Stars (And Stripes) Align As Team USA Begins A WBC Redemption Run

HOUSTON, TX — A baseball team that unites the best from the MLB American League and the best from the MLB National League begins its quest for World Baseball Classic glory on Friday night when it opens Pool B play against Brazil at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas. It’s a group of rivals that unite to become Team USA.

First pitch is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX Deportes, with streaming available via FOX One and other platforms. 

For Team USA, this matchup represents more than just an opener. This will be the first step toward redeeming a narrow runner‑up finish in the 2023 Classic and returning to the top of international baseball. 

This week, some of Major League Baseball’s brightest stars stepped out of their clubhouses and away from their familiar spring training routines, entering a different kind of preparation.

Among those big leaguers taking the field together were Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs and Roman Anthony of the Boston Red Sox, who arrived for workouts side by side. I caught up with both players to talk about Team USA’s runner-up finish in 2023 and what it might be like facing international teams that bring strong national identity and pride to the competition.

Roman Anthony - “It will be electric. Obviously we came up short last time around. I actually got to experience it as a fan. I’m excited to be a part of it.”

PCA - “The goal is always to win when you put these colors on.”

Winning is possible this year. With the design of the roster, it is almost expected. The All-American team enters the 2026 tournament as one of the favorites, bolstered by a roster brimming with big‑league talent and a rotation that is widely regarded as. head‑and‑shoulders above most of its rivals.

 Many have openly questioned how the World Baseball Classic impacts MLB clubs during the critical weeks of spring preparation. I asked Tony Vitello, manager of the San Francisco Giants, about having several of his players competing in the tournament. The rookie manager said he’s a big fan of the experience it provides for his players.

It’s a little bit of pressure when the folks come calling and you can wear your flag on your chest and on your hat. It’s a delicate balance. It’s during spring training, we’re playing baseball, they’re playing baseball. I’ll enjoy watching it. - Tony Vitello

Scott Boras of Boras corporation also offered insight into his clients participation in the classic. He says it creates a specialness for the fans of Baseball. 

“You’re  rooting for the best Americans in baseball.”

There may be some caution for this interruption to the professional development time, but the vibe across the Cactus League is one where everyone wants the chance to wear those colors on the international stage.

Loaded Lineup Meets Underdog Spirit

Under manager Mark DeRosa, Team USA’s lineup blends power and depth. Yankees captain Aaron Judge heads the offense, supported by power threats like Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber, Cubs’ Alex Bregman, and Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.

Expect the Americans to swing aggressively early, a strategy honed through an offensive barrage in pre‑tournament exhibitions with the Colorado Rockies and the SF Giants. In tune‑up contests, the U.S. offense appeared dialed in.

In a 14‑4 dismantling of the Colorado Rockies, American hitters went deep multiple times, with Paul Goldschmidt, Judge, Bregman, Will Smith and Byron Buxton all contributing homers in a comprehensive show of force. 

Facing them is a Brazilian squad that punched its ticket to the Classic through qualifying. It is a notable achievement for a nation where baseball remains a growing sport. While Brazil’s roster lacks the depth and star power of the U.S. Players from professional leagues and international circuits will aim to make noise and potentially pull off an upset that reverberates around the tournament. 

Webb to Take the Hill First

On the mound for Team USA, veteran right‑hander Logan Webb of the San Francisco Giants has been tapped to start the opener. Known for his command and poise, Webb is expected to give the Americans a strong foundation in front of a capable bullpen. It is one of the strengths of DeRosa’s roster construction. 

2025 MLB HR derby winner Cal Raleigh talked with me about the challenge of preparation to catch new arms and different styles of throwing. 

Raleigh: “It’s  a no brainer to do this.”

Brazil will counter with its own pitching plan, likely emphasizing length and limiting mistakes against a loaded U.S. lineup.

Though detailed starter information remains less public, the Brazilian pitchers will be under pressure to exploit any mistakes and help keep the score within reach.

Setting the Tone in Pool Play

With four games in Pool B that includes matchups with Great Britain, Mexico and Italy,  the United States knows that winning Friday’s game is crucial to maintaining momentum and securing a top‑two finish needed for quarterfinal qualification. Pool play concludes March 11, with quarterfinals beginning March 13 and the tournament final set for March 17 in Miami. 

