.The Planet Baseball Classic is readied to return for a 6th edition in 2026. The tournament, which features worldwide groups composed of some of the world's greatest baseball ability, will definitely start along with four Pool Groups contending coming from March 5-11. Asia is going to compete once again as the reigning WBC champs after beating the U.S., 3-2, in the championship game in 2023 along with the help Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani.The first 16 teams set to contend in the 2026 WBC are actually: Puerto Rico, Cuba, Canada, Panama (Swimming Pool A) United States, Mexico, Italy, Great Britain (Pool B) Japan, Australia, Korea, Czechia (Swimming Pool C) Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Netherlands, Israel (Swimming Pool D). Four more training crews will certainly be included in advance of the competition to fill out the ultimate 20, and the first around of play will certainly occur according to the following schedule: MARCH 5-10Pool C at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, JapanMARCH 6-11Pool A at Hiram Bithorn Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto RicoPool B at Minute Housemaid Park in Houston, TexasPool D at LoanDepot Playground in Miami, FloridaMiami will likewise host the semifinals as well as championship game.Japan is the only nation to have succeeded the WBC greater than as soon as, taking home the champion equipment in 2009 and also 2006 besides 2023. Various other past winners feature the united state (2017) and also the Dominican Commonwealth (2013 ). [Want excellent accounts provided right to your inbox? Create or even visit to your FOX Athletics profile, comply with games, teams and players to receive a personalized e-newsletter daily.] Observe Observe your favorites to personalize your FOX Athletics take in World Baseball Classic Receive more coming from Planet Baseball Classic Follow your preferences to get relevant information about games, information and also even more.