2026 World Baseball Classic Opens March 4

The 2026 World Baseball Classic kicks off on Wednesday, March 4, with a single opening game, drawing top Major League Baseball talent from around the globe to compete for international glory in locations spanning Puerto Rico, the United States, and Japan. The tournament, which elevates national pride just before MLB spring training concludes, features 20 teams divided into four pools, culminating in quarterfinals, semifinals, and a championship all hosted at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.

Organized by Major League Baseball and the international players' association, the event begins with Pool C action at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan, where Australia faces Chinese Taipei at 10 p.m. Eastern Time. Subsequent days ramp up to eight games on Friday, March 6, covering all pools. Pool A games will unfold at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, including matchups like Cuba versus Canada and Puerto Rico against Panama. Pool B contests head to Daikin Park in Houston, Texas, with the United States opening against Brazil on March 6 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Pool D rounds out the group stage at loanDepot Park, pitting powerhouses such as the Dominican Republic against Nicaragua and...