Baseball teams from around the globe will play in Houston next spring as part of the World Baseball Classic. And now we know the first-round teams that will go head-to-head in H-Town.

Great Britain, Italy, Mexico, Brazil and the United States will compete in Pool B being held at Daikin Park March 6 – March 11, 2026. This is the first time that Houston has hosted the World Baseball Classic.

Games in Pool A will be held at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Pool C will be hosted at Japan’s Tokyo Dome; Pool D will be at loanDepot park in Miami.

Opening round games will feature pool play in each of the four venues with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the Quarterfinals, which feature single-elimination games. Houston is also set to host two second-round Quarterfinal games on March 13 and 14.

Friday, March 6

Game 1: Mexico vs Great Britain
Game 2: USA vs Qualifier

Saturday, March 7

Game 1: Qualifier vs. Italy
Game 2: Great Britain vs. USA

Sunday, March 8

Game 5: Great Britain vs. Italy
Game 6: Qualifier vs. Mexico

Monday, March 9
Game 7: Qualifier vs. Great Britain
Game 8: Mexico vs. USA

Tuesday, March 10
Game 9: Italy vs. USA

Wednesday, March 11
Game 10: Italy vs Mexico

The Championship Round in Miami will begin on Sunday, March 15 with the first of two Semifinal matchups while the second Semifinal takes place on Monday, March 16. The Championship Game will be played on Tuesday, March 17.

Houston was announced as one of the host cities of the 2026 World Baseball Classic in May 2024. The Houston Astros, Harris County - Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA) and Houston First Corporation partnered on the bid process. The World Baseball Classic showcases the best baseball talent from around the globe and features current MLB stars playing for their home countries. 

Written by A.J. Mistretta

Photo: Courtesy Houston Astros