It has been three years since Shohei Ohtani famously struck out then-Angels teammate Mike Trout to secure Japan’s third World Baseball Classic (WBC) title, and now the premier international baseball tournament is just weeks away from returning.
Team USA aims to come back stronger in the 2026 WBC, fielding arguably their best roster yet, featuring American League MVP Aaron Judge alongside Cy Young Award winners Tariq Skubal and Paul Skeens. The 20-team competition kicks off pool play on March 5 and concludes with the championship game on March 17 in Miami. Below is a ranked overview of the participating teams from 20th to 1st, highlighting key players.
Long Shots
Brazil
Key player: Lucas Ramirez, outfielder
Brazil returns to the WBC for only the second time in history and first time since 2013.Czech Republic
Player to watch: Terin Vavra, infielder
The WBC provides unique moments, such as Ondrej Satria, an electrician pitching for the Czech Republic, striking out Ohtani with just three pitches in the last tournament. Satria boasts a fastball in the high 70s and is in the same pool as Japan.Nicaragua
Player to watch: Mark Vientos, infielder
While Mets infielder Vientos is the standout player, 76-year-old Dusty Baker’s role as Nicaragua’s manager adds an intriguing storyline.Chinese Taipei
Player to watch: Yu Chang, shortstop
Fresh off winning the 2024 Premier12 Tournament, Chinese Taipei enters the WBC led by coach Yu Chang, Pool A MVP in 2023, seeking to make their mark with solid performances.
Teams Worth Watching
United Kingdom
Player to watch: Jazz Chisholm Jr., second baseman
Great Britain notched their first WBC victory over Colombia in 2023. Despite a challenging pool featuring the USA, Mexico, and Italy, they bring Jazz Chisholm Jr. back, though star reliever Aroldis Chapman will not be participating.Australia
Player to watch: Travis Bazana, second baseman
Rising talents like Guardians’ prospect Bazana and White Sox infielder Curtis Meade hope to build on their surprising 2023 quarterfinal run.Colombia
Player to watch: Jose Quintana, pitcher
Despite a struggling offense in the previous tournament, Colombia returns with several MLB veterans, including pitchers Quintana, Julio Teheran, and Luis Patino.Panama
Player to watch: Ivan Herrera, catcher
Herrera will anchor a lineup featuring several MLB names, supported by strong pitching options like Logan Allen and Ariel Jurado, making Panama a team to watch.Israel
Player to watch: Harrison Bader, center fielder
Despite a tough 2023, Israel’s lineup now includes MLB talents like Bader, Spencer Horwitz, and Tommy Kahnle, aiming to better their chances in a difficult pool.Netherlands
Player to watch: Jurickson Profar, left fielder
Coached by new Hall of Famer Andrew Jones and featuring potential star Drew Jones, the Netherlands looks to improve after stumbling in pool play in 2023, with a lineup boasting names like Profar, Bogaerts, and Albies.
Sleepers
Cuba
Players to watch: Yoan Moncada (3B), Yariel Rodriguez (RHP), Rydell Martinez (RHP)
Cuba reached the 2023 semifinals led by Moncada and returns with strong pitching, including NPB closer Martinez, though replicating past success may prove challenging.South Korea
Players to watch: Lee Jung-hoo (CF), Kim Hye-sung (2B), Ryu Hyun-jin (LHP)
After a surprising early exit last time, Korea returns with MLB talent and domestic stars, including veteran Ryu Hyun-jin making his first WBC appearance since 2017.Italy
Players to watch: Vinny Pasquantino (1B), Aaron Nola (RHP), Kyle Thiel (C)
Following their quarterfinal run in 2023, Italy enters the tournament with rising talents and ace pitcher Aaron Nola, hoping to upset stronger pools involving the USA and Mexico.Canada
Players to watch: Josh Naylor (1B), Tyler O’Neill (OF), Owen Casey (OF)
While Canada has yet to advance past pool play, this year’s roster includes depth from top MLB players and a balanced pitching staff, avoiding tougher North American competition.
Top Contenders
Puerto Rico
Players to watch: Edwin Diaz (RHP), Seth Lugo (RHP), Nolan Arenado (3B)
Though missing stars like Francisco Lindor due to insurance issues, Puerto Rico’s talented core, including Diaz and Arenado, looks to improve upon their last quarterfinal appearance.Mexico
Players to watch: Randy Arozarena (LF), Jalen Duran (CF), Andres Sam (RHP)
Mexico, which nearly captured the 2023 title, returns with many veterans and newcomers aiming to go one step further in 2026.Venezuela
Players to watch: Ronald Acuña Jr. (RF), Jackson Churio (CF), Salvador Perez (C)
With a lineup featuring MLB stars like Acuña Jr. and Perez, Venezuela remains a formidable opponent despite missing some players due to insurance constraints.Japan
Players to watch: Shohei Ohtani (DH), Yoshinobu Yamamoto (RHP), Munetaka Murakami (1B)
Japan, the only team to win the WBC multiple times, returns mostly intact from its dominant 2023 squad. Ohtani will serve as DH, supported by fellow NPB standouts and MLB rookies aiming to defend their crown.Dominican Republic
Players to watch: Juan Soto (RF), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B), Fernando Tatis Jr. (RF)
After a disappointing 2023 exit, the DR boasts an incredible MLB-loaded roster, combining top offensive stars with a strengthened pitching rotation ready to contend.United States
Players to watch: Aaron Judge (RF), Tarik Skubal (LHP), Paul Skeens (RHP)
The USA narrowly missed the 2023 title and comes back in 2026 with a powerhouse roster including reigning Cy Young winners Skubal and Skeens, along with MVP Aaron Judge and a deep, talented lineup. This is the most formidable U.S. team ever assembled, perfectly positioned to claim the championship.
Fan Take:
This upcoming World Baseball Classic promises to reignite international baseball rivalries with an unprecedented level of talent across the board. With powerhouse teams like the U.S., Japan, and the Dominican Republic boasting MLB stars and rising prospects, the 2026 WBC could redefine the global popularity of baseball and showcase its growth as a truly international sport.
