Phillies, Mets Players Headline 2026 World Baseball Classic

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The 2026 World Baseball Classic, an international baseball tournament held every four years, is set to begin in early March. The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets will both have over a dozen players representing either the United States or their home countries in the 20-team competition. The Phillies will host Canada in an exhibition game on March 4, while the Mets will host Nicaragua on March 3 in preparation for the tournament.

Why it matters

The World Baseball Classic provides a unique opportunity for baseball fans to see some of the sport's top stars compete for their home countries. With several Phillies and Mets players participating, the NL East division rivalry could add an extra layer of excitement and competitiveness to the international tournament.

The details

The 2026 World Baseball Classic will feature 20 teams competing in a tournament-style format. Major League Baseball has confirmed that the Philadelphia Phillies will have more than a dozen players on various national rosters, while the New York Mets will have nearly 20 players suiting up for the event. Prior to the start of the tournament, the Phillies will host Canada in an exhibition game on March 4, and the Mets will host Nicaragua on March 3.

• The 2026 World Baseball Classic begins on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
• The Philadelphia Phillies will host Canada in an exhibition game on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
• The New York Mets will host Nicaragua in an exhibition game on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

What’s next

The World Baseball Classic tournament will begin on March 3, 2026, with the championship game scheduled for March 23, 2026.