Mar 5, 2026, 07:00 AM ET

The 2026 World Baseball Classic is underway!

Over the next two weeks, many of the biggest stars on the planet will take the field under the bright lights of the international stage.

Which teams join the United States as favorites to win it all? Who are the top candidates to shock the world? And which superstars will shine brightest during this year’s event?

It’s time to break it all down with our WBC Power Rankings, contender tiers and keys to reigning supreme in 2026.

Tier I: The Superteam Trio

1. United States

Pool B | Title odds: -110

Most likely MVP: Bobby Witt Jr. was a 22-year-old pinch runner who got just two at-bats in the last edition of the WBC. Since then, he has won two Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers, finished within the top five in MVP voting twice and accumulated 24.4 FanGraphs wins above replacement, trailing only Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge. At 25, he might already be one of the three best players in the sport. And he is primed to shine in this tournament. — Alden Gonzalez

X factor: Nolan McLean is among the more surprising entrees into this tournament, because top pitching prospects hardly ever get involved. And the Mets’ 24-year-old right-hander will end up playing a major role. After a bout with vertigo, McLean is poised to start Tuesday against Italy. After that, U.S. manager Mark DeRosa said McLean would be lined up to take the mound for a potential championship game. Team USA officials are confident McLean’s explosive stuff will play against some of the world’s best. They’re about to find out. — Gonzalez

A fact to impress your friends: With a .600 winning percentage through the first five WBCs, the U.S. ranks just fifth in winning percentage, behind Japan, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Korea. Against those four teams plus Mexico and Cuba, the U.S. has gone 11-13. — David Schoenfield

The U.S. will win it all if … the pitching is as good as advertised. This is the best pitching staff Team USA has assembled for a WBC even though Tarik Skubal is making just one abbreviated start against overmatched Great Britain and Joe Ryan won’t be available until the knockout stage. With Paul Skenes, Skubal, Logan Webb and Ryan — if his sore back doesn’t keep him from participating — the U.S. has the best rotation in the tournament. McLean, Clay Holmes and Matthew Boyd offer depth. Mason Miller is the closer, and the bridge to him is sturdy. The lineup, with Aaron Judge in the middle, should score plenty. If the pitching performs, the Americans could go undefeated. — Jorge Castillo

Tier II: Biggest threats

4. Venezuela

Pool D | Title odds: +900

Most likely MVP: Ronald Acuna Jr. is the biggest star on this team, of course, but Jackson Chourio should not be overlooked. In two major league seasons at ages 20 and 21, he has hit 42 homers, stolen 43 bases, put up a .781 OPS and accumulated 6.8 fWAR. He then played some winter ball in Venezuela this offseason, so he’ll be more than ready to face premier pitching in this tournament. — Gonzalez

X factor: Dominant left-handed reliever Jose Alvarado was unable to get insured for this tournament, so it looks as if it’ll be Eduard Bazardo setting up and Daniel Palencia closing games. Bazardo and Palencia are coming off strong seasons for the Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs, respectively, and give Venezuela the sort of one-two-punch late in games that it didn’t necessarily have in 2023. — Gonzalez

A fact to impress your friends: Venezuela is the best team to never reach a final, finishing third in 2009 as its best result. For the first time, it will be playing without Miguel Cabrera, who played at least one game in the first five WBCs. He’s serving as a hitting coach this year. — Schoenfield

Venezuela can go deep if … Acuña excels. For whatever reason, it seems as if Acuña is flying under the radar. The former NL MVP took his place among the premier, most exciting players in the world when he returned from injury last season. He was one of the few positives in a miserable season for Atlanta, batting .290 with 21 home runs and a .935 OPS in 95 games. His skill set and swagger can swing games — and tournaments. If Acuña can club a few home runs and steal a few bases, he’ll energize his team and electrify the crowd in Miami. With that, Venezuela could finally break through and reach its first final. — Castillo