For American fans and baseball purists, Friday night’s contest will be more than an opener, it’s a preview of what many hope will be a dominant run deep into the Classic, reclaiming baseball’s world crown that the U.S. first won in 2017. 

Let’s take a look at the Pool B teams across  Paradise Valley, Arizona preparing for the WBC. 

Mexico

Mexico built an early lead and held it, finishing with a 6-3 victory in the exhibition game. They lost to the Dodgers 7-5. The Dodgers scored three runs in the eighth inning to pull away late and win the tune-up matchup.  Mexico finished 3rd in the 2023 WBC, losing a classic semifinal to Japan. One of the strongest international teams right now.

Notable players

• Randy Arozarena

• Jarren Duran

• José Urquidy

  
  

Style

• Aggressive offense

• Strong pitching depth

  
  

Expectation: Probably Team USA’s toughest opponent in the pool.

Italy 

Italy is often one of the sneaky good WBC teams because they use players with Italian heritage from MLB systems. In the spring Cactus League, Italy lost a 4-3 decision to the LA Angels. But, they rallied from a 4-0 deficit, scoring multiple runs late to secure the win over the Chicago Cubs. 

Style

• Contact hitting

• Good defense

• Experienced pitchers

  
  

Expectation: Dark horse to steal a quarterfinal spot.

Great Britain 

Great Britain has been building its roster by recruiting MLB players with British eligibility. The Brits pulled away with a big inning in the middle of the game to secure the win over the Milwaukee Brewers 7-3. They split its World Baseball Classic tune-ups in Arizona, The British tied 2-2 behind a home run from Jazz Chisholm Jr. while playing game 2 with the San Diego Padres. 

Key player

• Jazz Chisholm Jr. (MLB All-Star second baseman) 

Other roster features

• Several minor-league and European league players.

• Improving program internationally.

  
  

Style

• Athletic roster

• More power than previous British teams.

  
  

Expectation: Upset potential, but likely underdogs in the group.

Brazil 

Brazil is the biggest underdog in Pool B. They Earned a spot through the 2025 WBC qualifying tournament, returning to the Classic for the first time since 2013. One of the youngest players in the entire tournament is Brazilian prospect Joseph Contreras (17). Brazil enters Pool B play after two Cactus League exhibitions in Arizona, falling to the Oakland Athletics 14-4 in 7 innings and the Texas Rangers 13-2 as the club finalized preparations. 

Roster notes

• Mix of minor-league, international league, and amateur players.

• Veteran pitcher Tiago Da Silva is one of the most experienced players on the roster.

  
  

Style

• Small ball

• Aggressive base running

• Contact hitting

  
  

Expectation: Long shot, but capable of surprising teams.

What the Pool Likely Looks Like

Favorites

1️⃣ United States

2️⃣ Mexico

Contenders

3️⃣ Italy

Underdogs

4️⃣ Great Britain

5️⃣ Brazil

Top two teams advance to the quarterfinal round. 

Official Broadcast Information 

• All 47 games of the 2026 World Baseball Classic are being shown across the FOX Sports family of networks: FOX, FS1, FS2, FOX Deportes and FOX One.

  
  

• Every game is also available for live streaming, including on the FOX Sports App, FOX One, Tubi, and platforms that carry FOX channels (like Fubo, YouTube TV, DirecTV, etc.).

  
  

• Multiple games will be broadcast in Spanish on FOX Deportes.

  
  

FOX One is FOX’s new streaming service that will stream every game live if you subscribe there (or watch via another service carrying the FOX networks). 

Fri, Mar 6

vs. Brazil

8 p.m.

FOX / stream on FOX One, FOX Sports App or Tubi

Sat, Mar 7

vs. Great Britain

8 p.m.

FOX / streaming options

Mon, Mar 9

vs. Mexico

8 p.m.

FOX / streaming options

Tue, Mar 10

vs. Italy

9 p.m.

If they advance, the USA team heads to Miami for glory. The days and times will vary according to pool play so stay tuned to the WBC network for more. Here are the advanced times for broadcast to mark your calendar:

• Semifinals (Miami)

Sunday, March 15 — 8:00 PM ET (FS1)

Monday, March 16 — 8:00 PM ET (FS1)

• Championship Game

Tuesday, March 17 — 8:00 PM ET (FOX)

Played at loanDepot park in Miami.