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Team USA is looking like it will be stacked for the World Baseball Classic once again.
A number of MLB stars, including Aaron Judge and Paul Skenes, have already committed to play in the 2026 tournament. Former player Mark DeRosa will manage arguably the best lineup in the world as 20 countries square off in baseball's premier international competition.
Team USA came up just short of a championship in 2023, as Japan won its third WBC title in a thrilling 3-2 victory at LoanDepot Park in Miami. Shohei Ohtani fanned Angels teammate Mike Trout to claim the championship and was named the tournament MVP.
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The United States is hoping to come back even stronger in 2026 as it tries to win its second WBC title and first since 2017. Regardless of who joins the roster, fans will be treated to some incredible matchups and an atmosphere unlike any other in the game.
Here's what to know about Team USA and the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
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Team USA World Baseball Classic roster
Team USA will be one of the favorites to win the World Baseball Classic in 2026. It's full roster has not yet been announced, but Yankees superstar Aaron Judge was named captain in April.
In May, Team USA picked up the player who will likely be the ace of its pitching staff with a commitment from Pirates flamethrower Paul Skenes. Royals SS Bobby Witt Jr. committed to the team in June, giving the U.S. an anchor in the infield before it sets its full roster.
Mariners star catcher Cal Raleigh, MLB's home run leader at the All-Star break, committed to Team USA in July, giving the squad a switch-hitting, slugging backstop.
Check back here as more roster commitments are announced:
Team USA WBC 2026 roster
- Aaron Judge, OF, New York Yankees
- Paul Skenes, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates
- Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Kansas City Royals
- Cal Raleigh, C, Seattle Mariners
*This section will be updated as more players join the roster
When is the World Baseball Classic 2026
The 2026 World Baseball Classic, the sixth iteration of the tournament, will take place over two weeks during spring training from March 5-March 17.
Twenty countries will compete in a "World Cup" style tournament. There are four pools with four teams each, and the top two teams in each pool advance to the knockout rounds. Here's a look at the tournament bracket.
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) April 9, 2025Where is the World Baseball Classic 2026
As usual, the 2026 World Baseball Classic will take place at four different locations around the world. Dakin Park in Houston and LoanDepot Park in Miami will be the U.S. sites. Here's the full list of tournament locations.
- Pool A - San Juan, Pueto Rico
- Pool B - Houston, Texas
- Pool C - Tokyo, Japan
- Pool D - Miami, Florida
The semifinals will be played in Houston and Miami, and the latter will host the championship game on March 17.
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