Texas to Play Major Role in 2026 World Baseball Classic

The World Baseball Classic is one of the most exciting and captivating sporting events in the world. You have the best players in the world, representing their countries, playing for the right to call themselves the 'Best in the World'.

Since it's inception, the WBC has given us some absolutely INCREDIBLE moments: Adam Jones' incredible leaping catch in Arizona, Trea Turner turning into Captain America, Mike Trout vs Othtani with the championship on the line...the list goes on and on. Plus, you get 'normal guys' going against MLB legends - last year a farmer from Canada struck out some of the biggest names in the sport. It's fun, it's exciting and it's must watch TV.

The next edition of the WBC will spend some time in the heart of Texas

Why is the WBC Important?

Since baseball is no longer apart of the Olympics, this is the only place to see the best in the world go head to head. It's also probably the only place you'll see professionals from all the global leagues go head to head as players from the MLB, Nippon Professional Baseball League in Japan and others all allow their players to participate.

In fact, the 2023 edition of the WBC was one of the most watched sporting events in the world. So, it's kind of a big deal. And there's always some incredible memorable moments. So, every 3 years, the global community comes together to watch magic happen.

WBC Tournament Breakdown & Locations

MLB via Facebook

Today the WBC announced the format, locations and other details for the 2026 version of the global tournament. The Global Tournament will kick off on March 5th, 2026 and wrap up on March 17th, 2026.

There will be 4 pools containing 5 teams each. Those pools will battle it out for the right to advance to the quarterfinals.

Pool A will play their games in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Pool B will compete in Houston, TX. Pool C will play in Tokyo, Japan. Pool D will play in Miami, Florida.

Quarterfinals matchups will take place in Houston & Miami. The Semifinals & Finals will play out in Miami.

LOOK: MLB history from the year you were born

Stacker compiled key moments from Major League Baseball's history over the past 100 years. Using a variety of sources from Major League Baseball (MLB) record books, the Baseball Hall of Fame, and audio and video from events, we've listed the iconic moments that shaped a sport and a nation. Read through to find out what happened in MLB history the year you were born.

Gallery Credit: Seth Berkman

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