.The World Baseball Classic is actually readied to return for a sixth version in 2026. The competition, which features global staffs made up of several of the globe's greatest baseball ability, will certainly begin with 4 Swimming pool Groups completing coming from March 5-11. Asia is going to compete once again as the ruling WBC champions after defeating the united state, 3-2, in the national championship in 2023 with the aid Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani.The first 16 staffs readied to complete in the 2026 WBC are actually: Puerto Rico, Cuba, Canada, Panama (Pool A) United States, Mexico, Italy, Great Britain (Pool B) Asia, Australia, Korea, Czechia (Swimming Pool C) Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Netherlands, Israel (Pool D). 4 more certifying crews will be actually incorporated in front of the tournament to complete the final 20, and the first round of play are going to take place depending on to the complying with timetable: MARCH 5-10Pool C at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, JapanMARCH 6-11Pool A at Hiram Bithorn Arena in San Juan, Puerto RicoPool B at Minute House Maid Playground in Houston, TexasPool D at LoanDepot Park in Miami, FloridaMiami will likewise hold the semifinals as well as championship game.Japan is actually the only nation to have gained the WBC more than when, taking home the championship hardware in 2009 and 2006 along with 2023. Other previous champions include the united state (2017) as well as the Dominican State (2013 ). [Want wonderful tales delivered straight to your inbox? Create or even log in to your FOX Sports profile, adhere to organizations, crews and players to obtain an individualized email list daily.] Comply with Follow your favorites to individualize your FOX Athletics experience Globe Baseball Classic Receive much more from World Baseball Standard Follow your faves to obtain info about video games, updates as well as more.