Inside the 2026 World Baseball Classic: Pool-by-Pool Preview

MIAMI -- Three years ago at LoanDepot Park, Shohei Ohtani struck out then-Angels teammate Mike Trout for the final out in Japan's World Baseball Classic title. Tonight, the road back to Miami begins.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic returns with its 2023 format: four pools of five nations, with the top two advancing to a seeded knockout bracket. Quarterfinals will open at Houston’s Daikin Park before the tournament shifts back to Miami for the final two quarterfinals, followed by the semifinals and the championship.

The three teams in The Sporting Tribune's coverage region are well represented in this tournament. The Angels, Dodgers and Padres have representatives across 15 of the 20 participating nations — meaning all four pools will feature familiar faces.

Los Angeles Angels: Sam Aldegheri (Italy), Gustavo Campero (Colombia), Yusei Kikuchi (Japan), Matthew Lugo (Puerto Rico), Yoán Moncada (Cuba), Samy Natera Jr. (Mexico), Lucas Ramirez (Brazil), Najer Victor (Great Britain)

Los Angeles Dodgers: Edwin Díaz (Puerto Rico), Jake Gelof (Israel), Kiké Hernandez (Puerto Rico), Hyeseong Kim (Korea), Antonio Knowles (Great Britain), Shawndrick Oduber (Netherlands), Shohei Ohtani (Japan), Will Smith (United States), Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Japan)

San Diego Padres: Xander Bogaerts (Netherlands), Miguel Cienfuegos (Panama), Alek Jacob (Italy), Carter Loewen (Canada), Manny Machado (Dominican Republic), Josh Mallitz (Israel), Ron Marinaccio (Italy), Yuki Matsui (Japan), Mason Miller (United States), Wandy Peralta (Dominican Republic), Fernando Tatis Jr. (Dominican Republic)

From Japan's quest to repeat and a record fourth title, to the American revenge tour - catch up on all the major storylines heading into the sixth edition of baseball's premier international tournament.

Pool A: Puerto Rico, Cuba, Canada, Panama, Colombia (Hiram Bithorn Stadium - San Juan, Puerto Rico)

This may be the most balanced pool in the tournament.

There are no overwhelming superpowers here. No clear favorite. That’s what makes it dangerous.

Puerto Rico gets the emotional edge. Pool play returns to San Juan for the first time since 2013. The island has twice finished runner-up (2013, 2017) and is chasing its first title. But the roster looks different this time. Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa and Javier Báez are out due to insurance issues.

Still, the bullpen will be anchored by Edwin Díaz, returning after the devastating knee injury he suffered celebrating in 2023. His presence alone changes the energy.

And even though he won’t play, Dodgers utility man Kiké Hernández will leave spring training to join Team Puerto Rico. He’s recovering from elbow surgery and will likely miss the first couple months of the MLB season, but he dyed his hair blonde and will stay with the team throughout the tournament — a visible sign of buy-in.

If the home crowd becomes a factor, Puerto Rico could ride emotion out of a wide-open group.

Canada enters without Freddie Freeman but with one of the most intriguing lineups in the pool. The Naylor brothers (Josh and Bo) headline the offense, joined by Tyler O’Neill and defensive standout Denzel Clarke. On the mound, Jameson Taillon gives them a steady ace. Canada may not have the biggest star, but it may have the most dynamic outfield.

Colombia and Panama represent the growth tier of international baseball. Both have improved dramatically over the past decade. Colombia brings veteran starters José Quintana and Julio Teheran, plus emerging young talent like Michael Arroyo. Panama counters with speed and athleticism — AL stolen-base leader José Caballero and Enrique Bradfield Jr. could turn games chaotic quickly.

Cuba might be the wildcard. Livan Moinelo arrives as one of the most dominant pitchers in Japan’s NPB, and Alfredo Despaigne returns as the all-time WBC home run leader. Experience won’t be an issue.

