It seems like international tournaments just love Houston. In addition to the FIFA World Cup hosting games in Houston in 2026, that same year, the World Baseball Classic international baseball tournament will also host games at Houston’s Daikin Park.
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 Cup Baseball Classic games will be held in Houston?
Houston will host two quarterfinal games at Daikin Park – both on March 14, 2026. 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 14; the semifinals on March 16; the championship on March 17.
How to get tickets to the World Baseball Classic in Houston?
As of now, organizers have not yet made tickets available. According to MLB, Houston Astros season ticket holders are guaranteed access to World Baseball Classic in Houston.
See also: FIFA Releases 2026 World Cup Match Schedule In Houston