The 2026 edition of the World Baseball Classic kicks off tonight, technically Thursday locally in Japan but the time difference will make it late Wednesday night for those watching in the Western Hemisphere. Australia will face off against Chinese Taipei in the opening contest.
The 2023 version had memorable moments, both exhilarating and heartbreaking. The Dominican Republic squad was stunningly knocked out by Puerto Rico in the group stage, but the celebration for the latter club quickly turned sour when Edwin Díaz suffered a knee injury that ultimately wiped out his major league season. Puerto Rico was then knocked out in the quarterfinals when Mexico put up a three spot in the seventh inning, giving them a 5-4 win. Mexico then seemed on the verge of knocking out Japan in the semis but Munetaka Murakami hit a two-run double to walk it off.
The final then led to an exciting and memorable climax, with Japan leading the United States 3-2 going into the ninth. Japan sent Shohei Ohtani, their designated hitter, to the mound to get the final three outs. Ohtani walked Jeff McNeil but then got Mookie Betts to ground into a double play. Ohtani’s then-teammate with the Angels Mike Trout stepped to the plate with the title on the line. Trout worked a full count but was ultimately punched out by Ohtani, giving Japan the crown.
Japan has been the most successful club in WBC history, with that being their third title. They also won in 2006 and 2009. The Dominican Republic emerged victorious in 2013, followed by the United States in 2017. There was then a bigger gap than usual due to the pandemic, with the 2021 version getting pushed to 2023.
This year’s version will again feature a whole bunch of big names. Japan has Ohtani, Murakami, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Kazuma Okamoto, Seiya Suzuki and more. The Americans are loaded with stars like Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, Bryce Harper and more. The Dominicans have Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Manny Machado, Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr. The Venezuelans have brothers Willson Contreras and William Contreras. The Canadians have brothers Josh Naylor and Bo Naylor. Puerto Rico has Nolan Arenado, the Great Britain team has Jazz Chisholm Jr., Mexico has Jarren Duran, Italy has Vinnie Pasquantino and on and on. Full rosters can be viewed here.
Who do you think will take it all? Cast your vote in MLBTR’s poll.
Who will win the 2026 World Baseball Classic?
Photo courtesy of Sam Navarro, Imagn Images
Me.
@DarkSide830
Sure, but which of those countries are you from? I’m going to guess… Netherlands.
I see Dante Bichette Jr leading Team Brazil to the finish line.
Nicaragua is about to shock the world!
I’m liking Team Czechia to win it all. Those guys got a taste of winning baseball and will want some more.
I hear they have an electrician that can really pitch.
Where is the Dodgers option?
Sir, that’s Team Japan, but obviously Japan won’t win. Zero chance. /sarcasm
It’s obviously Team Australia. Don’t underestimate the folks from down under! This will be a huge surprise!
@Acoss1331
Japan’s not getting out of their group stage. Czechia & Australia moving on!
After seeing what they brought the world in women’s break dancing, I will never count out the Aussies again!!
I always think of this as Japan’s tournament to lose.
Iran isn’t a choice?
They aren’t even in the tournament.
They’re a little busy at the moment.
Should incl 1 more option
“Who cares?”
A lot of people do. Allow others to enjoy things.
Anyone who likes to see a couple weeks of good baseball before the league starts 🤷♂️
Team USA. I’d like Chinese Taipei vs Team USA though.
Val Verde, the fake Central American country in Die Hard 2 and Commando.
Pretty predictable results for a US website.
I thought Puerto Rico was forced to withdrawal because of BS insurance issues and maybe even visa issues
Nah, it was punishment for the Super Bowl halftime show…
What did they do? Refuse to watch that hot garbage of a halftime show?
@Player Formly known as Logjammer D’Baggagecling
Puerto Rico is all about drama. It’s the main reason for their existence. Take that away and they don’t have a culture.
Every now and then I’m reminded why I don’t come here much anymore.
I was going to vote for Greenland/Denmark but couldn’t find them…
Went to the USA at Giants game yesterday. Unreal experience.
I think this year’s USA squad has a deeper pitching staff than 23’s with a really solid defense, especially on the grass.
Anything can happen in a single elimination format but the US should at least reach the final.