5. Mexico

Pool B | Title odds: 22-1

Most likely MVP: Nobody embodies the spirit of the WBC better than Randy Arozarena, the Cuban-born outfielder who continues to represent the country where he established residency while on his path to the United States. Three years ago, Arozarena was the heart and soul for a Mexican team that went further than many expected, slashing .450/.607/.900 and capturing the attention of fans throughout the tournament. This is his stage. — Gonzalez

X factor: Team Mexico will probably have to slug its way through this tournament, so the X factors will be those who surround Arozarena in the lineup — namely, Alejandro Kirk, Jonathan Aranda, Rowdy Tellez, Alek Thomas and Jarren Duran. This is a better, deeper offensive unit than the 2023 edition. It needs to show that. — Gonzalez

A fact to impress your friends: Mexico is 3-1 against the U.S. in WBC history, losing 2-0 in pool play in 2006 but then knocking out the U.S. with a 2-1 victory in the second round as eight pitchers combined for a three-hitter. Mexico also won 5-2 in 2013 and 11-5 in 2023 as Joey Meneses hit two home runs. — Schoenfield

Mexico can go deep if … the pitching surprises. Mexico reached the semifinals in 2023 — and nearly toppled Japan — behind a sturdy starting rotation. That group looks very different this time. Julio Urias, the 2023 staff ace, is out of baseball after a second suspension for domestic violence. Jose Urquidy wasn’t given insurance. Taj Bradley would’ve been an important addition but decided not to participate. For now, the rotation features two confirmed starters: Taijuan Walker and Javier Assad. Mexico could opt for openers in its other two pool-play games. Regardless, a stout bullpen with Andres Munoz as closer must deliver for Mexico to make another run. — Castillo

6. Puerto Rico

Pool A | Title odds: 20-1

Most likely MVP: Some on the Giants have been raving about the work Heliot Ramos put in this offseason, believing he’s poised for a bounce-back year in 2026. Puerto Rico needs that resurgence to begin a little bit sooner, with the outfielder anchoring a lineup that has absorbed several key losses heading into this tournament. — Gonzalez

X factor: Three years ago, Edwin Diaz tore up his knee while celebrating an exhilarating victory over the Dominican Republic, a devastating blow on what was supposed to be a momentous night in Miami. His willingness to return — he called it an “easy yes,” given that Puerto Rico will host pool-play games — is a major boost to a team that has been defined by its absences. If Diaz is getting the ball in the ninth inning, Puerto Rico is in good shape. — Gonzalez

A fact to impress your friends: Runner-up in 2013 and 2017, Puerto Rico is an impressive 23-11 in WBC history. It was a perfect 7-0 going into the 2017 championship game but lost 8-0 to the U.S. — Schoenfield

Puerto Rico can go deep if … unheralded players emerge to help the lineup overcome significant absences. Puerto Rico’s position player group is not nearly as robust as expected without four mainstays: Star infielders Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa were not cleared for insurance. Javier Baez, an All-Star last season, was suspended for failing a drug test in 2023. Kiké Hernandez is still recovering from offseason elbow surgery.

The lineup is still solid without them. Nolan Arenado is a future Hall of Famer. Ramos and Willi Castro have been All-Stars. Eddie Rosario and Christian Vazquez have ample WBC and postseason experience. But others need to step up and deliver. Outfielders Bryan Torres, Carlos Cortes and Matthew Lugo, and infielders Edwin Arroyo, Darell Hernaiz and Luis Vázquez will be among the first-time participants given the opportunity. — Castillo

Tier III: Upset candidates

8. Canada

Pool A | Title odds: 50-1

Most likely MVP: Freddie Freeman isn’t suiting up this year, but Josh Naylor is, and he deserves our attention. Naylor made such an impression in Seattle down the stretch last season that the Mariners made re-signing him their top priority (which they did with a five-year, $92.5 million deal). He puts the ball in play, hits for power and has displayed an amazing knack for picking up stolen bases despite well below-average speed. In short, he’s perfect for a short tournament. — Gonzalez

