The 2026 World Baseball Classic is set to continue on March 6, with Japan defending its title against Chinese Taipei at the Tokyo Dome. Japan, a three-time champion, having won the prestigious tournament in 2006, 2009, and 2023, features a formidable lineup led by Shohei Ohtani. Unlike his previous participation where he excelled as both a hitter and a pitcher, Ohtani will only focus on his batting this time around. Complementing Japan’s offensive strength, World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the Los Angeles Dodgers takes the helm of the pitching staff.
In the lead-up to this matchup, Chinese Taipei finds itself seeking redemption after losing its opening game against Australia, entering the contest against Japan with a 0-1 record in pool play.
Baseball fans can catch all the action starting at 5 a.m. ET, with the game available on FS1 and streaming via the FOX One App.
The tournament features 20 teams divided into four groups. Japan’s pool, Pool C, includes notable competitors such as South Korea, Australia, Czechia, and Chinese Taipei. Each team will play against the others in their pool, with the top two from each advancing to the knockout stages in Houston and Miami. The knockout rounds include quarterfinals beginning on March 13, semifinals on March 15, and culminate with the championship game scheduled for March 17 in Miami.
With the excitement of international competition unfolding, the World Baseball Classic offers thrilling moments and showcases the global passion for baseball. Teams in this year’s event are vying not only for glory but also for a chance to write their own histories in this celebrated tournament.