The 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) team, currently training in Okinawa, Japan, secured a comeback victory against the Hanwha Eagles in a practice match held at the Kadena base. The game saw initial dominance from the national team, with Noh Si-Hwan hitting a two-run homer that contributed to a 3-0 lead. However, the Eagles fought back, leveling the score at 3-3 with timely hits from their players before taking a brief lead at 4-3 in the fifth inning. With the pressure mounting, the WBC team responded decisively in the seventh inning, reclaiming the lead with timely hits from Moon Hyun-bin and a crucial two-run homer from Moon Bo-kyung, ultimately winning the game 7-4 in a dramatic turnaround.

Pitcher Kwak Bin showcased his impressive form, delivering fastballs clocked at up to 155 km/h and recording three strikeouts over two innings without allowing any runs. His performance was particularly noteworthy as it demonstrated the depth of talent on the national team, which has seen players like Noh Si-Hwan and Moon Bo-Kyung rise to prominence. In contrast, Han Hyun-min faced a minor injury in the game but was swiftly replaced for safety reasons. This victory comes on the heels of mixed results in previous practice matches, with the WBC team showing resilience and adaptability as they prepare for upcoming challenges.

Looking ahead, the national team will continue its training schedule with matches against other professional teams like the KIA Tigers and the Samsung Lions, culminating in official practice matches in Osaka. The roster is expected to strengthen further with the inclusion of MLB players like Lee Jung-hoo from the San Francisco Giants as they gear up for the WBC. Players Kim Do-yong and Ahn Hyun-min have also been highlighted for their potential impact in the tournament, emphasizing the promising future of South Korean baseball as they compete at an international level.