The 2026 World Baseball Classic continues Thursday with early-morning contests from Tokyo and a late-night game featuring Australia and Czechia. The tournament, featuring some of the biggest names in Major League Baseball, is already delivering compelling storylines as teams battle for a chance to claim the title currently held by Japan. This year’s competition is particularly notable for the presence of Los Angeles Dodgers superstars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the Japanese roster, adding significant star power to an already formidable team.
Japan, aiming for a record fourth WBC title after victories in 2006, 2009, and 2023, is the clear favorite in Pool C, which is being played at the Tokyo Dome. The team’s preparation has been closely watched, with Ohtani officially joining Samurai Japan for workouts on February 26, as reported by SI.com. The Dodgers’ two-way star is expected to play a key role in the tournament, despite recently completing a workout regimen that included two innings of live batting practice and simulated at-bats while with his MLB team. Alongside Ohtani and Yamamoto, the Japanese squad also boasts the talents of Angels lefty Yusei Kikuchi and Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki, creating a potent lineup.
The United States, captained by Aaron Judge, is also a strong contender in Pool B, hosted in Houston. Team USA’s roster includes both 2025 Cy Young Award winners, Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes, and a wealth of experience with four former MVPs: Judge, Bryce Harper, Paul Goldschmidt, and Clayton Kershaw. The U.S. Team boasts a combined 65 MLB All-Star Game appearances, signaling a roster stacked with talent. The tournament’s opening rounds are spread across four locations: San Juan, Puerto Rico (Pool A); Houston (Pool B); Tokyo (Pool C); and Miami (Pool D).
Thursday’s Schedule: Early Games from Asia
The action begins at 5 a.m. Eastern Time with a matchup between South Korea and Czechia, broadcast on FS1. This game kicks off the day’s events and sets the stage for further competition in Pool C. Later in the day, at 10 p.m. Eastern, Czechia will face Australia, also on FS1. These early contests offer a glimpse into the potential contenders emerging from Pool C, where Japan is heavily favored but faces challenges from Australia and South Korea.
Friday and Beyond: A Full Slate of Games
Friday’s schedule is packed with games, including Chinese Taipei versus Japan at 5 a.m. Eastern on FS1. Other notable Friday matchups include Panama against Cuba (11 a.m. On FS2), Venezuela versus the Netherlands (noon on Tubi), and a primetime contest between Brazil and the U.S. At 8 p.m. On Fox. The weekend continues with a busy Saturday and Sunday schedule, culminating in Japan facing Australia on Sunday at 6 a.m. Eastern on FS1.
Pool Breakdown: Key Matchups and Contenders
The tournament is divided into four pools. Pool A, played in San Juan, Puerto Rico, features Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Panama, and Puerto Rico. Pool B, hosted in Houston, includes Brazil, Great Britain, Italy, Mexico, and the United States. Pool C, in Tokyo, pits Australia, Chinese Taipei, Czechia, Japan, and South Korea against each other. Finally, Pool D, in Miami, consists of the Dominican Republic, Israel, Netherlands, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
The quarterfinals are scheduled for March 13 and 14, with games taking place in Miami and Houston. The semifinals will be held on March 15 and 16 in Miami, leading up to the championship game on March 17, also in Miami. Most games in the U.S. Will be broadcast on the Fox family of networks (Fox, FS1, FS2) and streamed on the Fox Sports app and Tubi.
Broadcast Details and Where to Watch
Fans in the U.S. Have multiple options for following the action. Games will be broadcast across the Fox family of networks – Fox, FS1, and FS2 – and will also be available for streaming on the Fox Sports app and Tubi. This widespread coverage ensures that baseball fans across the country can easily tune in to support their teams and witness the excitement of the World Baseball Classic.
As the tournament progresses, keep an eye on key matchups and emerging storylines. With a wealth of talent on display and the pride of nations at stake, the 2026 World Baseball Classic promises to be a thrilling event for baseball fans worldwide. The next scheduled games on March 6 will provide further insight into the competitive landscape and potential contenders for the championship title.
What are your predictions for the 2026 World Baseball Classic? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow baseball enthusiasts.
