2026 World Baseball Classic unveils format, pools, schedule
Rob Tringali / Major League Baseball / Getty
The 2026 World Baseball Classic will run from March 5-17 in San Juan, Houston, Tokyo, and Miami, tournament organizers announced Wednesday.
The top two countries from each pool will progress to the quarterfinal rounds, which are scheduled to take place at Houston's Minute Maid Park and Miami's loanDepot Park. The semifinals and final will also be held in Miami from March 15-17.
Japan is the defending champion after beating the United States in the 2023 event to secure its third WBC title.
Pool A
San Juan, Puerto Rico
March 6-11, 2026
| Team |
|---|
| Puerto Rico |
| Cuba |
| Canada |
| Panama |
| Qualifier |
Pool B
Houston, Texas
March 6-11, 2026
| Team |
|---|
| United States |
| Mexico |
| Italy |
| Great Britain |
| Qualifier |
Pool C
Tokyo, Japan
March 5-10, 2026
| Pool C |
|---|
| Japan |
| Australia |
| Korea |
| Czechia |
| Qualifier |
Pool D
Miami, Florida
March 6-11, 2026
| Pool D |
|---|
| Venezuela |
| Dominican Republic |
| Netherlands |
| Israel |
| Qualifier |