The 2026 World Baseball Classic has kicked off with electrifying pool play, showcasing the world’s best baseball talent. In a thrilling match at the Tokyo Dome early Saturday morning, Shohei Ohtani made an impactful statement by hitting a home run against Korea, marking his second homer in consecutive games as Japan triumphed over Korea 8-6, bringing their record to 2-0 in the tournament.
This year’s event is particularly significant as it is the sixth edition of the prestigious international baseball tournament. Japan enters as the reigning champion after clinching the title by defeating Team USA 3-2 in the final match of the 2023 tournament. The full schedule for the WBC launched on Friday, starting with the United States facing Brazil in their opener, where they eventually found their stride to secure a commanding 15-5 victory.
Team USA boasts an impressive roster, featuring 22 MLB All-Stars, which is the largest number on any team in this tournament. Among the standout players are Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes, and Cal Raleigh. Currently, Team USA is positioned as the favorite to win the tournament at -105 odds, with Japan following at +350 according to BetMGM.
The tournament’s pool play will encompass games at various locations, including Tokyo, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Miami, and Houston. The exciting pool stage will continue until March 11, leading to the quarterfinals on March 13 and 14, and semifinals on March 15 and 16. The grand finale is set for March 17 at loanDepot Park in Miami.
Fans can catch all the action, as the games will be broadcast across Fox, FS1, FS2, and Fox Deportes, with streaming options available through a Fox One subscription. Stay updated with Yahoo Sports for the latest news and developments regarding the 2026 World Baseball Classic.