After seeing how the last inning of the World Baseball Classic ended, Shohei Ohtani, Team Japan, Team USA, and World Baseball Classic 2026 are once again at the center of the baseball world. Team USA’s worst nightmare has come true again: Shohei Ohtani announced this Monday that he WILL play for Team Japan in the 2026 edition. His goal now is to repeat the championship feat he just accomplished with the Dodgers.
Shohei Ohtani confirmed for the 2026 World Baseball Classic
The Japanese two-way superstar confirmed on Monday his intention to participate in the tournament, adding the biggest name in baseball right now to an event that will take place next March. This news boosts global interest in the WBC 2026, especially among fans following Ohtani’s historic run.
Japan will open Group C play in the 2026 WBC on March 6 at the Tokyo Dome-a massive event for the defending champions, who will face Chinese Taipei, Korea, Australia, and Czechia (Czech Republic) in pool play.
Ohtani is coming off winning his fourth unanimous MVP in the last five MLB seasons. It’s also worth remembering that he is the reigning WBC MVP after leading Japan to its third gold medal in the 2023 edition.
In that tournament, Ohtani delivered one of the most epic moments in baseball history by striking out Mike Trout for the final out against Team USA.
Other Major League stars have already confirmed their participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, including Aaron Judge and Paul Skenes for the United States, Francisco Lindor for Puerto Rico, and Salvador Pérez for Venezuela.
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