5 must-watch World Baseball Classic pool play matchups, including Team USA vs Mexico

David Ortiz, Derek Jeter, and Alex Rodriguez reflect on their memories from the World Baseball Classic, while Kevin Burkhardt joins the discussion as the tournament prepares for its 2026 return to FOX.

Before the 2026 MLB season gets underway, the World Baseball Classic has returned to determine who the best national team in the world is. 

There will be 20 teams vying for that title, and pool play begins this week with the final set for March 17 at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida – the home of the Miami Marlins. 

The tournament will feature baseball powerhouses, including Team USA, which will have the likes of Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes, Cal Raleigh, Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and many others leading the way to what the U.S. hopes is more victories in 2026, especially after how the Milan Cortina Games finished. 

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Kyle Schwarber of Team USA reacts after hitting a home run in the eighth inning during the 2023 World Baseball Classic Championship game between Team USA and Team Japan at loanDepot Park on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Miami, Florida. (Daniel Shirey/WBCI/MLB Photos)

But others, like Japan, the reigning WBC champions, and the Dominican Republic, want bragging rights for the next three years until the tournament returns. Only two teams from each of the four pools will advance to the quarterfinals, and there are some amazing matchups already in store for this year’s tournament. 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top five pool play matchups that are can’t-miss games for all baseball lovers, starting in Tokyo. 

Time to set those alarms, because Shohei Ohtani and the reigning WBC winners in Japan are hosting Korea, and these two rivals have delivered some