In a pool without a heavy favorite, one clutch inning — or one bullpen collapse — could decide everything.

Pool B: United States, Mexico, Italy, Great Britain, Brazil (Daikin Park - Houston, TX)

Team USA calls it a redemption tour. After falling 3–2 to Japan in the 2023 final, the Americans return with what might be their most complete roster ever assembled.

Aaron Judge captains a lineup that includes Bryce Harper, Bobby Witt Jr., Gunnar Henderson and Cal Raleigh. On the mound, Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal front a staff that also includes Clayton Kershaw coming out of retirement for one more run.

It’s championship or bust.

But Mexico already proved it can beat them. In 2023, Mexico stunned the U.S. 11–5 in pool play and came within three outs of eliminating Japan in the semifinals. Randy Arozarena became a tournament superstar. This roster might be deeper. Jarren Duran, Alejandro Kirk and Jonathan Aranda lengthen the lineup, while Andrés Muñoz gives them one of the nastiest late-inning arms in the field.

The question isn’t belief anymore. It’s whether the pitching holds up against elite offenses.

Italy is quietly dangerous — reaching the quarterfinals in 2023 until running into Japan, and has beaten Mexico twice in previous Classics. With Aaron Nola and Adam Ottavino added to the roster, Italy could once again disrupt expectations.

Great Britain continues its build around young catcher Harry Ford and All-Star Jazz Chisholm Jr. Meanwhile, Brazil brings legacy storylines — sons of MLB greats like Dante Bichette Jr. and Lucas Ramirez, Manny's son — and the hunger of a developing baseball nation. 

Pool B might feature the most star power. It may also produce the tournament’s first heavyweight elimination game.

Pool C: Japan, Australia, Korea, Czechia, Chinese Taipei (Tokyo Dome - Tokyo, Japan)

Japan enters as defending WBC champion and reigning Olympic gold medalist. Shohei Ohtani returns — this time expected to hit only — alongside Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Seiya Suzuki and Masataka Yoshida. No nation has won more than one WBC title except Japan. It owns three.

Chinese Taipei ended Japan’s 27-game international winning streak at the Premier12. Baseball interest in Taiwan has surged since. If momentum travels, an upset isn’t impossible.

Korea hasn’t advanced past the first round since 2009, and injuries have thinned the roster. Jung Hoo Lee will carry major offensive responsibility. For Korea, simply reaching the quarterfinals would mark progress.

Australia broke through in 2023 by advancing beyond group play for the first time. Adding 2024 No. 1 overall pick Travis Bazzana raises the ceiling.

Then there’s Czechia — the tournament’s emotional favorite last cycle. The program has grown rapidly since 2023 and enters stronger, coming off a bronze medal at the 2025 European Championship.

Japan remains the giant. But in a short tournament, giants fall.

Pool D: Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Netherlands, Israel, Nicaragua (LoanDepot Park - Miami, FL)

The Dominican Republic looks like a juggernaut. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto, Julio Rodríguez, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado headline a lineup that could overwhelm anyone. Sandy Alcantara and Cristopher Sánchez anchor a dangerous pitching staff.

But 2023 still lingers. The D.R. failed to escape pool play in Miami, losing to Venezuela and Puerto Rico. That early exit reshaped expectations. This time, Albert Pujols takes over as manager. Managing the talent may be as important as the talent itself.

Venezuela is just as loaded — Ronald Acuña Jr., Luis Arraez, Salvador Perez, Eugenio Suárez. It swept a pool containing both the D.R. and Puerto Rico in 2023. Confidence won’t be an issue.

The Netherlands, managed by Hall of Famer Andruw Jones, features Xander Bogaerts and Ozzie Albies. Israel looks to recapture its 2017 magic behind Harrison Bader and Tommy Kahnle. Nicaragua searches for its first WBC win.

Pool D might be the most top-heavy group in the tournament. It might also be the most volatile. One loss to an underdog could reshape the bracket.