Get ready for the World Baseball Classic with a practical, easy-to-follow rundown that keeps the core details intact while presenting them in fresh language.
But here’s where it gets interesting… the 2026 edition kicks off this week with four pools (A, B, C, and D). Each pool contains five teams competing in a round-robin format. The top two finishers from every pool move on to the quarterfinals, after which the tournament switches to a single-elimination format.
For quick reference, the venues are:
- Pool A: Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Pool B: Daikin Park, Houston, Texas
- Pool C: Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan
- Pool D: loanDepot park, Miami, Florida
To dive deeper into each pool and get expert predictions, we enlisted MLB.com reporters who will be on site to cover the group stages. Here are their previews.
POOL A (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
Key storylines: This is arguably the most balanced pool of the four in 2026. Colombia and Panama have shown dramatic improvement over the past decade and may boast their strongest teams yet, featuring veteran pitching and MLB-level hitting. Canada, even without Freddie Freeman, has added young MLB talents to create a notably exciting outfield in Pool A.
Cuba counters with a rotation stacked with star pitchers from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball and experienced veterans who have long withstood the test of time. On home soil, Puerto Rico brings a deep pool of big-league talent, and despite some injuries, still has a credible chance to advance.
The stars: Pool A isn’t packed with obvious megastars, which helps explain why the first round could be a tight, grind-it-out affair. Puerto Rico features recognizable names like Edwin Díaz in relief and Nolan Arenado at third base, plus Seth Lugo on the mound and Heliot Ramos roaming the outfield. Canada leans on the Naylor brothers (Josh and Bo), Tyler O’Neill, and the defensive standout Denzel Clarke, with Jameson Taillon anchoring the rotation.
Colombia’s rotation is led by veterans Jose Quintana and Julio Teheran, with Gio Urshela at the hot corner. Panama relies on infield defense from José Caballero and outfield play from Edmundo Sosa. Cuba brings back longevity and experience, including a nod to Alexei Ramírez, the former MLB All-Star now back representing his homeland.
Under-the-radar names to watch: Canada has Owen Caissie—the No. 42 prospect on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100—who homered in the 23 WBC and had a strong Triple-A 2025 season. Puerto Rico features Elmer Rodríguez, the No. 3 prospect in the Yankees’ system, who has impressed in early spring action. For Colombia, Michael Arroyo—a Mariners prospect at No. 67—offers speed, power, and on-base ability at only 21 years old. Panama’s Enrique Bradfield Jr. (AL stolen-base leader) and Jose Ramos (fast-rising Mets prospect) are others to keep an eye on. Cuba’s Livan Moinelo is the best pitcher in NPB’s Pacific League for 2025 and 2024 ERA champion, and Alfredo Despaigne, at 39, remains the WBC’s all-time home run leader.
Prediction: This pool is tough to forecast, likely a tight, back-and-forth affair. I expect Puerto Rico to advance, benefiting from a crowd-friendly home environment and a roster that arguably has the strongest MLB mix among the five pools. Canada should grab the second spot, potentially earning a first-ever advancement from Pool A. – Matt Monagan
POOL B (Houston)
Key storylines: This pool is stacked. Team USA has assembled a true superteam to reclaim WBC gold after losing to Japan in 2023. It’s championship-or-bust for the Americans, who won the tournament in 2017.
Mexico stands in the way, coming off a dramatic semifinal setback to the eventual champions and looking to avenge that heartbreak. Italy, fresh off a 2023 quarterfinal run, appears stronger this time and has historically split wins with Mexico (notably in 2013 and 2017).
The stars: USA features a dazzling group headlined by Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, Bryce Harper, Cal Raleigh, Bobby Witt Jr., among others. Mexico’s roster is anchored by Randy Arozarena, with support from Jarren Duran, Alejandro Kirk, and closer Andrés Muñoz. Italy brings back Vinnie Pasquantino and adds veterans like Aaron Nola, Adam Ottavino, and Jac Caglianone. Great Britain is led by Jazz Chisholm Jr. U.S. teammate X-factor could be rising star Roman Anthony, who joined after an injury replacement.
Under-the-radar names to know: Brazil features MLB-family connections like Dante Bichette Jr., Lucas Ramirez, and a bright 17-year-old, Joseph Contreras. Great Britain features Harry Ford, a former top draft pick and co-captain. Italy’s Kyle Teel is a promising young catcher making waves after a strong White Sox rookie showing. Mexico’s Jonathan Aranda isn’t the loudest name but hit .316 and earned an All-Star nod in 2025. USA could lean on a blend of established stars and breakout talents like Roman Anthony.
