As the Winter Olympics fade into memory, the world of sports is gearing up for the highly anticipated 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), set to kick off in just a week. This marks the sixth edition of the tournament, which will feature twenty teams. On March 6, Pool B action begins in Houston, featuring Brazil, Great Britain, Italy, Mexico, and the United States.
Team Brazil will make its second appearance at the WBC, having finished 0-3 in 2013, though they managed to keep games competitive against powerhouses like Japan and Cuba. Their first game in this year’s tournament is against Team USA at 8 p.m. ET. The Brazilian roster includes pitchers Eric Pardinho, Daniel Missaki, and Gabriel Barbosa, all of whom had varying experiences in affiliated baseball last season. Notably, Missaki will be a critical player to watch as he faces the U.S. lineup. On the offensive side, Joseph Contreras, the son of former MLB pitcher José Contreras, is a rising star whose fastball has been clocked in the mid-90s, despite being just 17 years old and boasting a commitment to Vanderbilt.
While Brazil brings heart and determination to the tournament, they face a daunting challenge. The disparity in talent, particularly in their opening game against Team USA, represents what might be the largest gap in skill of any game played in WBC history. Still, for many in the Brazilian squad, qualifying for this event is a monumental achievement in itself. Their best chance for an upset lies in a matchup against Great Britain, which could serve as a more level playing field.
Great Britain returns for its second WBC, having garnered attention in 2023 with a notable victory over Colombia. Their first game this year is against Mexico at 1 p.m. ET. The Union Jacks boast players like Jazz Chisholm Jr., a co-captain alongside Harry Ford, who both are expected to showcase their batting skills. However, pitching remains a concern for Great Britain, with a rotation that lacks depth compared to the heavyweights they face.
Italy has participated in all six editions of the WBC, looking to build on their success from 2023 when they advanced beyond pool play for the first time. They face Brazil on March 7. Key player Aaron Nola stands out as the most accomplished pitcher Italy has fielded, and they’ll rely on rising talents like Andrew Fischer, known for his unique batting style and strong offensive capabilities.
Mexico, who finished third in the last tournament, is set to play Great Britain for their first game on March 6. This team features star players like Randy Arozarena and Alejandro Kirk, who are expected to make a significant impact. While Mexico boasts a solid defense and superior relief pitching, their starting rotation may raise concerns against stronger lineups.
Meanwhile, Team USA enters as the heavy favorite. Having previously won the competition only once in 2017, the American squad is eager to reclaim its status with a roster filled with All-Stars, including Aaron Judge and Bobby Witt Jr. Despite historical underperformance, this year’s lineup is being hailed as potentially the most talented ever assembled for the WBC. The Americans will play Brazil on March 6, and given their depth and star power, they are well-positioned to navigate through the tournament successfully.
As teams prepare to take the field in Houston, the excitement builds not only for thrilling matchups but also for the stories of perseverance and determination that characterize the World Baseball Classic. For underdog teams like Brazil and Great Britain, even participating on this grand stage is a victory, and it will be fascinating to see how the dynamics play out in this upcoming competition.