The definition of Group B of the 2026 World Baseball Classic has become, as they say colloquially, ant-colored and it is not only the Mexican national team (2-1), led by Benjamin Gil, that is fighting for its life when it takes on Italy (3-0) on Wednesday afternoon, but also the continuity in the competition of the United States (3-1), the great favorite to win it all this year, is at risk.
Mexico depends on itself to qualify for the quarterfinals, but the task is not easy, with Javier Assad of the Chicago Cubs as the chosen one to be the starting pitcher, he will have to face Aaron Nola on the mound against the only undefeated team in the group.
Background Mexico vs. Italy
The Mexican team’s big bogey in the World Baseball Classic has been Italy, as this duel has taken place twice in the group stage of this event and on both occasions the Europeans came from behind to take the victory:
- Mexico 5-6 Italy (2013) (Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Scottsdale, Arizona)
- Mexico 9-10 Italy (2017) (Estadio de los Charros de Jalisco, Zapopan, Jalisco)
What time is the Mexico vs. Italy game?
The final game between Mexico and Italy will take place on Wednesday, March 11 at 7:00 pm (Eastern time).
Where to watch Mexico vs. Italy live?
To tune in to this first-round duel of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, you have the following options:
- TV channel: FS1
- Live stream: Fubo
In which stadium do Mexico vs. Italy play?
Daikin Park, home of the Major League Baseball (MLB)Houston Astros, located in the so-called ‘Space City’ and with a capacity for 41,000 fans, will be the venue for this match.
Mexico vs. Italy prediction
At MARCA, we join the prediction of Mexico’s manager, Benjamin Gil, due to the quality of the roster at a global level we believe that the baseball Tri wins and qualifies to the quarterfinals: Prediction: Mexico 4-2 Italy.
Possible batting orders for Mexico vs. Italy
Mexico:
- Jarren Duran (RF)
- Randy Arozarena (LF)
- Jonathan Aranda (1B)
- Alejandro Kirk (C)
- Rowdy Tellez (DH)
- Nacho Alvarez Jr. (3B)
- Nick Gonzales (2B)
- Alek Thomas (CF)
- Joey Ortiz (SS)
- Javier Assad (P)
Italy
- Marsee (CF)
- Berti (2B)
- Pasquantino (1B)
- Canzone (DH)
- Dezenzo (3B)
- D’Orazio (C)
- Caglianone (CF)
- Antonacci (SS)
- Nori
- Aaron Nola
Mexico’s games in the 2026 WBC
- Mexico 8-2 Great Britain (Friday, March 6)
- Brazil 0-16 Mexico (Sunday, March 8)
- Mexico 3-5 United States (Monday, March 9)
Italy’s games in the 2026 WBC
- Brazil 0-8 Italy (Saturday, March 7)
- Great Britain 4-7 Italy (Sunday, March 8)
- Italy 8-6 United States (Tuesday, March 10)
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