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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

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