The World Baseball Classic, Inc. (WBCI) today announced the pools and schedule for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, with Minute Maid Park being one of the four host sites.

Pool B will compete at Minute Maid Park from Friday, March 6-Wednesday, March 11. The ballpark, which is hosting the World Baseball Classic for the first time, will feature teams from the United States, Mexico, Great Britian, and Italy, along with the winner of a Qualifier.

Houston will also host the Quarterfinals along with loanDepot Park in Miami on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14. Minute Maid Park will host the teams advancing from Pool A (top two teams from San Juan, PR) and Pool B (top two teams from Houston). If Team USA advances to the Quarterfinals round in Houston, their game will be played on Friday, March 13 regardless of whether they are the Pool B winner or runner-up.

The Championship Round will be played in Miami, with the semifinals set for Sunday, March 15 and Monday, March 16. The championship game will be played on Tuesday, March 17.

Game times and TV information will be released at a later date.

“I am excited about Houston hosting the World Baseball Classic. Having the teams and visitors in town will not just showcase Houston’s passion for the sport but also celebrate the diverse cultures from around the globe that unite under one love for the game,” Houston Mayor John Whitmire said in a statement earlier this year. “As the nation’s most diverse city, home to a truly global community, we are eager to demonstrate the unique experience Houston offers our domestic and international visitors. I appreciate all the people and organizations that came together to secure this event for Houston.”

The World Baseball Classic will not only bring thrilling baseball action to Houston, but it will also have a significant economic impact on the city, especially the downtown area which will see a huge number of fans from across the world come to watch their country play in one of the best ballparks in the country.

“From our two international airports and dynamic culinary scene to our pedestrian-oriented sports and convention campus, Houston has proven time and again that there’s no better place to hold a world-class event,” said Michael Heckman, President and CEO of Houston First in a previous statement. “We are excited to help host the World Baseball Classic alongside the Houston Astros and our destination partners, showcasing once again the power of together that drives Houston.”

Full ticketing information for the 2026 tournament will be announced at a final date, but fans can register now to receive the most up-to-date information about the tournament, ticketing and upcoming presale opportunities for the games at Minute Maid Park.

The World Baseball Classic is sanctioned by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) as the sport’s official National Team World Championship.

In addition to the star-studded Team USA and Mexico rosters, both Great Britian and Italy had strong squads that featured current and former major leaguers in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Team USA advanced to the championship in 2023, but fell to Japan, 3-2. Mexico advanced to the semifinals before losing to Japan, 6-5. Italy also made it out of the pool stage, advancing to the quarterfinals before losing to Japan. Team Italy’s roster in 2023 was full of current and former major leaguers and their pitching staff, headlined by Matt Harvey, boasted six players who had all played in the big leagues. Team Great Britian also had big league pedigree with outfielder Trayce Thompson leading a roster that also included former major league veterans in Andre Scrubb, Akeel Morris and Vance Worley. 

The Astros were well-represented in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, both on the player side and in the coaching ranks.

Five current Astros were named to the Dominican Republic’s roster in RHP Bryan Abreu, RHP Ronel Blanco, RHP Cristian Javier, RHP Rafael Montero and SS Jeremy Peña. The Astros had three players play for the United States in 2023 with RHP Kendall Graveman, RHP Ryan Pressly and RF Kyle Tucker. Second baseman Jose Altuve and RHP Luis Garcia suited up for Venezuela, while RHP José Urquidy played for Mexico.

The Astros were also heavily represented in the coaching ranks at the WBC. Bench coach Omar López managed Team Venezuela and was joined on his staff by Javier Bracamonte, who served as a bullpen coach. Alex Cintrón served as a hitting coach for Team Puerto Rico, while Michael Collins coached for Team Australia. Lastly, Astros Strength and Conditioning Coach Hazael Wessin served in that same capacity for the Dominican Republic.

Pool B
United States (USA)
Mexico (MEX)
Italy (ITA)
Great Britian (GBR)
Qualifier

Pool B Schedule

Quarterfinals (Single Elimination)