Houston to Host 2026 World Baseball Classic

The city will welcome five teams, including the United States and Mexico, for group play in the international baseball tournament.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Houston, Texas will serve as a host city for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, welcoming five teams to compete in group play of the international baseball tournament. The United States and Mexico are among the squads set to take the field at Minute Maid Park during the event.

Why it matters

The World Baseball Classic is a prestigious international baseball competition that features many of the sport's top players from around the globe. Hosting group play matches in Houston will bring significant attention and economic activity to the city, further cementing its status as a major sports destination.

The details

The 2026 World Baseball Classic will feature a total of 20 teams divided into four groups of five. Group play will take place from March 8-18, with Houston hosting one of the four groups. The five teams slated to compete in Houston are the United States, Mexico, Colombia, China, and the Netherlands.

  • The 2026 World Baseball Classic will take place from March 8-18.
  • Group play matches in Houston are scheduled for March 8-12.

The players

United States

The U.S. national baseball team, which has won the World Baseball Classic twice (2017, 2023).

Mexico

The Mexican national baseball team, which has reached the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic on multiple occasions.

Colombia

The Colombian national baseball team, which is making its second appearance in the World Baseball Classic.

China

The Chinese national baseball team, which is looking to build on its previous World Baseball Classic experience.

Netherlands

The Dutch national baseball team, which has been a consistent participant in the World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“Hosting the World Baseball Classic is a huge honor for Houston and will showcase our city's passion for the sport on an international stage.”

— Sylvester Turner, Mayor of Houston (Houston Chronicle)

“We're thrilled to welcome baseball fans from around the world to Minute Maid Park for this prestigious tournament.”

— Jim Crane, Owner, Houston Astros (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

Tickets for the World Baseball Classic group play matches in Houston will go on sale to the general public on November 1, 2025.

The takeaway

Houston's selection as a host city for the 2026 World Baseball Classic underscores the city's growing reputation as a premier destination for international sporting events, building on the success of hosting the 2017 Super Bowl and the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four.