.The World Baseball Classic is actually set to return for a 6th version in 2026. The tournament, which features global groups composed of some of the planet's greatest baseball ability, will definitely begin with 4 Pool Groups competing coming from March 5-11. Japan will certainly complete once again as the reigning WBC champions after defeating the united state, 3-2, in the championship game in 2023 along with the assistance Los Angeles Dodgers celebrity Shohei Ohtani.The first 16 teams readied to complete in the 2026 WBC are: Puerto Rico, Cuba, Canada, Panama (Swimming Pool A) U.S.A., Mexico, Italy, Great Britain (Swimming Pool B) Asia, Australia, Korea, Czechia (Pool C) Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Netherlands, Israel (Pool D). Four even more certifying teams will definitely be added in front of the event to complete the last 20, and the initial sphere of play will definitely take place depending on to the following schedule: MARCH 5-10Pool C at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, JapanMARCH 6-11Pool A at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto RicoPool B at Moment Housemaid Park in Houston, TexasPool D at LoanDepot Park in Miami, FloridaMiami will likewise throw the semifinals and also championship game.Japan is the only nation to have actually gained the WBC greater than as soon as, take away the champion equipment in 2009 and also 2006 in addition to 2023. Various other previous champions consist of the USA (2017) and the Dominican State (2013 ). [Want great tales delivered straight to your inbox? Generate or even visit to your FOX Athletics profile, observe organizations, teams as well as players to get a customized bulletin daily.] Comply with Follow your faves to customize your FOX Athletics encounter World Baseball Standard Get even more from World Baseball Standard Follow your preferences to receive info regarding activities, headlines and even more.