There is no rivalry in international baseball quite like Japan vs. South Korea. On Saturday, March 7, 2026, the “Samurai Japan” squad will face off against the “Warriors” of South Korea in a Pool B clash that is expected to break viewership records across Asia.
Both nations view this game as more than just a tournament seed-it is a matter of national pride. With the Tokyo Dome sold out months in advance, the energy in the stadium will be unmatched as these two powerhouses battle for regional supremacy.
Rosters and Star Power
Team Japan
- The Phenom: Shohei Ohtani is expected to be in the lineup as the DH, providing the offensive spark that Japan needs.
- Starting Pitcher: Yoshinobu Yamamoto is the projected starter, bringing his elite command to face the disciplined Korean hitters.
- Young Talent: Munetaka Murakami remains the most dangerous power threat in the cleanup spot.
Team South Korea
- The Leader: Lee Jung-hoo (San Francisco Giants) anchors the outfield and the top of the batting order with his elite contact skills.
- Ace Pitcher: Moon Dong-ju, the young flamethrower who touches 100 mph, is South Korea’s best hope to silence the Tokyo crowd.
- MLB Presence: Ha-Seong Kim and Tommy Edman provide MLB-caliber defense in the middle infield.
Quick Facts for the “Asian Derby”
Head-to-Head: Japan holds a slight edge in recent WBC history, including their dominant victory in 2023, but South Korea famously defeated Japan in the 2009 opening rounds.
KBO vs. NPB: This game is a direct clash between the styles of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) and Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), with Korea focusing on aggressive baserunning and Japan on pitching depth.
The “Tokyo Dome” Atmosphere: Expect a “noise war” between the synchronized chanting of the Korean cheering section and the organized brass bands of the Japanese fans.
Game time and how to watch from the USA
Because the game takes place in Tokyo, American fans will once again have to tune in during the early morning hours.
- Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026.
- Time: 6:00 a.m. ET / 3:00 a.m. PT.
- TV Channel: FS1 (Fox Sports 1).
- Spanish Broadcast: Fox Deportes.
- Live Stream: Fox Sports App and streaming platforms like FuboTV.
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