MLB · 11 hours ago

Inside the 2026 World Baseball Classic: Pool-by-Pool Preview

David Martinez

Host · Writer

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Who is Your Pick to Win the 2026 World Baseball Classic?

The stage is set for the most competitive World Baseball Classic in history. From the star power of the Dominican Republic to the disciplined pitching of Japan and the high-octane offense of Team USA, the margins for error have never been thinner.

Will a "growth tier" nation like Mexico or Italy pull off a massive upset in the quarterfinals? Or will we see a legendary rematch of the 2023 final in Miami?

We want to hear from you: * Which nation has the most impressive roster?
- Which Angels, Dodgers, or Padres player are you most excited to watch on the international stage?
- Does Team USA have enough pitching to take back the trophy?
Sound off in the comments and let us know your championship prediction!
World Baseball Classic - The Road Back to Miami
2026 World Baseball Classic Begins

MIAMI — Three years ago at LoanDepot Park, Shohei Ohtani struck out then-Angels teammate Mike Trout for the final out in Japan's World Baseball Classic title. Tonight, the road back to Miami begins.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic returns with its 2023 format: four pools of five nations, with the top two advancing to a seeded knockout bracket. Quarterfinals will open at Houston’s Daikin Park before the tournament shifts back to Miami for the final two quarterfinals, the semifinals and the championship.

From Japan's quest to repeat and a record fourth title, to the American revenge tour — catch up on all the major storylines heading into the sixth edition of baseball's premier international tournament.

The three teams in The Sporting Tribune's coverage region are well represented in this tournament. The Angels, Dodgers and Padres have representatives across 15 of the 20 participating nations — meaning all four pools will feature familiar faces.
Pool A Preview (San Juan)
A Balanced Battle: Emotional Return to Puerto Rico

Teams: Puerto Rico, Cuba, Canada, Panama, Colombia

Location: Hiram Bithorn Stadium - San Juan, Puerto Rico

This may be the most balanced pool in the tournament. There are no overwhelming superpowers here. No clear favorite. That’s what makes it dangerous.

Puerto Rico gets the emotional edge. Pool play returns to San Juan for the first time since 2013. The island has twice finished runner-up (2013, 2017) and is chasing its first title. But the roster looks different this time. Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa and Javier Báez are out due to insurance issues. Still, the bullpen will be anchored by Edwin Díaz, returning after the devastating knee injury he suffered celebrating in 2023.

Canada enters without Freddie Freeman but with one of the most intriguing lineups in the pool. The Naylor brothers headline the offense, joined by Tyler O’Neill. Colombia and Panama represent the growth tier of international baseball. Colombia brings veteran starters José Quintana and Julio Teheran, while Panama counters with AL stolen-base leader José Caballero. Cuba might be the wildcard with Livan Moinelo, one of the most dominant pitchers in Japan’s NPB.
Pool B Preview (Houston)
Redemption Tour: Team USA Faces Heavyweight Competition

Teams: United States, Mexico, Italy, Great Britain, Brazil

Location: Daikin Park - Houston, TX

Team USA calls it a redemption tour. After falling 3–2 to Japan in the 2023 final, the Americans return with what might be their most complete roster ever assembled. Aaron Judge captains a lineup that includes Bryce Harper, Bobby Witt Jr., and Gunnar Henderson. On the mound, Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal front a staff that also includes Clayton Kershaw, coming out of retirement for one more run.

But Mexico already proved it can beat them. In 2023, Mexico stunned the U.S. 11–5 in pool play. This roster might be deeper with Jarren Duran and Alejandro Kirk lengthening the lineup. Italy is quietly dangerous after reaching the quarterfinals in 2023; with Aaron Nola and Adam Ottavino added, they could once again disrupt expectations.
Pool C Preview (Tokyo)
Defending the Crown: Japan Remains the Giant in Tokyo

Teams: Japan, Australia, Korea, Czechia, Chinese Taipei Location: Tokyo Dome - Tokyo, Japan

Japan enters as defending WBC champion and reigning Olympic gold medalist. Shohei Ohtani returns — this time expected to hit only — alongside Yoshinobu Yamamoto. No nation has won more than one WBC title except Japan. It owns three.

Chinese Taipei ended Japan’s 27-game international winning streak at the Premier12, making them a legitimate threat. Korea hasn’t advanced past the first round since 2009; Jung Hoo Lee will carry major offensive responsibility to break that streak. Australia looks to build on their 2023 breakthrough by adding 2024 No. 1 overall pick Travis Bazzana.
Pool D Preview (Miami)
Pool D — The Group of Death in Miami

Teams: Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Netherlands, Israel, Nicaragua Location: LoanDepot Park - Miami, FL

The Dominican Republic looks like a juggernaut. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto, Julio Rodríguez, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado headline a lineup that could overwhelm anyone. Albert Pujols takes over as manager, looking to avoid the early exit that plagued the team in 2023.

