2026 World Baseball Classic Kicks Off: South Korea’s Quest for 8th Place
The 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) begins on March 5th, with 20 nations competing for the title of world’s best. The tournament is jointly hosted in the United States, Japan, and Puerto Rico. The group stage starts today, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the eight-team tournament.
South Korea’s Lineup and Opening Match
Led by manager Ryu Ji-hyun and captain Lee Jung-hoo, South Korea is in Group C alongside Australia, Taiwan, Czech Republic, and Japan. Their first game is against the Czech Republic at the Tokyo Dome at 7 PM. Kt wiz’s So Hyung-jun will be the starting pitcher. He stated he will strive to represent Korean baseball as a whole.
The team is preparing for power hitters on the Czech team, focusing on limiting long hits.
Realistic Goals and Team Strengths
Reaching the 8th place is the primary goal for South Korea in this WBC. Although Japan and Taiwan are ranked 1st and 2nd in the world, respectively, the team believes its current roster is stronger than in previous evaluations. The manager is optimistic about So Hyung-jun and Jung Woo-joo’s performance against the Czech Republic.
The team includes players currently active in MLB, such as Lee Jung-hoo and Kim Hye-sung, as well as a number of younger players.
Broadcast Details and Unique Viewing Experiences
Matches will be broadcast on KBS 2TV, MBC, SBS, and the OTT platform TVing. The competition for viewership is expected to be intense, given the games are being played in Japan with no time difference.
TVing is offering a “fandom broadcast” featuring celebrities known for their support of specific baseball teams, providing real-time commentary, and encouragement. Dong Bang Shin Ki’s Choi Kang-changmin, Lee Ji-young, and Yoo Hee-kwan will cover the Czech Republic game. The Korea-Japan game will feature Magic Park, Shin Gyu-jin, and Kim Seon-shin.
KBS will feature Lee Dong-geun, Park Yong-taek, and Lee Dae-hyung. SBS will have Jung Woo-young, Lee Soon-cheol, and Lee Dae-ho, while MBC will feature Kim Na-jin, Jung Min-cheol, and Oh Seung-hwan.
Opening Ceremony and First Pitch
Red Velvet’s Wendy will throw the first pitch at the 7 PM game against the Czech Republic. The game will offer an early indication of whether the team can secure a spot in the Miami tournament.
FAQ
Q: What is the goal for the South Korean team in the 2026 WBC?
A: The primary goal is to reach the 8th place.
Q: Where can I watch the games?
A: Games will be broadcast on KBS 2TV, MBC, SBS, and TVing.
Q: Who is the starting pitcher for South Korea’s first game?
A: So Hyung-jun of Kt wiz will be the starting pitcher.
