HOUSTON -- From the moment Team USA fell to Team Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, USA manager Mark DeRosa has been anxious for another stab at a title. That pursuit begins Friday night at Daikin Park, where one of the most impressive rosters ever assembled will attempt to avenge that disappointing loss three years ago and win a WBC championship.
2026 World Baseball Classic
Pool B (Houston) & Pool D (Miami) presented by Capital One
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Team USA -- with a lineup loaded with All-Star talent that includes Aaron Judge, Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, Cal Raleigh, Bobby Witt Jr. and Alex Bregman -- will take the field in the opening game behind two-time All-Star and Giants ace Logan Webb.
They will be heavily favored against their first opponent, Team Brazil, which is making its second appearance in the WBC, and its first since 2013.
When and where: Friday, 8 p.m. ET/7 CT, Daikin Park
How you can watch: The United States-Brazil matchup will air nationally on FOX.
How you can listen: There is a free English-language audio stream available for every game.
Probable starting pitchers: RHP Logan Webb (USA) vs. TBD (Brazil)
What’s at stake: What isn’t at stake for the United States, whose roster is packed with Major League star power and whose players are hungry to take home the title? Team USA captured the title in 2017 and narrowly missed a second one in 2023 when they were toppled by powerhouse Japan in the finals. Headlined by 2025 NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes, Team USA seems to have a brighter spotlight on it and its roster of superstars, perhaps even more than in past tournaments.
Brazil is making just its second appearance in the Classic after debuting in 2013 and is still searching for its first Classic win. It won’t feature any active MLB players, but there are some recognizable names on the roster. Three players are sons of former MLB players: Dante Bichette Jr., Joseph Contreras (son of José Contreras) and Lucas Ramirez (son of Manny Ramirez).
Keep an eye on Leonardo Reginatto, who was named one of the Top 10 standouts from the Classic Qualifiers and has proven to be one of the more clutch players on Brazil’s roster.
Matchup history: Brazil and the United States have never met in the WBC.