After a three-year wait, the sixth edition of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) is just around the corner, featuring 20 countries competing for the title currently held by Japan. This tournament, scheduled for 2026, is expected to be the most ambitious yet, taking place in both Asia and America and featuring Major League Baseball stars in attendance. The tournament aims to capture the attention of baseball fans worldwide with a showcase of talent and competition.

The official start date for the 2026 WBC is Thursday, March 5, 2026. However, most groups in the Western Hemisphere will kick off their games on March 6. Notably, Group C will be the first to play at the iconic Tokyo Dome, where the tournament will begin. This early grouping sets the stage for a series of important matches that will determine which teams will advance further in the competition.

The inaugural match will see Australia face off against Chinese Taipei at 12:00 PM local time in Japan. This matchup is particularly significant, as it will set the tone for Group C and their respective aspirations in the tournament. As anticipation builds, baseball enthusiasts are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting competition filled with international flair and professional talent from the MLB.