A fact to impress your friends: Canada has never advanced out of pool play, coming closest in the inaugural tournament in 2006, when it went 2-1 but was eliminated on run differential. Canada beat the U.S. in one of the biggest shockers in WBC history that year. That team featured Jason Bay, Justin Morneau, Matt Stairs and Corey Koskie, but No. 9 hitter Adam Stern, who had 43 major league at-bats, was the hero with three hits and a home run. — Schoenfield

Canada can be this year’s surprise team if … the lineup slugs them to wins. With Puerto Rico hit hard by absences, Canada has the best lineup in Pool A even without Freeman, who suited up in 2023 but declined this time. The team will have major leaguers from 1 through 9 led by Naylor and Tyler O’Neill. Bo Naylor is one of the best catchers in the tournament, Denzel Clarke might be the best defensive center fielder in the world and outfield prospect Owen Caissie has real power.

The Canadians have a trio of solid starting pitchers in Jameson Taillon, Michael Soroka and Cal Quantrill, but Rob Zastryzny is their only reliever who appeared in a major league game last season. Ultimately, they’ll need the offense to carry them out of Pool A — the most competitive group in the tournament — and to the knockout stage for the first time. — Castillo

9. Italy

Pool B | Title odds: 80-1

Most likely MVP: We haven’t seen Jac Caglianone‘s true breakout potential in the major leagues just yet, but there’s a solid chance we’ll see it in this tournament. Perhaps spring training has provided an early indication. In his first 15 Cactus League at-bats, the Royals’ 23-year-old prodigious power hitter collected six hits, three of them for extra bases. One of his batted balls had a velocity of 120.2 mph, making him just the eighth player to reach 120 mph in Statcast’s 11-year history. Another, his lone home run, went 460 feet. — Gonzalez

A fact to impress your friends: Italy has won at least one game in each WBC, but it has never defeated any of the traditional powers, with its biggest victories being two wins over Mexico. Most of the players on this year’s squad have MLB experience, although there are two pitchers on the team actually from Italy in Claudio Scotti, who pitched briefly in the minors for the Mets, and Gabriele Quattrini. — Schoenfield

Italy can be this year’s surprise team if … the influx of major league players, especially pitchers, is enough to overtake Mexico for second place in Pool B. Italy advanced out of pool play in 2023 with a very different roster. That pool was played in Taiwan. This one will be played in Houston, which made it easier to convince Italian-American major leaguers to commit. Aaron Nola will be the best starting pitcher to ever suit up for Italy. The bullpen will be Italy’s best ever. The lineup, headlined by Vinnie Pasquantino and Caglianone, should have big leaguers 1 through 9. Italy is a true threat to advance to the quarterfinals. — Castillo

10. Cuba

Pool A | Title odds: 80-1

Most likely MVP: We’re going to go with a sentimental pick here. Alexei Ramirez will play in this tournament at 44 years old, 10 years removed from his last major league season. He played in the inaugural WBC in 2006, when he was just 26 years old, before he had even broken through with the White Sox. Soon, he’ll be the oldest player in WBC history. What does he have left? Who knows. But it would be cool to see him help Cuba make a surprising run. — Gonzalez

A fact to impress your friends: Cuba is 18-14 in WBC history, ranking fifth all time in wins behind Japan (30), Puerto Rico (23), the U.S. (21) and the Dominican Republic (20). It reached the 2023 semifinals, beating Australia in the quarterfinals before suffering a 14-2 blowout loss to the U.S. — Schoenfield

Cuba can be this year’s surprise team if … the pitching staff allows for low-scoring games. This team does not resemble the loaded Cuban rosters of yesteryear when the country excelled in international play, including a second-place finish in the inaugural 2006 WBC. A dry pipeline and political decisions have produced a position player group that is weak on paper. That’s how a 44-year-old Ramirez makes the roster.

