Bettors Backing Team USA Ahead of 2026 World Baseball Classic Opener

The Americans are the favorites to win the tournament after a runner-up finish in 2023.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, bettors are heavily backing Team USA to win the tournament. The Americans, who are led by a star-studded roster including Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, and Shohei Ohtani, are the odds-on favorites at -110 to win the WBC after finishing as runners-up in 2023. More than 45% of the bets and handle are on Team USA to take home the title this year.

Why it matters

Team USA's strong performance in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and their loaded roster for the 2026 tournament have made them the clear favorites among bettors. This reflects the high expectations for the American squad and the belief that they have the talent to win their first WBC title since the inaugural tournament in 2006.

The details

The Americans have seen their odds shift dramatically, moving from +160 to win the tournament at opening to -110 as of Thursday afternoon. Over 45% of the bets and nearly 47% of the handle are on Team USA, who will be led by a pitching staff headlined by Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes and Logan Webb. Offensively, the lineup features big names like Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr., Cal Raleigh, Bryce Harper and Pete Crow-Armstrong.

  • The 2026 World Baseball Classic will begin on Friday, March 6, 2026.

The players

Team USA

The United States national baseball team competing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Tarik Skubal

A starting pitcher on the Team USA roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Paul Skenes

A starting pitcher on the Team USA roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Logan Webb

A starting pitcher on the Team USA roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Aaron Judge

An outfielder on the Team USA roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

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What’s next

Team USA will open the 2026 World Baseball Classic against Brazil on Friday, March 6, 2026.

The takeaway

The high level of betting action on Team USA reflects the belief that they have the talent and experience to win their first World Baseball Classic title since 2006. With a loaded roster of MLB stars, the Americans are the clear favorites heading into the tournament.