.The Planet Baseball Classic is readied to return for a sixth edition in 2026. The event, which features international groups comprised of a few of the world's absolute best baseball talent, will begin with 4 Swimming pool Groups competing from March 5-11. Japan will certainly compete once again as the ruling WBC champions after defeating the USA, 3-2, in the championship game in 2023 with the assistance Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani.The first 16 groups readied to compete in the 2026 WBC are: Puerto Rico, Cuba, Canada, Panama (Swimming Pool A) United States, Mexico, Italy, Great Britain (Swimming Pool B) Japan, Australia, Korea, Czechia (Swimming Pool C) Venezuela, Dominican Commonwealth, Netherlands, Israel (Pool D). Four more qualifying crews will definitely be actually incorporated ahead of the event to fill out the last 20, and also the initial around of play will happen according to the following schedule: MARCH 5-10Pool C at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, JapanMARCH 6-11Pool A at Hiram Bithorn Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto RicoPool B at Moment House Cleaning Park in Houston, TexasPool D at LoanDepot Playground in Miami, FloridaMiami will definitely also organize the semifinals as well as champion game.Japan is actually the only country to have actually won the WBC much more than once, take away the championship hardware in 2009 as well as 2006 besides 2023. Various other previous winners consist of the U.S. (2017) and the Dominican State (2013 ). [Want excellent tales supplied straight to your inbox? Develop or even log in to your FOX Sports account, comply with organizations, staffs and players to obtain an individualized newsletter daily.] FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience Globe Baseball Standard Obtain even more coming from Planet Baseball Classic Observe your faves to obtain information regarding activities, updates and even more.