.The Globe Baseball Classic is readied to return for a sixth edition in 2026. The event, which includes worldwide staffs comprised of a few of the globe's finest baseball ability, will certainly begin along with 4 Pool Groups competing coming from March 5-11. Japan will definitely complete once again as the reigning WBC champs after defeating the U.S., 3-2, in the national championship in 2023 with the assistance Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani.The initially 16 crews readied to compete in the 2026 WBC are actually: Puerto Rico, Cuba, Canada, Panama (Swimming Pool A) U.S.A., Mexico, Italy, Great Britain (Swimming Pool B) Japan, Australia, Korea, Czechia (Pool C) Venezuela, Dominican State, Netherlands, Israel (Pool D). Four more certifying staffs will definitely be actually incorporated ahead of the event to round out the last 20, and the preliminary sphere of play will definitely happen according to the complying with routine: MARCH 5-10Pool C at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, JapanMARCH 6-11Pool A at Hiram Bithorn Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto RicoPool B at Moment Maid Park in Houston, TexasPool D at LoanDepot Park in Miami, FloridaMiami will certainly likewise hold the semifinals as well as championship game.Japan is the only nation to have actually gained the WBC greater than as soon as, taking home the championship hardware in 2009 and also 2006 aside from 2023. Various other past victors include the U.S. (2017) and also the Dominican Republic (2013 ). [Want wonderful tales provided right to your inbox? Develop or visit to your FOX Sports account, observe leagues, crews and also players to obtain a customized e-newsletter daily.] Comply with Follow your favorites to individualize your FOX Athletics experience Globe Baseball Standard Obtain extra coming from World Baseball Standard Observe your preferences to obtain information about video games, news and also additional.