World Baseball Classic Begins Thursday Live on ESPN – The 2026 World Baseball Classic showcases the very best talent from across the baseball world as Japan look to defend their status as number one in international baseball and Australia look to cause a surprise against the world’s best, beginning Thursday March 5 live on ESPN.
The World Baseball Classic has grown into baseball’s premier international competition, bringing together the elite baseball talent from around the world, from Major League Baseball All Stars and top professionals across Japan, Korea, Latin America and beyond.
Australia face a difficult test in Pool C, drawn against the top two ranked sides in world baseball, Japan and Chinese Taipei, as well as Korea and Czechia.
Australia begin their 2026 World Baseball Classic campaign on Thursday March 5 at 2pm AEDT against Chinese Taipei.
They will then follow with their second pool match against Czechia on Friday March 6, before a blockbuster pool match against defending champions Japan, led by global baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani on Sunday March 8 at 9pm AEDT.
All of Australia’s Pool matches will be available across ESPN and ESPN2, with the World Baseball Classic Quarter Finals, Semi Finals and Championship Game available on ESPN via Disney+.
Number one draft pick Travis Bazzana highlights the Australian lineup for the tournament that includes a number of players with Major League Baseball experience.
The 2023 edition of the World Baseball Classic culminated in a blockbuster championship game between Japan and the United States, ultimately won by Japan.
Japan is currently ranked number one in the world, in front of Chinese Taipei, United States, Korea and Venezuela.
Japan again enters the 2026 World Baseball Classic as the team to beat, powered by elite pitching depth and global superstar Shohei Ohtani and Dodgers teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
The United States enter the tournament seeking redemption and bring a squad mixed with powerhouse hitters in Aaron Judge and frontline pitchers Clayton Kershaw and Paul Skenes.
Remaining contenders include Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Chinese Taipei and South Korea, the 2009 champions.
2026 World Baseball Classic on ESPN
Thursday March 5
2pm AEDT, Australia vs Chinese Taipei, ESPN2
Friday March 6
2pm AEDT, Australia vs Czechia, ESPN
Saturday March 7
12pm AEDT, USA vs Brazil, ESPN2
9pm AEDT, Korea vs Japan, ESPN2
Sunday March 8
9pm AEDT, Australia vs Japan, ESPN
Monday March 9
9pm AEDT, Korea vs Australia, ESPN
Saturday March 14
9.30am AEDT, World Baseball Classic Quarter Final 1, ESPN2
11am AEDT, World Baseball Classic Quarter Final 2, ESPN on Disney+
Sunday March 15
6am AEDT, World Baseball Classic Quarter Final 3, ESPN2
12pm AEDT, World Baseball Classic Quarter Final 4, ESPN on Disney+
Monday March 16
11am AEDT, World Baseball Classic Semi Final 1, ESPN on Disney+
Tuesday March 17
11am AEDT, World Baseball Classic Semi Final 2, ESPN on Disney+
Wednesday March 18
11am AEDT, World Baseball Classic Championship Game, ESPN on Disney+
ESPN and ESPN2 is available via Disney+, Foxtel, Kayo Sports, Fetch TV and Sky NZ.
Media Release – ESPN
Link to ESPN HERE
TV Central ESPN content HERE
World Baseball Classic Begins Thursday Live on ESPN
