world baseball classic

World Baseball Classic returns in 2026: First look at teams, schedules and locations

Japan will defend its World Baseball Classic title while the USA seeks revenge for the 2023 loss when the WBC returns in 2026. Here is a first look at the teams, schedule and tournament locations.

Shohei Ohtani talks matchup against Mike Trout and Japan's WBC championship victory

Shohei Ohtani talks with the “MLB on FOX” crew about striking out his Los Angeles Angels’ teammate Mike Trout in the World Baseball Classic final to seal Japan’s championship over team USA. Ohtani also reveals that the championship win ranks as one of the best moments in his baseball career.

USA vs. Japan Highlights | 2023 World Baseball Classic Championship

Team USA took on Japan for the 2023 World Baseball Classic Championship. Fireworks started early as Trea Turner hit a solo home run in the second to start the scoring. Munetaka Murakami would answer with a solo home run of his own. Kazuma Okamoto would hit a solo home run of his own in the fourth inning and Japan would take a 3-1 lead. In the 8th inning, Kyle Schwarber gave the USA some hope as he launched a solo home run. Shohei Ohtani would enter in the ninth inning where he would strike out his teammate, Mike Trout to end the game and Japan won the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Luis Urias cranks a three-run home run to give Mexico a 3-0 lead over Japan

Luis Urias cranked a three-run home run to give Mexico a 3-0 lead over Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

Cuba vs. USA Highlights | 2023 World Baseball Classic Semifinals

Cuba took on the USA in the semifinals of the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Cuba struck first when Adam Wainwright walked in a run. Paul Goldschmidt would answer with a two-run home run. Trea Turner added a solo home run in the second inning. Trea Turner would add another home run, a three-run in the sixth inning. Cedric Mullins added a solo shot in the eighth inning. Team USA won 14-2.

Venezuela takes the lead, scores four runs in the fourth inning vs. the United States

Venezuela took the lead over the United States after putting up four runs in the fifth inning. There was a wild pitch, a fielder’s choice, a double by Salvador Perez and a sacrifice fly by Ronald Acuña Jr.

Mexico takes a 5-4 lead over Puerto Rico after RBI singles by Isaac Paredes and Luis Urias

Mexico took a 5-4 lead over Puerto Rico in the 2023 World Baseball Classic after RBI singles by Isaac Paredes and Luis Urias.

Italy vs. Japan Highlights | 2023 World Baseball Classic Quarterfinal

Italy took on Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic Quarterfinal. Shohei Ohtani was on the mound and he was electric. He threw 4.2 IP and struck out five while surrenduring two runs. Kazuma Okamoto and Masataka Yoshida added home runs for Japan. Dominic Fletcher also added a home run for Italy. Japan would go on to win by the final of 9-3.

Masataka Yoshida crushes a home run to right field that extends Japan's lead over Italy to 8-2

Japan took an 8-2 lead over Italy after Masataka Yoshida crushed a solo home run to right field.

Dominic Fletcher hits a CLUTCH two-run single for Italy, knocking Japan's Shohei Ohtani out of the game

Italy’s Dominic Fletcher hit a two-run single off Japan’s Shohei Ohtani and knocked him out of the game.

Kazuma Okamoto crushes a three-run home run to left, giving Japan a 4-0 lead over Italy

Kazuma Okamoto crushed a three-run home run to left fied that gave Japan a 4-0 lead over Italy.

Shohei Ohtani strikes out Vinnie Pasquantino with a 102 MPH fastball as Japan and Italy are deadlocked at 0-0

Japan’s Shohei Ohtani showed off his arm strength by striking out Italy’s Vinnie Pasquantino with a 102 MPH fastball.

Colombia vs. USA Highlights | 2023 World Baseball Classic

Colombia took on the USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. The USA got out to an early lead on a Mike Trout single. Colombia would regain the lead after a sac fly by Gio Urshela and an RBI double by Reynaldo Rodriguez. Mike Trout would put the team on his back and cranked a two-run single. The USA would never look back and won 3-2.

Mark DeRosa speaks on the USA advancing to the WBC quarterfinals and Mike Trout's impressive performance in victory over Colombia

Mark DeRosa speaks on the USA’s 3-2 victory over Colombia to advance in the World Baseball Classic and Mike Trout’s impressive performance.

Puerto Rico scores four runs against the Dominican Republic in the third inning

Puerto Rico scores four runs against the Dominican Republic in the third inning of the World Baseball Classic.

The WBC Is Over But The Trash Talk Isn't

Hey, we’ve got some WBC beef! Maybe this tournament is legit after all.