As a result, Cuba needs the pitching staff to keep games close. Left-hander Liván Moinelo, one of the best starters in Nippon Professional Baseball, is coming off posting a 1.46 ERA across 24 starts in Japan. Right-hander Raidel Martínez is one of the best relievers in the world with a 1.62 ERA in eight NPB seasons and a league-leading 46 saves in 2025. It’s on the star duo to lead the way. — Castillo

11. Colombia

Pool A | Title odds: 80-1

Most likely MVP: Michael Arroyo is probably the best offensive player on this team. The 21-year-old second baseman ranked as the 62nd-best MLB prospect by ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel going into 2026, and is coming off a season in which he posted an .834 OPS, hit 17 home runs and stole 12 bases in the Mariners’ High-A and Double-A affiliates. He has great contact skills, but he can also provide power. And Colombia will need plenty of both. — Gonzalez

A fact to impress your friends: This is Colombia’s third straight WBC appearance, having first made it in 2017 when it beat Canada and nearly had a monumental upset against the U.S., losing 3-2 in 10 innings. It nearly pulled off another upset of the U.S. in 2023, losing by the same 3-2 score. — Schoenfield

Colombia can be this year’s surprise team if … Jose Quintana handles business and the lineup exceeds expectations. Quintana, the best pitcher in Colombian baseball history, wasn’t on that 2023 team. A strong start from him in pool play is a must to make noise in this tournament.

Offensively, Colombia doesn’t have a player expected to make a major league Opening Day roster. Gio Urshela, who went 0-for-14 in 2023, is the most accomplished of the bunch. Arroyo — a 21-year-old top-100 prospect — has potential. Donovan Solano, Jorge Alfaro and Harold Ramirez are among the other recognizable names Colombia will need to produce. — Castillo

12. Netherlands

Pool D | Title odds: 100-1

One player to know: Ceddanne Rafaela is bound to turn in a few spectacular plays in center field in this tournament. The question, as always, is whether he will hit enough. If his spring with the Boston Red Sox is any indication — five hits, four of them for extra bases, in 13 at-bats — he will. — Gonzalez

A fact to impress your friends: The Netherlands has played above its station in previous WBC tournaments, knocking out a powerhouse Dominican team with a 2-1 victory in 2009 and then reaching the semifinals in 2013 and 2017. Pitcher Shairon Martis, who last appeared in the majors in 2013, is back for his fifth WBC, having pitched in 2006, 2013, 2017 and 2023. — Schoenfield

Netherlands can be this year’s surprise team if … the major league talent produces. Even after losing Jurickson Profar because of his recent PED suspension, Xander Bogaerts, Ozzie Albies and Rafaela headline a potent Netherlands lineup mostly featuring players from Curacao and Aruba.

The pitching staff is a different story. Closer Kenley Jansen is the only established major leaguer and 22-year-old Pirates prospect Antwone Kelly could reach the majors in 2026, but it’s an inexperienced pitching staff that will need the offense to record crooked numbers to beat the Dominican Republic or Venezuela. — Castillo

Tier IV: The long shots

13. Israel

Pool D | Title odds: 250-1

Most likely MVP: Harrison Bader is one of the game’s best defensive outfielders and proved last season that he can be more than a platoon bat, hitting 17 home runs with an adjusted OPS 17 percentage points above major league average. He was recently sidelined by a thumb bruise but should be good to go for this tournament. — Gonzalez

A fact to impress your friends: Israel made its WBC debut in 2017, surprisingly going 3-0 in pool play with wins over Korea, Chinese Taipei and the Netherlands. Israel was the first team that had reached the WBC via qualifying rounds to go undefeated in the first round of the main draw. It went 1-2 in the second round, beating Cuba but losing to the Netherlands and Japan. — Schoenfield

Israel’s WBC will be a success if … it upsets the Netherlands and beats Nicaragua to finish in third place in Pool D. Spencer Horwitz and Bader anchor a solid lineup that also includes Blue Jays minor league outfielder RJ Shreck, who posted an .854 OPS with 18 home runs across four levels last season. But the bullpen, which features big leaguers Tommy Kahnle, Matt Bowman and Max Lazar, is Israel’s biggest strength. — Castillo

14. Panama

Pool A | Title odds: 100-1

Most likely MVP: Jose Caballero is an elite defender with blazing speed — he has stolen a whopping 93 bases in 265 games over the past two seasons — and a propensity to draw walks. Down the stretch last year, while slashing .266/.372/.456 in 40 games for the Yankees, he also proved his bat can play. — Gonzalez