Venezuela is just as loaded with Ronald Acuña Jr., Luis Arraez, and Salvador Perez. They swept a pool containing both the D.R. and Puerto Rico in 2023. The Netherlands, managed by Hall of Famer Andruw Jones, features Xander Bogaerts and Ozzie Albies, while Israel looks to recapture its 2017 magic behind Harrison Bader. Pool D might be the most top-heavy and volatile group in the tournament.

Teams: Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Netherlands, Israel, Nicaragua Location: LoanDepot Park - Miami, FL

The Dominican Republic looks like a juggernaut. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto, Julio Rodríguez, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado headline a lineup that could overwhelm anyone. Albert Pujols takes over as manager, looking to avoid the early exit that plagued the team in 2023.

Venezuela is just as loaded with Ronald Acuña Jr., Luis Arraez, and Salvador Perez. They swept a pool containing both the D.R. and Puerto Rico in 2023. The Netherlands, managed by Hall of Famer Andruw Jones, features Xander Bogaerts and Ozzie Albies, while Israel looks to recapture its 2017 magic behind Harrison Bader. Pool D might be the most top-heavy and volatile group in the tournament.
San Diego Padres: Powerhouse Presence in the WBC
San Diego Padres Representatives

San Diego’s star power is on full display, particularly within the powerhouse rosters of the Dominican Republic and Italy.
- Xander Bogaerts (Netherlands)
- Miguel Cienfuegos (Panama)
- Alek Jacob (Italy)
- Carter Loewen (Canada)
- Manny Machado (Dominican Republic)
- Josh Mallitz (Israel)
- Ron Marinaccio (Italy)
- Yuki Matsui (Japan)
- Mason Miller (United States)
- Wandy Peralta (Dominican Republic)
- Fernando Tatis Jr. (Dominican Republic)
Los Angeles Dodgers: Star-Studded International Core
Los Angeles Dodgers Representatives at WBC

The boys in blue are heavily featured, including the reigning WBC MVP and several key members of their championship-caliber core.
- Edwin Díaz (Puerto Rico)
- Jake Gelof (Israel)
- Kiké Hernandez (Puerto Rico)
- Hyeseong Kim (Korea)
- Antonio Knowles (Great Britain)
- Shawndrick Oduber (Netherlands)
- Shohei Ohtani (Japan)
- Will Smith (United States)
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Japan)
Los Angeles Angels: Global Talent on Display
Los Angeles Angels Representatives at WBC

The Halos are sending a diverse group of talent across the globe, featuring established veterans and rising prospects alike.
- Sam Aldegheri (Italy)
- Gustavo Campero (Colombia)
- Yusei Kikuchi (Japan)
- Matthew Lugo (Puerto Rico)
- Yoán Moncada (Cuba)
- Samy Natera Jr. (Mexico)
- Lucas Ramirez (Brazil)
- Najer Victor (Great Britain)
Join the Conversation
Who is Your Pick to Win the 2026 World Baseball Classic?

The stage is set for the most competitive World Baseball Classic in history. From the star power of the Dominican Republic to the disciplined pitching of Japan and the high-octane offense of Team USA, the margins for error have never been thinner.

Will a "growth tier" nation like Mexico or Italy pull off a massive upset in the quarterfinals? Or will we see a legendary rematch of the 2023 final in Miami?

We want to hear from you: * Which nation has the most impressive roster?
- Which Angels, Dodgers, or Padres player are you most excited to watch on the international stage?
- Does Team USA have enough pitching to take back the trophy?
Sound off in the comments and let us know your championship prediction!
World Baseball Classic - The Road Back to Miami
2026 World Baseball Classic Begins

MIAMI — Three years ago at LoanDepot Park, Shohei Ohtani struck out then-Angels teammate Mike Trout for the final out in Japan's World Baseball Classic title. Tonight, the road back to Miami begins.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic returns with its 2023 format: four pools of five nations, with the top two advancing to a seeded knockout bracket. Quarterfinals will open at Houston’s Daikin Park before the tournament shifts back to Miami for the final two quarterfinals, the semifinals and the championship.

From Japan's quest to repeat and a record fourth title, to the American revenge tour — catch up on all the major storylines heading into the sixth edition of baseball's premier international tournament.

The three teams in The Sporting Tribune's coverage region are well represented in this tournament. The Angels, Dodgers and Padres have representatives across 15 of the 20 participating nations — meaning all four pools will feature familiar faces.

Inside the 2026 World Baseball Classic: Pool-by-Pool Preview

Who is Your Pick to Win the 2026 World Baseball Classic?

2026 World Baseball Classic Begins

A Balanced Battle: Emotional Return to Puerto Rico

Redemption Tour: Team USA Faces Heavyweight Competition

Defending the Crown: Japan Remains the Giant in Tokyo

Pool D — The Group of Death in Miami

San Diego Padres Representatives

Los Angeles Dodgers Representatives at WBC

Los Angeles Angels Representatives at WBC

Who is Your Pick to Win the 2026 World Baseball Classic?

2026 World Baseball Classic Begins

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