The 2026 WBC's knockout stage begins with high-stakes quarterfinal matchups on Friday.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic continued Friday with Japan, the Dominican Republic and the United States among the teams beginning pool play. The eight-game schedule began with Shohei Ohtani’s offensive exploits at the Tokyo Dome.

The 2023 World Baseball Classic — which will see Shohei Ohtani and Japan try to defend their title in the 20-team competition that includes a stacked Team USA squad seeking redemption — is underway. We're bringing you the latest news and updates: The 2026 WBC will be held from March 5–17.

Keep up with the World Baseball Classic schedule on March 6.

Radio host Evan Roberts claims the bracket for the 2026 World Baseball Classic was rigged to keep the USA and Japan separate until the final.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic will see the biggest game of the tournament so far on Sunday night: USA vs. the Dominican Republic (follow live updates) in Miami in the semifinals. Team USA shook off a shocking loss to Italy in pool play to defeat Canada in the quarterfinals on Friday.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic continues Saturday with two quarterfinal showdowns. Italy opened with an 8-6 win over Puerto Rico in Houston. In the late game, Venezuela faces Japan in Miami. Japan was one of three teams to emerge from pool play undefeated,

The afternoon start time at Daikin Park was conducive to a new, beautifully bizarre reality out in Italy. There, the locals could gather in the evening hours Saturday and converse not just about “calcio,