How to watch the 2026 World Baseball Classic: Schedule, TV, format and more

"The international tournament returns Wednesday, with 20 teams competing in a format similar to the FIFA World Cup, with a group stage starting in Asia, followed by knockout rounds and the championship game at LoanDepot Park in Miami."

"Japan has won it three times (2006, 2009, and 2023), while the United States was crowned champion in 2017 and the Dominican Republic in 2013. The tournament is officially scheduled to be held every four years, but it has played at different intervals to accommodate world events."

"The United States is in Group B alongside Brazil, Great Britain, Mexico and Italy. On paper, the United States and Mexico are the favorites to advance, although previous editions have shown that the tournament often produces unexpected results."

"The World Baseball Classic will feature a pitch clock for the first time. Pitchers will have 15 seconds to deliver a pitch with the bases empty and 18 seconds when a runner is on base. Batters must be in the box and ready to hit with at least eight seconds."

The World Baseball Classic tournament resumes in 2026 after a three-year hiatus, featuring 20 teams competing in a group stage format followed by knockout rounds, culminating in a championship game at LoanDepot Park in Miami on March 17. Japan has won the tournament three times (2006, 2009, 2023), while the United States won in 2017 and the Dominican Republic in 2013. The United States competes in Group B alongside Brazil, Great Britain, Mexico, and Italy, with the United States and Mexico considered favorites to advance, though previous tournaments have produced unexpected results. Notable stars participating include Shohei Ohtani, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Aaron Judge. The tournament will introduce a pitch clock for the first time, with pitchers having 15 seconds with bases empty and 18 seconds with runners on base.

Read at Los Angeles Times