What channel is Japan vs. Chinese Taipei on? Time, TV schedule, live stream to watch 2026 WBC baseball game

Japan's push for a second-straight World Baseball Classic title begins with a bout against Chinese Taipei on Friday morning.

Japan vanquished all comers en route to a famous WBC win in 2023. Shohei Ohtani showed out en route to the championship, claiming tournament MVP honors after posting a 1.345 OPS across 33 plate appearances and recording a 1.86 ERA in two starts. He famously whiffed Mike Trout to deliver another crown to Japan's collection, its third in its history.

Three years on, Japan looks as strong as ever. Ohtani headlines the Hirokazu Ibata-helmed side. He's not the only standout set to take the pitch in Japanese pinstripes. Japan boasts arguably the tournament's best rotation, with World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto slated to serve as the ace after Ohtani opted against pitching. Yusei Kikuchi, Tomoyuki Sugano and Hiroto Takahashi make up the rest of the four-man unit, making for an intimidating sight for opposition hitters.

Japan's lineup is similarly loaded, with Seiya Suzuki, Munetaka Murakami and Masataka Yoshida all expected to get some buzz.

Japan is the only side that has claimed back-to-back WBC titles, doing so in 2006 and 2009. Can Japan repeat the feat 17 years later? Only time will tell.

With that, here's the broadcasting information for Japan's first game of its WBC slate, a matchup with Chinese Taipei.

What channel is Japan vs. Chinese Taipei on? 

• TV channel: FS1
• Live stream: Fubo

Japan and Chinese Taipei's matchup will air on FS1 in the U.S. Spanish speakers can follow along with the coverage on Fox Deportes, while cord-cutters can find the action on Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.

Japan vs. Chinese Taipei start time

• Date: Friday, March 6
• Time: 5 a.m. ET

First pitch from Japan and Chinese Taipei's clash will take place at 5 a.m. ET (7 p.m. local time). The game will be contested at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan.

Japan vs. Chinese Taipei radio coverage

• Radio channel: SiriusXM 

Those hoping to listen to Japan and Chinese Taipei's joust can do so on SiriusXM via channel.

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Japan WBC schedule 2026

Here's a look at Japan's slate during the pool stage.

Chinese Taipei WBC schedule 2026

Here's a look at Chinese Taipei's slate during the pool stage.