What is the 2026 World Baseball Classic?
The 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) is the sixth edition of the premier international baseball tournament. Sanctioned by the WBSC, the 2026 tournament features 20 nations competing for the title of World Champion. Returning to iconic venues like the Tokyo Dome, Hiram Bithorn Stadium, and loanDepot Park, the 2026 Classic promises to be the most-watched event in baseball history.
Key Storylines for 2026
- The Return of Shohei Ohtani: After a historic 2023 MVP performance, Ohtani leads Samurai Japan in their quest for a fourth title.
- Team USA Redemption: Captain Aaron Judge and ace Paul Skenes look to bring the gold back to the United States after a silver-medal finish in 2023.
- The "Redemption" DR Squad: Under manager Albert Pujols, the Dominican Republic is stacked with talent including Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Juan Soto.
- Host Venues: For the first time, Houston's Daikin Park joins the rotation as a primary host city.
