The World Baseball Classic is officially back. Following Japan’s dramatic 3-2 victory over the United States in the 2023 championship, the world’s best baseball players will again represent their home countries in the 2026 tournament.
And for Boston Red Sox fans, there’s plenty to watch: a significant contingent of players from the major league club will be on rosters across the globe.
Red Sox in the World Baseball Classic
Boston’s standout outfielders will all be headed to the tournament:
Roman Anthony – United States
Jarren Duran – Mexico
Ceddanne Rafaela – Netherlands
Wilyer Abreu – Venezuela
Pitching and designated hitter duties will also be well-represented:
Garrett Whitlock (relief pitcher) – United States
Brayan Bello (starting pitcher) – Dominican Republic
Masataka Yoshida (designated hitter) – Japan
Newly acquired first baseman Willson Contreras and pitcher Ranger Suárez, who signed with Boston this offseason, will suit up for Venezuela.
Other Red Sox players in the tournament include:
Jack Anderson and Nate Eaton – Great Britain
Tayron Guerrero – Colombia
Greg Weissert – Italy
Jovani Moran and Eduardo Rivera – Puerto Rico
World Baseball Classic Schedule
Pool play begins on Wednesday, March 4 at 10 p.m. ET, with Chinese Taipei vs. Australia in Tokyo (technically early Thursday in Japan). That Pool C matchup will be followed hours later by Czechia vs. Korea.
Friday, March 6 marks the first full day of action:
11 a.m. ET – Pool A: Cuba vs. Panama (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
Afternoon – Pool D: Netherlands vs. Venezuela (Miami)
4 p.m. ET – Pool B: Mexico vs. Great Britain (Houston)
8 p.m. ET – Pool B: United States vs. Brazil (Houston)
Bracket & Championship
Following pool play:
Quarterfinals: March 13–14
Semifinals: March 15–16
Championship Game: March 17 in Miami
How to Watch
All games will be broadcast on FOX Sports and FS1 in the United States, with streaming available via fuboTV and the FOX Sports app. International broadcast information varies by region.
With stars from both the Red Sox and across the league taking the field, the 2026 World Baseball Classic promises to deliver high-stakes international competition and a preview of the talent headed into the MLB season.
