Shohei Ohtani’s Olympic dream has suffered an unexpected blow. After Japan’s historic defeat to Venezuela (8-5) in the quarter-finals of the World Baseball Classic, the Japanese team not only waved goodbye to their world crown, but also missed out on a direct ticket to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The defeat was both historic and surprising, leaving the Dodgers star without a world championship and at the same time with the fear and uncertainty of perhaps not being present at another great sporting event
Japan’s failure in the World Cup
For the first time since the creation of the WBC, Japan has been eliminated before the semifinals. This early exit is especially painful because of the new Olympic qualification system. While Venezuela and the Dominican Republic are already celebrating their official qualification for LA28 as the best representatives of the Americas in this tournament, Japan has been left empty-handed for now.
For Ohtani, who publicly expressed in 2024 his deep desire to compete in the Olympic Games to help globalize baseball, this result is a bucket of cold water, as there was a very big illusion not only in him, but in all his followers.
The road ahead for Japan
The formula for Ohtani to be in Los Angeles has become extremely narrow. By not qualifying through the WBC, Japan is now totally dependent on the 2027 Premier12 tournament.
- There is only one direct spot for Asia, and Japan must win the regional tournament.
- The Taiwan factor: Since Taiwan is the reigning champion in the area, Japan cannot afford a second place finish. A slip-up in 2027 would force the Japanese to play for their lives in a last-minute world playoff.
The situation is complicated for Japan, but with great figures led by Ohtani, there are still options and dreaming is still allowed.
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