A fact to impress your friends: Panama is back for its fourth WBC appearance, having made it in 2006, 2009 and 2023. It went 2-2 in 2023, losing out on advancing because of run differential. Panama has a rich baseball history, with 81 major leaguers, including Hall of Famers Rod Carew and Mariano Rivera. — Schoenfield

Panama’s WBC will be a success if … it advances to the knockout stage. Logan Allen is Panama’s only pitcher on a big league 40-man roster and not having DH Ivan Herrera (insurance) hurts, but with Cabellero, Edmundo Sosa, Leo Jimenez, Miguel Amaya and Johan Camargo in the infield, the Panamanians have the position player group to advance from Pool A. — Castillo

Tier V: Just happy to be there

17. Australia

Pool C | Title odds: 250-1

One player to know: Travis Bazzana was the No. 1 pick in the 2024 MLB draft, then jumped three levels in the Cleveland Guardians‘ minor league system in 2025 and heads into this season as ESPN’s 23rd-ranked prospect. Nick Kurtz and Konnor Griffin have since absorbed most of the spotlight from Bazzana’s draft class, but the already-very-polished 23-year-old infielder can recapture some of the spotlight in this tournament. — Gonzalez

A fact to impress your friends: Australia has produced 34 big leaguers since infielder Craig Shipley reached the majors in 1986. The majority of those have been pitchers, but the best Australian ever was C/DH Dave Nilsson, who hit .284/.356/.461 in 837 major league games. Coming off his best season with the Brewers in 1999 with a .954 OPS, he wanted to play for the Australian Olympic team in 2000. After the Olympics, he was signed by the Red Sox but failed his physical because of a knee injury and never made it back to the majors. — Schoenfield

18. Nicaragua

Pool D | Title odds: 500-1

One player to know: Mark Vientos decided to honor his mother by playing for Nicaragua and will head into this tournament as its most talented player. The New York Mets thought they might have something special in Vientos when they watched him clobber 27 homers with an .837 OPS in 2024. That mark fell all the way to .702 last year, but Vientos is still only 26 years old. — Gonzalez

A fact to impress your friends: One of the top highlights of the 2023 tournament was Nicaragua’s 21-year-old reliever Duque Hebbert striking out Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez and Rafael Devers — on three changeups — in the ninth inning of a first-round game and immediately agreeing to a deal with the Tigers. He reached Double-A in 2025. — Schoenfield

19. Brazil

Pool B | Title odds: 500-1

One player to know: Jose Contreras’ son Joseph is a 17-year-old right-hander who is committed to Vanderbilt and will pitch for Brazil in the WBC. Like his dad, Joseph is listed at 6-foot-4 and throws a forkball. He also has experienced some pretty big velocity jumps recently and could become a first-round pick in the MLB draft later this summer. — Gonzalez

A fact to impress your friends: Brazil has produced five major league players, with longtime catcher Yan Gomes the most famous. Outfielder Paulo Orlando played 278 games in the majors and is the hitting coach for the team, and former major leaguer Andre Rienzo is the pitching coach. — Schoenfield

20. Czechia

Pool C | Title odds: 500-1

One player to know: Martin Schneider is a man of two lives. In one, he is a firefighter in his hometown of Olomouc, a city of about 100,000 people. In another, he is a star pitcher and shortstop for the Czech Republic’s national baseball team. Schneider defeated Spain in the 2022 qualifiers to get Czechia into its first WBC the following year. Now, he’s coming back from shoulder surgery to pitch for his home country at age 40. — Gonzalez

A fact to impress your friends: Everyone’s favorite underdog, the Czech team uses few American-born imports, instead deploying a roster of real-life electricians and plumbers who play baseball on the side. In its first WBC in 2023, it beat China 8-5 when Martin Muzak hit a go-ahead three-run home run in the ninth inning. Muzak is back on the team, as is pitcher Ondrej Satoria, who struck out Shohei Ohtani on three pitches. — Schoenfield