Prediction: The United States is the overwhelming favorite to emerge from Pool B, if not to win the whole tournament. Mexico is the likely second qualifier, but Italy could upset that script and claim the No. 2 slot with, perhaps, added depth and a few surprise contributors. – David Adler
POOL C (Tokyo)
Key storylines: Japan carries three World Baseball Classic titles and Olympic gold, so expectations are sky-high. Even with Shohei Ohtani not pitching this time, Japan’s lineup still radiates power with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, 2025 Sawamura Award winner Hiromi Itoh, and big names like Kazuma Okamoto, Munetaka Murakami, Masataka Yoshida, and Seiya Suzuki.
But giants can stumble. Japan’s outfield defense has some vulnerabilities, and a surprising challenge from Chinese Taipei could emerge, recalling the 2024 Premier12 upset that helped fuel Taiwanese baseball fever.
Korea comes in with a gold-medal past but injuries have thinned the roster, so reaching the quarterfinals would be a notable achievement. Australia has shown improvement by advancing from the group stage in 2023 and could do so again, especially with the addition of top Draft prospect Travis Bazzana. Czechia, the 2023 Cinderella story, has used the intervening years to bolster its program and even earned a bronze at the 2025 European Championship.
The stars: Ohtani remains the marquee figure, even if he’s not pitching. Yamamoto and the rest of Japan will shoulder the load in his absence, with the Dodgers’ Yamamoto stepping into a bigger role after the rotation loses Ohtani and Sasaki. Australia’s Bazzana brings a toolkit-filled profile, while Korea’s Jung Hoo Lee returns after a strong season and will need to sustain his level amid injuries. For the Czechs, Ondřej Satoria has gained attention from his Ohtani-strikeout moment, while Martin Schneider is navigating a shoulder issue. Jan Novak’s return gives Czech pitching a spark.
Prediction: Japan should finish first again, given their track record and talent. The fight for second will be tight, but Chinese Taipei edges ahead thanks to Premier12 success and a talented pitching staff, securing a strong run through the pool. – Michael Clair
POOL D (Miami)
Key storylines: The Dominican Republic projects as a powerhouse, on par with Team USA, and they’ll be eager to rebound after an early exit in the previous Classic. Venezuela played a pivotal role in that upset, sweeping the pool in 2023 alongside D.R. and Puerto Rico.
Israel aims to recapture the magic of their 2017 surprise pool victory, while the Netherlands and Nicaragua look for breakout performances as they did in 2017 and 2023 respectively.
The stars: The DR features Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto, Julio Rodríguez, Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and a deep pitching staff led by Cristopher Sánchez and Sandy Alcántara. Venezuela counters with a star-studded lineup that includes Ronald Acuña Jr., Jackson Chourio, Salvador Pérez, Luis Arraez, Eugenio Suárez, and Gleyber Torres.
The Netherlands’ lineup features Xander Bogaerts, Ozzie Albies, Kenley Jansen, and Jurickson Profar. Israel brings in intriguing young talent like Cole Carrigg, a Rockies top prospect, who may slide into shortstop. Nicaragua’s Ismael Munguia is a Jays prospect who captured the Dominican Winter League batting title. Even Andruw Jones is guiding the Netherlands as manager, with his son Druw delivering elite defense alongside Ceddanne Rafaela.
Under-the-radar names to know: Nicaragua’s Ismael Munguia stands out for his recent performance, while the Netherlands’ fielding prowess under Jones adds a layer of excitement. Israel’s Cole Carrigg is a versatile defender with a big-league future, and the Netherlands’ outfield depth could be a decisive factor in tight games.
Prediction: The Dominican Republic and Venezuela hold the strongest rosters in Pool D, making them the likely qualifiers. Israel and the Netherlands could challenge, but the edge goes to the powerhouses in this group. – Adler
How to use this guide: Whether you’re planning to watch every game or just want a snapshot of the pools, this overview highlights the major storylines, the standout players to watch, and the likely paths teams will take as the impact of this tournament unfolds. If you have a favorite team, share your thoughts in the comments: do you agree with these predictions, or would you bet differently? Also, which breakout performer do you think could swing a pool in their team’s favor?
