The World Baseball Classic 2026 is officially underway as of March 5, 2026. This is the biggest international baseball tournament, where the best national teams from around the world compete for glory. The action started today with exciting games in the first round, and the tournament will run until March 17. Twenty teams are playing in a fast and exciting format that includes group stages followed by direct knockout games. Top Major League Baseball stars and rising talents are all wearing their country’s uniform, making every game feel special.

The first-round games are being played in four different cities across three countries or territories. Tokyo, Japan, hosts Pool C, where we already saw Australia beat Chinese Taipei 3-0 on March 4 and South Korea defeat Czechia 11-4 today. San Juan, Puerto Rico, is home to Pool A with teams like Puerto Rico, Cuba, Panama, Colombia, and Canada. Houston, Texas, in the United States, hosts Pool B, which includes the powerful United States team along with Brazil, Great Britain, Mexico, and Italy. Miami, Florida, in the United States, organizes Pool D and will also hold the semifinals and the big final game at loanDepot park on March 17.

The format keeps the excitement high with twenty teams divided into four groups of five. The top two teams from each group move on to the quarterfinals on March 13 and 14, then the semifinals on March 15 and 16, and finally the championship game on March 17. In total, there will be 47 games, which means lots of action, close matches, and the chance for big surprises, especially in tough groups like the one in Puerto Rico or Houston.

Before the tournament began, experts ranked the United States as the number one favorite to win, followed closely by the Dominican Republic, Japan, Venezuela, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Japan wants to defend the title they won in 2023, while the Dominican Republic and the United States hope to take back the crown they lost in past editions. In Pool B, the U.S. team has a very strong lineup with big names like Aaron Judge, Tarik Skubal, and Paul Skenes, making their group one of the most exciting and difficult in the whole tournament.

Some of the most anticipated games in the coming days include the United States facing Brazil on March 6, Mexico taking on the United States on March 9, and several important matchups in Tokyo where Japan will play strong teams from Asia and Oceania. In San Juan, the game between Puerto Rico and Cuba is expected to be full of passion and history. Fans can watch most games in the United States and Latin America on FOX, FS1, FS2, FOX Deportes, and the Tubi streaming platform, with live options available everywhere.

As always happens in the World Baseball Classic, some teams had to make last-minute changes because of injuries. For example, the Dominican Republic replaced a few pitchers in their bullpen, and there are still questions about other key arms. Even with these changes, the tournament remains the perfect stage for both experienced MLB players and young stars to shine for their country, delivering baseball at a level similar to the MLB playoffs.

This 2026 edition feels extra special after the great success of 2023. With more countries involved, new teams earning their spot through qualifiers, and a clear goal to grow baseball around the world, the WBC 2026 gives fans a rare chance to see the biggest stars playing with heart and pride for their nation. Every pitch and every hit carries the weight of history and national pride. The best of international baseball is happening right now—enjoy every moment!