The 2026 World Baseball Classic is upon us. We have 20 nations vying for the championship, but realistically, there are just a handful of teams who will legitimately contend. Japan is the defending champion, as it narrowly topped the United States in a memorable championship game at LoanDepot Park in Miami. It was the 3rd time Japan won the WBC in 5 installments, and it is among the favorites to secure another title in 2026. The United States enters as the favorite, with Japan and the Dominican Republic also expected to challenge for the top spot.
We will have games in Japan, Puerto Rico and the United States for pool-play games from March 4-11. Then, the quarterfinals take place in Houston and Miami on March 13-14, with the semifinals in Miami on March 15-16, before the city also hosts the final on Tuesday, March 17.
2026 World Baseball Classic winner odds
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook and available at time of publishing
- United States -110
- Japan +380
- Dominican Republic +390
- Venezuela +900
- Mexico +2200
- Puerto Rico +2500
- Canada +6000
- Italy +7500
- South Korea +8000
- Colombia +10000
- Cuba +10000
- Netherlands +10000
- Chinese Taipei +20000
- Panama +30000
- Australia +40000
- Brazil +40000
- Czechia +40000
- Great Britain +40000
- Israel +40000
- Nicaragua +40000
2026 World Baseball Classic championship contenders
United States (-110)
The United States is not only stacked, but it also has the advantage of playing on home soil through the championship, should it qualify. It’s an embarrassment of riches for USA, with Cal Raleigh behind the plate and Will Smith subbing in when needed.
The infield features the likes of Alex Bregman, Ernie Clement, Paul Goldschmidt, Bryce Harper, Gunnar Henderson, Brice Turang and Bobby Witt Jr. Roman Anthony was subbed in for Corbin Carroll, who is dealing with an injury. He’ll join Byron Buxton, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber in a powerful and deep outfield.
As far as pitching is concerned, the USA will have Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal doing a lot of the heavy lifting, with a smattering of veterans like Matthew Boyd, Clayton Kershaw, Joe Ryan and Michael Wacha. It’s an outstanding pitching staff mixed with young and old, and, again, it will never have to leave home soil, which helps immensely.
Japan (+380)
The defending champions are not nearly as deep as the American side, but any team with Shohei Ohtani is always going to be dangerous. He is joined by a slew of Japanese League stars, as well as Yusei Kikuchi, Yuki Matsui, Tomoyuki Sugano and Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the pitching staff, while casual fans will also know of Kazuma Okamoto, Munetaka Murakami and Seiya Suzuki.
Japan has won the World Baseball Classic in 2006, 2009 and 2023, and it is never a good idea to count it out. Group C play should be a breeze against the likes of Australia, Chinese Taipei, Czechia and South Korea, especially at the raucous Tokyo Dome.
Dominican Republic (+390)
The DR had a disappointing 2023 performance, so it is back and looking to avenge that poor showing. The pitching staff is strong, with Sandy Alcantara, Brayan Bello and Luis Severino. Alcantara, who pitches for the Miami Marlins, could also be very comfortable pitching in South Florida, should the Dominicans qualify for the knockout games.
The offense is amazing, with Junior Caminero, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Manny Machado, as well as Oneil Cruz, Julio Rodriguez, Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr. If the pitching can at least be average to above average, this offense could outscore almost anyone. Top to bottom, the Dominican Republic is just as talented as any team in the tournament, perhaps other than the favorites, USA. At the very least, the Dominicans should win Pool D, and they will give someone fits in the Quarterfinals or Semifinals. Anything less than a trip to the Semifinals would be a major disappointment. This is a dark-horse team with the potential to win it all if things break the right way.
2026 World Baseball Classic best bet: USA to win (-110)
This United States team is stacked, and Japan doesn’t look nearly as threatening as they did in the last installment, although it should also never be discounted. If anyone is going to upset the apple cart, my pick would be the Dominican Republic. If you’re looking to take a flyer, and nearly multiply up 4X, DR is your best bet. But, if you want the safe, more certain play, Team USA is it. Like the Men’s and Women’s Winter Olympic hockey teams, it appears USA is about to win gold yet again.
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