The 2026 World Baseball Classic has not yet begun, but there are already teams that stand out above the rest due to the quality of their roster. These are the main candidates, the teams that have the advantage to lift the trophy.
With games scheduled in Tokyo, Puerto Rico, Houston and Miami, the competition will begin on March 5 and culminate on March 17 at loanDepot Park, the venue for the grand final. A total of 20 countries will be seeking glory, but the odds already paint a clear group of favorites.
The five favorites to win the World Baseball Classic
The United States, the great candidateTeam USA appears as the main favorite with odds close to +100 according to specialized bookmakers.
After losing the previous final, the U.S. team arrives with a star-studded lineup led by Aaron Judge, Alex Bregman and Clayton Kershaw. Their pitching rotation, with young, powerful arms, makes the United States the deepest roster in the tournament.
Japan, the champion who wants to repeat
The current monarch, Japan’s baseball team, is the second favorite. Led by the phenomenon Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese maintain the perfect balance between tactical discipline and offensive explosiveness.
Players like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Seiya Suzuki and Masataka Yoshida reinforce a roster designed to compete in every inning.
Dominican Republic, an offensive powerhouse
The Dominican Republic national baseball team is never out of the conversation. With odds close to +370, it boasts one of the most feared lineups in the championship.
Figures such as Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Fernando Tatis Jr. automatically raise the competitive ceiling of the Caribbean team.
Venezuela, pure talent on the riseThe Venezuelan baseball team arrives with solid odds and a generation led by Ronald Acuna Jr.
The Venezuelan team combines offensive power, speed and MLB experience, characteristics that make it an uncomfortable opponent for any power.
Mexico, the Latin dream continues to growThe Mexican National Baseball Team returns to the world stage with continuity and confidence after its recent international performances.
The team will feature such prominent names as Randy Arozarena, Alejandro Kirk and Joey Meneses, backed by a pitching staff led by Andres Muñoz and Jose Urquidy. Mexico appears to be a surprise candidate capable of breaking predictions.
Where to watch the World Baseball Classic
The tournament will begin with group stage play between March 5 and 11, while the final rounds will be played in Miami. As for the broadcast, it will be through FOX Deportes, FOX, FS1, FS2 and the Fubo platform.
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