World Baseball Classic · Planning stage
World Baseball Classic
Venezuela are world champions — a 3-2 walk-off classic over Team USA in Miami, March 2026. The next Classic isn't dated yet (2029 or 2030 is MLB's signal); this hub tracks the announcement and goes live with it.
March 17, 2026 — the night Venezuela won it all
loanDepot Park, Miami. Venezuela led 2-0 before Bryce Harper's two-run homer tied it in the 8th — then Eugenio Suárez doubled home the winner in the 9th. Venezuela 3, USA 2: a first-ever WBC title, sealed in front of a delirious, half-Venezuelan crowd. Kansas City's Maikel García (.385, tournament-high 10 hits, 7 RBI) took MVP.
Every WBC champion
Titles by nation, 2006–2026Champions by year: Japan 2006 · Japan 2009 · Dominican Republic 2013 · USA 2017 · Japan 2023 · Venezuela 2026.
When is the next Classic?
Not yet scheduled. Commissioner Rob Manfred said after the 2026 final that a three-or-four-year cycle "is probably about right" — pointing to 2029 or 2030 — and MLB is openly weighing a move to a midseason window to get more frontline pitching involved. Fox's broadcast commitments through 2028 complicate anything earlier. USA and Japan are the presumed host favorites.
| What we're tracking | Status |
|---|---|
| Next edition year | 2029 or 2030 — per MLB's public signals |
| Calendar window | March (traditional) vs midseason — under debate |
| Host cities | Not announced · USA & Japan presumed leading |
| Format | 20 teams / 4 pools in 2026 — future format TBC |
The moment MLB announces, this hub gets the full countdown, schedule and live-score treatment.
Where to watch baseball meanwhile
Common questions
Who won the 2026 World Baseball Classic?
Venezuela — 3-2 over Team USA at loanDepot Park, Miami on March 17, 2026, their first title. Maikel García was MVP.
When is the next WBC?
Officially unscheduled — MLB has signalled 2029 or 2030, possibly in a midseason window. No hosts announced yet.
Who has the most WBC titles?
Japan with three (2006, 2009, 2023), then one each for the Dominican Republic (2013), USA (2017) and Venezuela (2026).
More on Matchday
Today's live scores → · College World Series 2027 → · World Cup 2026 archive →