International baseball enthusiasts have much to anticipate as the World Baseball Classic gears up for its sixth edition in 2026. This prestigious event will feature an expanded lineup of twenty teams, bringing together some of the world's top talents from Major League Baseball and beyond. Recent qualifiers held in Taiwan and Arizona earlier this year helped finalize the participating nations alongside returning powerhouses from the previous tournament.

Gathering participants from various continents, the competition is divided into four pools staged across iconic locations worldwide. Pool A in San Juan, Puerto Rico, brings together regional rivals such as Puerto Rico, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, and Panama. Meanwhile, Pool B at Daikin Park in Houston showcases emerging forces like Brazil, Great Britain, Italy, Mexico, and the host nation United States. In Asia, Pool C unfolds at Tokyo Dome where Japan faces off against Australia, Chinese Taipei, Czechia, and Korea. Lastly, Pool D takes place in Miami’s loanDepot park featuring Dominican Republic, Israel, Netherlands, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Each pool promises thrilling matchups that reflect the global reach of this sport.

As fans eagerly await these encounters, they also look back fondly on past triumphs that have shaped the legacy of the World Baseball Classic. From Japan's historic victories to dramatic showdowns between neighboring Caribbean islands, each championship has added another chapter to this storied competition. Beyond just a game, it serves as a platform celebrating cultural exchange through athleticism and camaraderie among nations united by their love for baseball.