2026 World Baseball Classic
March 5, 2026 – March 17, 2026 AST
The World Baseball Classic (WBC) is the premier international baseball tournament, featuring professional players from Major League Baseball (MLB) and leagues around the globe, competing for their national teams. The 2026 edition promises to showcase the world’s greatest baseball talents and deliver fierce, emotional international rivalry.
When and Where is the 2026 World Baseball Classic?
The 2026 World Baseball Classic will take place from March 5th to March 17th, 2026.
The tournament will be hosted across four major international baseball venues in three different nations.
Confirmed Host Nations and Cities: The tournament is co-hosted across four cities for the Pool Stage, with the Knockout Rounds held in the United States.
- Japan (Tokyo)
- Puerto Rico (San Juan)
- United States (Houston, Texas)
- United States (Miami, Florida)
Confirmed Venues and Stadiums:
| Host Nation | Venue Name | Location | Key Fixtures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | Tokyo Dome | Tokyo | Pool C Stage, Quarter-Finals |
| Puerto Rico | Hiram Bithorn Stadium (Expected) | San Juan | Pool A Stage |
| USA | Daikin Park | Houston, TX | Pool B Stage, Quarter-Finals |
| USA | loanDepot park | Miami, FL | Pool D Stage, Semi-Finals, and Final |
Tournament Format of the 2026 World Baseball Classic
The format for the 2026 WBC will feature 20 teams competing in a pool stage, followed by a single-elimination knockout bracket.
Tournament Structure: The tournament is composed of two main phases: the Pool Stage and the Knockout Stage.
Pool Stage (20 Teams):
- Teams: 20 nations.
- Structure: 4 Pools (A, B, C, D) of 5 teams each. Teams in each pool play a round-robin format in their respective host city.
- Advancement: The top two teams from each of the four Pools advance to the Quarter-Finals.
Knockout Stage (8 Teams):
- Quarter-Finals: Played at the Tokyo Dome (Japan) and Daikin Park (Houston).
- Semi-Finals and Final: Played at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida.
The Teams and Group Draw
A total of 20 nations will compete in the 2026 tournament across four distinct pools.
2026 Group Draw:
| Pool A (San Juan, PR) | Pool B (Houston, USA) | Pool C (Tokyo, Japan) | Pool D (Miami, USA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Rico (H) | United States (H) | Japan (H) | Venezuela |
| Panama | Mexico | South Korea | Netherlands |
| Cuba | Italy | Australia | Dominican Republic |
| Canada | Great Britain | Czechia | Israel |
| Colombia | Brazil | Chinese Taipei | Nicaragua |
Getting to the 2026 World Baseball Classic
Travel requirements will vary significantly between the host nations.
Travel to San Juan, Puerto Rico:
- By Air: Flights arrive at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). As a U.S. territory, travel from the continental United States does not require a passport.
- Local Transport: Taxis, ride-sharing, and limited public bus services are available. Hiram Bithorn Stadium is centrally located in the San Juan metropolitan area.
Travel to Tokyo, Japan:
- By Air: Flights arrive at Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND).
- Local Transport: Japan has one of the world’s most efficient public transport systems, including the Shinkansen, subway, and JR rail lines. The Tokyo Dome is accessible via multiple subway and train stations.
Travel to Miami & Houston, USA:
- By Air: Flights arrive at Miami International Airport (MIA) or George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
- Local Transport: Both cities rely primarily on car travel, though public transit (Metrorail in Miami, METRORail in Houston) serves some areas. Ride-sharing services are widely available.
Tickets for the 2026 World Baseball Classic
Detailed ticketing information, including on-sale dates and specific purchase links, has been released for each host city and pool.
Pool A: San Juan, Puerto Rico – Hiram Bithorn Stadium
| Sale Date | Ticket Type | Audience |
|---|---|---|
| July 15 | Full ticket strips (All Pool A Games) | General Public |
| September 15 | Country-specific game strip packs | Groups & General Public |
| December 1 | Single-game tickets | General Public |
| Purchase Link: https://boletos.prticket.com/events/worldbaseballclassic |
Pool B: Houston, Texas – Daikin Park
| Sale Date | Ticket Type | Audience |
|---|---|---|
| July 8 | Full ticket strips (All Pool B Games) | Astros Season Ticket Holders |
| January 15 | Single-game tickets | General Public |
| Purchase Link: www.worldbaseballclassic.com/tickets |
Pool C: Tokyo, Japan – Tokyo Dome
| Sale Date | Ticket Type | Audience |
|---|---|---|
| October 1 | Japan-specific ticket strips (4 Japan Games) | Tokyo Giants Season Ticket Holders & General Public |
| January 15 | Single-game tickets | General Public |
| Purchase Link: www.worldbaseballclassic.com/tickets |
Pool D: Miami, Florida – loanDepot park
| Sale Date | Ticket Type | Audience |
|---|---|---|
| July 8 | Full ticket strips (All Pool D Games) | Marlins Members |
| September 15 | First round and Country-specific strips | Marlins Members |
| January 15 | Single-game tickets | General Public |
| Purchase Link: www.worldbaseballclassic.com/tickets |
Where to Stay for the 2026 World Baseball Classic
Accommodation should be booked early, especially during the high-demand tournament dates in March.
San Juan, Puerto Rico (Hiram Bithorn Stadium):
- Focus: Look for stays in the San Juan neighborhoods of Hato Rey, Condado, or Isla Verde, which offer great proximity to the stadium and tourist amenities.
- Booking Tip: San Juan offers a range of resorts, hotels, and guesthouses. Book well in advance due to the island’s popularity in March.
Tokyo, Japan (Tokyo Dome):
- Focus: Stay near the Suidōbashi Station or Kōrakuen Station for the quickest access to the Dome. Areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza offer better tourist experiences with excellent subway connections.
Miami, Florida (loanDepot park):
- Focus: The stadium is located in the Little Havana area. Staying downtown, in Brickell, or near the airport provides access to hotels and transportation.
Houston, Texas (Daikin Park):
- Focus: The stadium is located in Downtown Houston. Staying downtown or in the adjacent Theater District provides easy walking access to the venue.
Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to the 2026 World Baseball Classic
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to the tournament, here are some essential resources:
- Official World Baseball Classic Website
- Japan National Tourism Organization
- Discover Puerto Rico
- Visit Florida (Miami Tourism)
- Visit Houston
Last Updated on December 17, 2025 by Sports Tourist