Team Japan begins its 2026 World Baseball Classic title defense on Friday, March 6, 2026, in Pool B play at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. As the defending 2023 champions, Japan will host all opening-round matches in Tokyo before the top two teams from the pool advance to the Quarterfinals in Miami. In the United States, Team Japan’s games will be broadcast across the FOX Sports family of networks (FS1, FS2), with live streaming available via the FOX Sports app.
Team Japan 2026 WBC Pool B Schedule (Tokyo)
“Samurai Japan” enters the 2026 tournament as the favorite to repeat, led by a roster featuring elite NPB talent and MLB stars. Playing at the Tokyo Dome provides an unmatched home-field advantage for the Japanese squad in a pool that features high-stakes matchups against regional rivals.
Team Japan Pool Play Schedule:
- Friday, March 6: Japan vs. Qualifier 2 (7:00 PM local / 5:00 AM ET, FS1)
- Saturday, March 7: Japan vs. South Korea (7:00 PM local / 5:00 AM ET, FS1)
- Monday, March 9: Japan vs. Czech Republic (7:00 PM local / 5:00 AM ET, FS2)
- Tuesday, March 10: Japan vs. Australia (7:00 PM local / 5:00 AM ET, FS1)
Expert Note from the SportsBrackets Analyst: The Saturday night showdown between Japan and South Korea is the ‘Main Event’ of the opening round. The Tokyo Dome will be at maximum capacity for this rivalry. From a bracket perspective, if Japan wins Pool B as expected, they will travel to Miami for a Quarterfinal matchup against the runner-up of Pool A. Watch their ‘pitch count’ management carefully; Japan often uses a six-man rotation in NPB, but the WBC’s strict 65-pitch limit in the first round will force them to use their elite bullpen earlier than usual.
Team Japan Exhibition Schedule (Pre-Tournament Tune-Ups)
Japan holds training camp in Miyazaki Prefecture, facing top NPB clubs in warm-ups. The team starts holding exhibition matches ahead of other notable teams like Team USA. MLB-based players are expected to join for the final two games in Osaka.
- Saturday, February 28, 2026 – at Chunichi Dragons – Nagoya Dome
- Monday, March 2, 2026 – vs. Orix Buffaloes – Kyocera Dome Osaka – 7:00 PM JST
- Tuesday, March 3, 2026 – vs. Hanshin Tigers – Kyocera Dome Osaka – 7:00 PM JST
2026 World Baseball Classic Team Japan Schedule & Bracket
The 2026 World Baseball Classic Team Japan schedule kicks off with pool play.
Pool C – Tokyo Dome Schedule (All Times JST; Tokyo Dome)
Japan plays four round-robin games. Evening games start at 7:00 PM JST (~5:00 AM ET early March; adjust for U.S. time zones). Day games at 12:00 PM JST.
Japan’s Pool Schedule:
- Friday, March 6, 2026 – 7:00 PM JST – Japan vs. Chinese Taipei (FOX / FOX Deportes) Tournament opener-Samurai Japan expected to set the tone with a strong performance.
- Saturday, March 7, 2026 – 7:00 PM JST – Japan vs. South Korea (FS1 / FOX Deportes) Intense Asia rivalry-Korea always brings fire; key for top seed.
- Sunday, March 8, 2026 – 7:00 PM JST – Japan vs. Australia (FOX / FOX Deportes) Australia’s scrappy style could test pitching; Japan should dominate.
- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 – 7:00 PM JST – Japan vs. Czechia (FS1 / FOX Deportes) Czechia’s underdog energy-perfect chance for Japan to lock in the pool win.
Top two teams advance to quarterfinals (March 13-14 in Houston/Miami). Japan likely hosts or gets favorable seeding if they top Pool C.
2026 WBC Knockout Stage (If Japan Advances)
- Quarterfinals: March 13 or 14, 2026 – at loanDepot park (Miami) or Daikin Park (Houston) – opponent TBD from cross-pool. Japan could play in Miami regardless of seed.
- Semifinals: March 15 or 16, 2026 – at loanDepot park (Miami) – ~8:00 PM ET (FS1).
- Championship Game: March 17, 2026 – at loanDepot park (Miami) – 8:00 PM ET (FOX).
Printable 2026 WBC Bracket
For full pools, venues, and more: see our main 2026 WBC Schedule & Bracket article here. You can save or print the WBC bracket to PDF format from the image displayed here.
2026 WBC Broadcast Info (U.S.)
All games air on FOX, FS1, FS2, FOX Deportes, the FOX Sports app, and Tubi (free streaming). FOX airs select high-profile games (including key Japan matchups); FS1 covers many pool/knockout contests. In Japan, games stream on Netflix (with English audio options available).
Key 2026 WBC Matchups & Notes
- Japan vs. South Korea (March 7): Classic rivalry-expect high energy and national pride on the line.
- Japan vs. Chinese Taipei (March 6): Strong opener; Taiwan competes tough-early momentum crucial.
- Path to three-peat: Top Pool C seed means favorable quarterfinal draw; strong favorites to reach Miami final.
- Roster highlights: Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto (ace), Seiya Suzuki (OF), Munetaka Murakami (power hitter)-deep talent across the board.
Bookmark this page for roster updates, live scores, and bracket fills! Follow @javanx3d on X for the latest. Tools like Parlay Builder can help with WBC futures bets if you’re into that.
For the full tournament bracket, pools, and venues, check the official WBC site and our main article too.
Where is Team Japan playing in the 2026 WBC?
Team Japan will play all of its Pool B games at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. If they advance to the semifinals, they will travel to loanDepot park in Miami, Florida.
Did Japan win the last World Baseball Classic?
Yes, Team Japan is the defending WBC champion, having defeated Team USA 3-2 in the 2023 final held in Miami.
What time are Team Japan’s WBC games?
Most Pool B games in Tokyo start at 7:00 PM local time, which is 5:00 AM Eastern Time (ET) in the United States.
Related MLB Content
Looking for more baseball schedules? Check out our detailed guides:
- 2026 MLB Schedule: Printable, TV Lineups
- 2026 MLB Playoff Schedule: Bracket and Matchups
- Team USA WBC 2026 Schedule
