World Baseball Classic 2026: Team Japan Schedule, Dates, Times & How to Watch Every Matchup
The 2026 World Baseball Classic runs from March 5–17, 2026, with 20 teams vying for the title. Defending champions Team Japan (Samurai Japan) compete in Pool C (with Australia, Czechia, Chinese Taipei, and Korea) at the Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan (March 5–10). As hosts and 2023 winners, Japan features a star-studded roster of NPB and MLB talent, aiming to repeat as champions.
How to Watch Team Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic?
U.S. TV channels: FOX, FS1, FS2
U.S. streaming: FoxSports.com, fuboTV, Tubi (select games free)
Japan/local: Netflix (Japanese-language broadcasts), official free English audio streams available globally
In the United States, games are broadcast on the FOX family of networks. Internationally, check MLB.TV or local providers; many Tokyo Dome games air early morning ET due to time difference.
RELATED: Team Japan highlights, Gold, Broze Medal Winner at 2026 Winter Olympics
Full Team Japan Pool C Schedule – 2026 World Baseball Classic
(All games at Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan)
March 6 – Japan vs. Chinese Taipei – 5:00 a.m. ET (FS1 / FOX Deportes)
March 7 – Japan vs. Korea – 5:00 a.m. ET (FS1 / FOX Deportes)
March 8 – Japan vs. Australia – 5:00 a.m. ET (FS1 / FOX family)
March 9 – Japan vs. Czechia – 5:00 a.m. ET (likely FS1 / FOX family)
March 10 – Japan vs. Korea (or TBD based on standings) – 5:00 a.m. ET (FS1 / FOX Deportes)
(Note: Exact broadcast channels for later pool games confirmed closer to event; times are approximate ET based on typical Tokyo Dome scheduling.)
When is Japan vs. Chinese Taipei, World Baseball Classic schedule, date, time, TV, preview.
March 6 – Japan vs. Chinese Taipei – 5:00 a.m. ET (FS1 / FOX Deportes)
Chinese Taipei brings strong pitching and disciplined play—Japan opens with a competitive Asian rivalry matchup where their depth and experience should give them the edge early.
When is Japan vs. Korea, World Baseball Classic schedule, date, time, TV, preview.
March 7 – Japan vs. Korea – 5:00 a.m. ET (FS1 / FOX Deportes)
One of baseball’s fiercest rivalries—Korea’s power and speed meet Japan’s elite pitching and strategy in a high-stakes early game that could set the tone for Pool C.
When is Japan vs. Australia, World Baseball Classic schedule, date, time, TV, preview.
March 8 – Japan vs. Australia – 5:00 a.m. ET (FS1 / FOX family)
Australia offers grit, solid MLB contributors, and opportunistic hitting—Japan’s balanced roster makes this a likely win, but upsets remain possible in round-robin format.
When is Japan vs. Czechia, World Baseball Classic schedule, date, time, TV, preview.
March 9 – Japan vs. Czechia – 5:00 a.m. ET (likely FS1 / FOX family)
Czechia has shown improvement and surprise potential in recent internationals—Japan should dominate with superior talent, but must stay focused to secure top pool position.
Knockout Round Schedule (If Japan Advances)
Quarterfinals – Friday, March 13 & Saturday, March 14 (various times on FS1, FOX, FS2, FOXD)
Semifinals – Sunday, March 15 & Monday, March 16 – 8:00 p.m. ET (FS1 / FOXD)
Championship Game – Tuesday, March 17 – 8:00 p.m. ET (FOX / FOXD)
For complete tournament details, live scores, rosters, and updates, visit mlb.com/world-baseball-classic or worldbaseballclassic.com. Go Samurai Japan!
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