Here’s the 2026 World Baseball Classic Team Japan schedule & bracket for you. The 2026 World Baseball Classic runs March 5-17, 2026, with 20 teams battling across four pools. Samurai Japan enters as the defending champions (2023 winners) and heavy favorites to claim a historic three-peat. They host Pool C at the iconic Tokyo Dome, where the tournament kicks off earliest.
Japan’s roster (announced early February 2026) features a powerhouse mix of NPB stars and MLB standouts, including Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Seiya Suzuki, Munetaka Murakami, and more. Expect a dominant run from the hosts.
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.
- Sunday, February 22, 2026 – vs. Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks – Miyazaki (venue TBD)
- Monday, February 23, 2026 – vs. Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks – Miyazaki (venue TBD)
- Friday, February 27, 2026 – at Chunichi Dragons – Nagoya Dome
- 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.
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
