2026 World Baseball Classic Schedule Released

Team USA's star-studded roster set to compete in pool play starting March 6 in Houston

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The full schedule for the 2026 World Baseball Classic has been released, with the tournament set to begin on March 4 in Japan, Puerto Rico, Houston, and Miami. Team USA's roster features a lineup of MLB superstars like Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, and Clayton Kershaw, managed by Mark DeRosa. All games will be broadcast on Fox and its affiliated networks and streaming services.

Why it matters

The World Baseball Classic is a highly anticipated international baseball tournament that showcases the best players from around the world. After a three-year hiatus, the return of the WBC in 2026 will provide baseball fans with an exciting prelude to the upcoming MLB season, as top talents from various countries compete for the championship.

The details

Team USA will compete in Pool B, opening their tournament on March 6 against Brazil at 8 p.m. Eastern time in Houston. They will then face Great Britain on March 7, Mexico on March 9, and Italy on March 10, all at the same 8 p.m. Eastern time slot. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the quarterfinals, which will be held on March 13 and 14 in Miami and Houston. The semifinals are scheduled for March 15 and 16 in Miami, with the championship game taking place on March 17, also in Miami.

  • The 2026 World Baseball Classic starts on March 4, with pool games in Japan, Puerto Rico, Houston, and Miami.
  • Team USA's first game is on March 6 at 8 p.m. Eastern time against Brazil in Houston.
  • The quarterfinals will be held on March 13 and 14 in Miami and Houston.
  • The semifinals are scheduled for March 15 and 16 in Miami.
  • The championship game will take place on March 17 in Miami.

The players

Aaron Judge

Reigning American League MVP and star outfielder for the New York Yankees.

Bryce Harper

Superstar outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Clayton Kershaw

Future Hall of Fame pitcher who recently retired from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Mark DeRosa

Former MLB player who is set to manage Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Shohei Ohtani

Superstar two-way player who will represent Japan in the tournament.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I really appreciate that I was able to have the great experience. As I say, the next generation, the kids who are playing baseball, I was hoping that those people would like to play baseball. That would make me happy.”

— Shohei Ohtani

What’s next

Single-game tickets for all venues are available for purchase at WorldBaseballClassic.com/tickets.

The takeaway

The return of the World Baseball Classic in 2026 will provide baseball fans with an exciting prelude to the upcoming MLB season, as top talents from various countries compete for the championship on the global stage.