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The World Baseball Classic is right around the corner, and Team USA is looking to avenge their loss to Team Japan in the finals.
Team Japan beat Team USA 3-2 in thrilling fashion to win in 2023, when Shohei Ohtani struck out Mike Trout in an electric battle to end the game. Ohtani and Trout were teammates on the Los Angeles Angels at the time of the game.
The tournament begins on Wednesday, March 4, but Team USA does not play until Friday night. New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge is Team USA’s captain.
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Aaron Judge (99) of Team USA looks on during a workout at Papago Park Sports Complex in Phoenix, Arizona, on March 2, 2026. (Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
There are five teams in each pool, and each team will play four games over six days during pool play. The United States, Mexico, Italy, Great Britain and Brazil are in Pool B. They will play their pool games at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas.
Eight of the 20 teams will advance to the quarterfinals, which are single elimination. The semifinals begin a day after the quarterfinals end, and the final will be played Tuesday, March 17.
Before Team USA officially begins the tournament, they will play the San Francisco Giants in an exhibition game on Tuesday. Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes will start in that game. Team USA will play the Colorado Rockies in an exhibition game on Wednesday.
(L-R) Byron Buxton (25), Kyle Schwarber (12), Roman Anthony (3) and Aaron Judge (99) of Team USA walk from the field during a workout at Papago Park Sports Complex in Phoenix, Arizona, on March 2, 2026. (Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
Below is a list of Team USA’s schedule during pool play and who will start for them.
Friday, March 6 – USA and Brazil – 8 p.m. ET – FOX/FOX Deportes – Giants ace Logan Webb will start
Saturday, March 7 – Great Britain and USA – 8 p.m. ET – FOX – Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal will start
Sunday, March 8 – Mexico and USA – 8 p.m. ET – FOX/FOXD – Skenes will start
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Pitcher Paul Skenes (30) of Team USA throws during a workout at Papago Park Sports Complex in Phoenix, Arizona, on March 2, 2026. (Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
Tuesday, March 10 – Italy and USA – 9 p.m. ET – FS1/FOXD – New York Mets rookie Nolan McLean is scheduled to start
If the United States advances out of pool play, the quarterfinals begin on Friday, March 13.
The FOX Sports family of networks (FOX, FS1, FS2, FOX Deportes), the FOX Sports App and Tubi will combine to air all 47 games of the World Baseball Classic.
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