The World Baseball Classic (WBC) is an international baseball tournament organized by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) and sanctioned by the International Baseball Federation (IBAF). The tournament features national teams from around the world and is held every four years.
The schedule for the World Baseball Classic varies depending on the year and the location of the tournament. The most recent World Baseball Classic was held in 2017, and the next tournament is scheduled for 2023. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament was postponed from its original 2021 schedule.
Typically, the tournament consists of four rounds: the first round, the second round, the semifinals, and the championship game. The first round is a round-robin format, with teams competing in groups of four. The top two teams from each group advance to the second round, which also features a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group in the second round then advance to the semifinals, which are held in a single-elimination format. The two winners of the semifinals then play in the championship game to determine the winner of the World Baseball Classic.
The specific dates and locations for the World Baseball Classic schedule are usually announced closer to the tournament dates. Fans can visit the WBSC’s official website for the latest news and updates on the tournament schedule.
What Is the World Baseball Classic?
The World Baseball Classic (WBC) is an international baseball tournament sanctioned by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) and organized in partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB) and the MLB Players Association (MLBPA). Established in 2006, the WBC features national teams from around the globe, allowing professional players to represent their countries in high-stakes competition. The tournament has grown in popularity, showcasing top-tier talent and fostering global interest in baseball.WikipediaThe Guardian
2026 World Baseball Classic Overview
The upcoming 2026 WBC is set to take place from March 5 to March 17, 2026, across four international venues
- Pool A: Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Pool B: Daikin Park, Houston, Texas, USA
- Pool C: Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan
- Pool D: loanDepot Park, Miami, Florida, USA
The tournament will follow a format where teams are divided into pools, engaging in round-robin play. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the quarterfinals, leading to single-elimination semifinals and culminating in the championship game. The final is scheduled to be held at loanDepot Park in Miami on March 17, 2026.
Why the WBC Matters
The WBC stands out as the only international baseball tournament featuring professional players from major leagues worldwide, including MLB and Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). It serves as a platform for athletes to showcase their skills on a global stage, promoting the sport’s growth and uniting fans across different nations