up largely of homegrown players with day jobs outside baseball, the team upset Spain in the qualifiers and earned a dramatic ninth-inning win over China.

Can this scrappy underdog nation make more magic in Tokyo?

Chinese Taipei

2023 Finish: 2-2, Tied for Last in Pool A
WBSC Ranking: 2

Fresh off a historic Premier12 tournament victory — where they upset Japan for gold — Chinese Taipei returns with a loaded roster and momentum.

With MLB prospect Yu-Min Lin and other rising stars available, manager Hao-Jiu Tseng’s team will need to survive a brutally tough pool to advance.

Tseng summed up their mission:

“We got a little closer [to Japan]. But this one win is not everything… We need to make more effort, get even closer to the team in Japan.”

Game to Watch: Japan vs. Czechia — March 10, 2026

This rematch from 2023 is more than just a game — it’s a cultural moment.

Czechia’s Ondrej Satoria famously struck out Shohei Ohtani with his “Worker” changeup, and their underdog spirit won over Japanese fans. The moment sparked a lasting partnership between the baseball federations of both countries.

World Baseball Classic 2026 Pool D Location: loanDepot park, Miami

Dates: March 6-11

Pool D of the 2026 World Baseball Classic is shaping up to be one of the most competitive groups in the tournament. Featuring powerhouse teams like Venezuela and the Dominican Republic alongside talented squads from the Netherlands, Israel, and Nicaragua, fans in Miami are in for a thrilling slate of games.

Venezuela

2023 Finish: Quarterfinals (Lost to USA)
WBSC Ranking: 3

Venezuela dominated pool play in 2023, going a perfect 4-0 while allowing just nine runs despite facing elite competition like the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Israel, and Nicaragua. They nearly upset Team USA in the quarterfinals, leading 7-5 in the eighth inning before Trea Turner’s grand slam turned the tide.

Catcher Salvador Perez earned All-WBC honors after hitting .429 with a home run and six RBIs. The pitching staff, led by Astros’ Luis Garcia and Twins’ Pablo López, remains one of the tournament’s most dangerous.

Dominican Republic

2023 Finish: 3rd Place in Pool D
WBSC Ranking: 11

Despite entering the 2023 tournament as one of the heavy favorites, the Dominican Republic fell short in pool play — failing to advance past the group stage for the first time since 2009. Losses to Venezuela (5-1) and Puerto Rico (5-2) sealed their fate.

With a star-studded lineup featuring Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Manny Machado, and Juan Soto, the D.R. will look to bounce back in 2026. Soto shined in 2023, blasting two home runs and posting a 1.500 OPS.

Netherlands

2023 Finish: 3rd Place in Pool A
WBSC Ranking: 7

The Netherlands appeared poised for another deep WBC run after starting 2-0 in 2023, but back-to-back losses to Italy and Chinese Taipei left them in a five-way tie — missing out on advancement.

Veteran Shairon Martis, who threw the first no-hitter in WBC history, provided a bright spot with 3 1/3 scoreless innings.

Israel

2023 Finish: 4th Place in Pool D
WBSC Ranking: 19

After their Cinderella run in 2017, Israel couldn’t replicate that magic in 2023. They managed one win — a 3-1 victory over Nicaragua. Orioles pitcher Dean Kremer impressed with four shutout innings, continuing to represent Israeli baseball on the world stage.

Nicaragua

2023 Finish: 0-4 in Pool D
WBSC Ranking: 16

Nicaragua will be seeking its first-ever WBC win in 2026. Known for its stingy pitching staff led by Ronald Medrano, Nicaragua impressed in the Taipei Qualifier, allowing just two runs and a .165 opponent batting average. However, their lack of offense proved costly in 2023 — scoring just one run in each game.

Game to Watch: Venezuela vs. Dominican Republic — March 11

The final game of Pool D could be a must-win clash between two of baseball’s biggest powerhouses. Whether for seeding or survival, Venezuela vs. D.R. has all the makings of a classic WBC showdown.