.The Planet Baseball Classic is set to return for a sixth edition in 2026. The competition, which features global staffs made up of a number of the world's ideal baseball skill, will certainly begin with four Swimming pool Teams contending coming from March 5-11. Japan will definitely complete once again as the ruling WBC champions after defeating the united state, 3-2, in the championship game in 2023 with the assistance Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani.The initially 16 crews set to complete in the 2026 WBC are: Puerto Rico, Cuba, Canada, Panama (Pool A) United States, Mexico, Italy, Great Britain (Pool B) Asia, Australia, Korea, Czechia (Pool C) Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Netherlands, Israel (Swimming Pool D). 4 additional qualifying crews are going to be actually incorporated in advance of the competition to complete the final 20, and the preliminary sphere of play will certainly take place depending on to the observing routine: MARCH 5-10Pool C at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, JapanMARCH 6-11Pool A at Hiram Bithorn Arena in San Juan, Puerto RicoPool B at Minute Cleaning Lady Park in Houston, TexasPool D at LoanDepot Playground in Miami, FloridaMiami will also hold the semifinals as well as champion game.Japan is actually the only country to have gained the WBC more than as soon as, take away the championship equipment in 2009 and also 2006 in addition to 2023. Other past victors consist of the USA (2017) and the Dominican Republic (2013 ). [Want fantastic stories supplied straight to your inbox? Produce or even log in to your FOX Sports profile, observe games, staffs and also players to receive a customized e-newsletter daily.] Adhere to Observe your favorites to customize your FOX Athletics experience Planet Baseball Standard Acquire more from Globe Baseball Standard Follow your faves to obtain info concerning games, headlines and also additional.