.The World Baseball Standard is readied to come back for a 6th edition in 2026. The tournament, which features worldwide crews comprised of some of the world's ideal baseball ability, will certainly start along with 4 Swimming pool Groups contending from March 5-11. Japan is going to contend once again as the ruling WBC champions after beating the united state, 3-2, in the national championship in 2023 along with the assistance Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani.The first 16 teams set to contend in the 2026 WBC are actually: Puerto Rico, Cuba, Canada, Panama (Pool A) U.S.A., Mexico, Italy, Great Britain (Swimming Pool B) Asia, Australia, Korea, Czechia (Pool C) Venezuela, Dominican State, Netherlands, Israel (Swimming Pool D). Four more qualifying teams will definitely be actually included in advance of the tournament to fill out the final twenty, and also the preliminary around of play will definitely occur according to the following schedule: 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 Moment House Maid Playground in Houston, TexasPool D at LoanDepot Playground in Miami, FloridaMiami will definitely likewise hold the semifinals as well as championship game.Japan is actually the only nation to have actually gained the WBC greater than as soon as, take away the champion equipment in 2009 and also 2006 besides 2023. Other previous winners feature the united state (2017) as well as the Dominican State (2013 ). [Want wonderful tales delivered straight to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow games, staffs and also gamers to receive a tailored bulletin daily.] FOLLOW Observe your faves to individualize your FOX Sports take in Planet Baseball Standard Receive more from World Baseball Standard Observe your favorites to get info about video games, updates as well as more.