2026 World Baseball Classic predictions: Will USA win it all? The 2026 World Baseball Classic, set to begin after a three-year hiatus, has sparked intense speculation about which teams will dominate the tournament. Following Japan’s 2023 victory over the United States, the 20-team event has drawn attention to the potential for a repeat of that historic matchup. ESPN’s baseball experts have weighed in on the tournament’s likely progression, focusing on which teams will advance from each pool, the final championship showdown, and standout performers. In Pool A, Puerto Rico and Canada are the top contenders, with Puerto Rico receiving the most votes as the winner. Experts believe both teams will advance to the quarterfinals, citing Puerto Rico’s roster of MLB stars like Nolan Arenado, Edwin Diaz, and Seth Lugo. Canada, despite being an emerging force, is expected to make a strong push. Colombia and Cuba are also predicted to advance, though with less confidence. Pool B features the United States as the overwhelming favorite, with 14 of 15 experts selecting the team to advance. The U.S. roster includes elite players like Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., and Cristopher Sanchez, making them a formidable squad. Italy is the second-most likely team to advance, with some experts predicting it could edge out Mexico for the second quarterfinal spot. Mexico’s MLB talent, including players like José Abreu and José Ramírez, gives it a strong chance, but Italy’s depth and international experience may give it an edge. In Pool C, Japan is the clear favorite, with 14 of 15 experts picking the team to win. The Japanese squad, led by Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, is considered one of the most stacked in the tournament.#japan #united_states #world_baseball_classic #puerto_rico #canada
