World Baseball Classic 2026: Schedule, Teams, and What to Expect in Houston

The 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) is set to thrill baseball fans in Houston, Texas, with the first round of games taking place from March 6 to 11 at Daikin Park, home of the Houston Astros. The tournament will continue in Houston with quarter-final matches from March 13 to 14. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the event, including the teams competing, the schedule, and what fans can expect.

Teams Competing in Houston

Group B, playing its first round in Houston, features a diverse lineup of national teams:

• Brazil
• Great Britain
• Italy
• Mexico
• United States (2023 runner-up and 2017 champion)

The quarter-finals in Houston will as well include teams advancing from Group A.

Pool B Schedule – Houston (March 6-11, 2026)

Here’s the complete schedule for the first round of games in Houston:

• March 6: Mexico vs. Great Britain (12:00 PM CT) Tickets
• March 6: United States vs. Brazil (7:00 PM CT) Tickets
• March 7: Brazil vs. Italy (12:00 PM CT) Tickets
• March 7: Great Britain vs. United States (7:00 PM CT) Tickets
• March 8: Great Britain vs. Italy (12:00 PM CT) Tickets
• March 8: Brazil vs. Mexico (7:00 PM CT) Tickets
• March 9: Brazil vs. Great Britain (12:00 PM CT) Tickets
• March 9: Mexico vs. United States (7:00 PM CT) Tickets
• March 10: Italy vs. United States (8:00 PM CT) Tickets
• March 11: Italy vs. Mexico (6:00 PM CT) Tickets

Quarter-Final Schedule – Houston (March 13-14, 2026)

• March 13: Pool A Runner-Up vs. Pool B Winner (7:00 PM CT) Tickets
• March 14: Pool B Runner-Up vs. Pool A Winner (2:00 PM CT) Tickets

What Else to Expect in Houston

Beyond the baseball action, Houston offers a vibrant experience for visitors. The city boasts world-class dining, arts, hotels, shopping, and nightlife. Fans can explore a cosmopolitan destination while enjoying the excitement of the World Baseball Classic. A Fan Zone will be open from March 6 to March 14 (with a dark day on March 12), with more information to be released soon.

Tournament Format

The 2026 World Baseball Classic features a 20-team tournament, culminating in a championship game on March 17. The tournament is divided into pool play followed by a knockout stage.

How to Watch

The quarterfinals will be broadcast live on FS1, featuring games like Puerto Rico vs. Italy, leading up to the semifinals. More information on broadcast schedules can be found on MLB.com.