.The Planet Baseball Standard is actually set to send back for a 6th version in 2026. The competition, which features international staffs composed of some of the world's absolute best baseball talent, will definitely begin with 4 Pool Teams contending from March 5-11. Japan will certainly contend once again as the ruling WBC champs after defeating the USA, 3-2, in the national championship in 2023 with the help Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani.The to begin with 16 teams readied to contend in the 2026 WBC are actually: Puerto Rico, Cuba, Canada, Panama (Swimming Pool A) United States, Mexico, Italy, Great Britain (Pool B) Asia, Australia, Korea, Czechia (Swimming Pool C) Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Netherlands, Israel (Pool D). Four more training groups will certainly be actually included in advance of the tournament to fill out the ultimate 20, and also the initial round of play will definitely occur depending on to the adhering to routine: MARCH 5-10Pool C at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, JapanMARCH 6-11Pool A at Hiram Bithorn Arena in San Juan, Puerto RicoPool B at Moment Cleaning Lady Park in Houston, TexasPool D at LoanDepot Park in Miami, FloridaMiami will definitely additionally host the semifinals as well as championship game.Japan is the only country to have actually won the WBC much more than once, take away the champion hardware in 2009 and also 2006 aside from 2023. Various other previous victors include the united state (2017) and the Dominican Republic (2013 ). [Want great accounts delivered right to your inbox? Create or even log in to your FOX Sports account, follow games, groups and players to receive an individualized e-newsletter daily.] Comply with Observe your faves to personalize your FOX Athletics encounter Globe Baseball Classic Acquire a lot more from Planet Baseball Standard Observe your faves to get details concerning games, headlines and additional.