It seems like international tournaments just love Houston. Ahead of the FIFA World Cup hosting games in Houston this June, the World Baseball Classic international baseball tournament will also host games at Houston’s Daikin Park including the debut of Team USA.
What is the World Baseball Classic?
Originated in 2006, the World Baseball Classic is an international baseball tournament consisting of 20 national teams from around the world. Like the FIFA World Cup, the tournament is held every four years. The last World Baseball Classic took place in 2021, in which Japan were the champions.
How does the World Baseball Classic work?
The World Baseball Classic will feature 20 national teams competing in double and single-elimination round robin play. The group stage will consist of four pools. The top-seeding teams from the group stage will advance to knockout rounds – quarter-finals, semi-finals, and then finals.
Who are the teams in the World Baseball Classic 2026?
The 20 teams competing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic include:
- Australia
- Brazil
- Cuba
- Canada
- Chinese Taipei
- Colombia
- Czechnia
- Dominic Republic
- Great Britain
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Korea
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Puerto Rico
- United States
- Venezuela
What World Baseball Classic games will be held in Houston?
Houston will host 12 games during the WBC tournament.Three Team USA games including two quarterfinal games will take place at Daikin Park – on March 13 and March 14, 2026. Houston will host the team’s debut on March 6 against Brazil. The quarterfinals will feature teams from Pool A and Pool B, and will likely consist of the United States quarterfinals game. The two pools include the following teams:
Pool A
- Puerto Rico
- Cuba
- Canada
- Panama
- Colombia
Pool B
- United States
- Mexico
- Italy
- Great Britain
- Brazil
When will the World Baseball Classic take place?
The World Baseball Classic takes place from March 6 to March 17, 2026. The first round will take place from March 6 to March 11; the quarterfinals on March 13 and 14; the semifinals on March 16; the championship on March 17.
How to get tickets to the World Baseball Classic in Houston?
Tickets are presently available through major ticketing platforms – including the MLB’s ticketing site. Ticket prices vary, but start at $28.92 for Team USA vs. Brazil on March 6.
