Korea Advances to WBC Quarterfinals, Faces Dominican Republic
The Korean national baseball team has advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic for the first time in 17 years, setting up a challenging matchup against the Dominican Republic. The team secured its spot after a series of intense games in Pool C, held in Tokyo, Japan, from March 5-10.
A Grueling Path to the Quarterfinals
Korea’s journey to the quarterfinals was far from easy. They began with a decisive win against the Czech Republic (4-0) , but faced a tough challenge against Japan, narrowly losing a close contest. Following that, a crucial game against Chinese Taipei was won 4-5, despite the team playing on short rest after a night game against Japan. The pivotal victory against Australia (7-2) sealed their place in the quarterfinals, requiring a significant offensive performance to meet the tournament’s run differential criteria.
Key Players Driving Korea’s Success
Several players have been instrumental in Korea’s success. Jung Hoo Lee of the San Francisco Giants is expected to be a key offensive force, having rebounded from an injury-impacted rookie season to hit .266/.327/.407 in his second season . Jahmai Jones, formerly a top prospect for the Los Angeles Angels and currently with the Detroit Tigers, has also shown promise, hitting .287/.387/.550 with seven home runs in 72 games in 2025 . Young stars like Do Yeong Kim, the 2024 KBO MVP and Hyun Min Ahn, the 2025 KBO Rookie of the Year, add further depth and potential to the Korean lineup .
Roster Highlights
The Korean roster features a blend of experienced professionals and rising stars. Pitching will be led by Hyun Jin Ryu , while the bullpen includes a mix of KBO and MLB arms, including Dane Dunning of the Atlanta Braves and Woo-Suk Go of the Miami Marlins . Other notable players include Kia Tigers’ Do Yeong Kim, and LG Twins’ Hyun Min Ahn .
Quarterfinal Matchup: Korea vs. Dominican Republic
Korea will face a formidable opponent in the Dominican Republic on March 13 at loanDepot Park in Miami . The Dominican Republic boasts a strong roster of Major League Baseball players, particularly in their pitching staff, with many pitchers capable of throwing over 155 km/h. The game is expected to be a challenging test for the Korean team.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Korea has demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the tournament. Their advancement to the quarterfinals is a significant achievement, and they will look to continue their strong performance against the Dominican Republic. The team’s success will depend on their ability to maintain their offensive momentum and contain the powerful Dominican lineup.