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The World Baseball Classic is just 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 as Shohei Ohtani beat Mike Trout in an electric game 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 doesn’t play until Friday night. New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge is Team USA’s captain.
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Team USA’s Aaron Judge (99) looks on during a practice 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 plays four games over six days during pool play. USA, 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 advance to the quarterfinals, which are single elimination. The semi-finals will begin one day after the quarter-finals finish and the final will be played on Tuesday 17 March.
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) Team USA’s Byron Buxton (25), Kyle Schwarber (12), Roman Anthony (3) and Aaron Judge (99) walk off the field during a practice 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 – at 8:00 PM ET – FOX/FOX Deportes – Giants ace Logan Webb starts
Saturday 7th March – UK and USA – at 8:00 PM ET – FOX – Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal starts
Sunday, March 8 – Mexico vs. USA – 8:00 PM ET – FOX/FOXD – Skenes kicks off
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Pitcher Paul Skenes (30) of Team USA throws during a practice at Papago Park Sports Complex in Phoenix, Arizona on March 2, 2026. (Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
Tuesday, March 10 – Italy vs. USA – 9:00 PM ET – FS1/FOXD – New York Mets rookie Nolan McLean is slated to start
If the USA advances from pool play, the quarterfinals will 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 broadcast all 47 games of the World Baseball Classic.
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