World Baseball Classic 2026: Pool B Preview – USA, Mexico, Great Britain, Italy, and Brazil
The 2026 World Baseball Classic is just around the corner, kicking off March 5th. Over the next few days, we’re previewing each of the 20 participating teams. Following our coverage of Pool A, we now turn our attention to Pool B, which features Brazil, Great Britain, Italy, Mexico, and the United States. Play begins March 6th in Houston, Texas.
Team USA: A Star-Studded Squad with High Expectations
Team USA, despite a somewhat underwhelming history in the tournament, enters as a heavy favorite. They won in 2017 and reached the final in 2023. This year’s roster boasts thirteen All-Stars from the 2023 season, including Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr., and Bryce Harper. A key difference this year is the roster composition, with Kyle Schwarber and Will Smith being the only returning position players from the 2023 team.
Nolan McLean, a Mets phenom, is a player to watch. Even as the bullpen is strong, featuring Garrett Whitlock, David Bednar, and Mason Miller, the team’s overall success will depend on consistent offensive production.
Mexico: Building on a Semifinal Run
Mexico enjoyed a strong showing in 2023, reaching the semifinals. They’ll appear to replicate that success with a roster featuring Randy Arozarena, who was a standout performer in the previous tournament. Alejandro Kirk also joins the team this year, adding to their offensive firepower. Their strength lies in their defense up the middle and a potent bullpen, including Andrés Muñoz, Victor Vodnik, and Alex Carrillo.
However, starting pitching remains a concern. Taijuan Walker, José Urquidy, Javier Assad, and Taj Bradley will need to step up to compete with the USA and Italy.
Great Britain: Speed and Potential Upsets
Great Britain is back for its second WBC appearance, having surprised many with a win against Colombia and competitive games against the USA and Mexico in 2023. This year, they feature Jazz Chisholm Jr., a dynamic second baseman, and Harry Ford, a promising young catcher. Their biggest strength is team speed, with several players capable of stealing bases. Rays pitching prospect Gary Gill Hill is expected to lead the pitching staff.
Kristian Robinson, a former top-50 prospect, offers an intriguing story of perseverance after overcoming personal challenges.
Italy: A Rising Contender
Italy made history in 2023 by advancing beyond pool play for the first time. They return with a stronger roster this year, headlined by Aaron Nola, a proven MLB pitcher. Andrew Fischer, a Brewers prospect, and Vinnie Pasquantino are key offensive players to watch. Italy boasts a lineup that is expected to start nine big leaguers.
Their biggest challenge will be navigating a tough group alongside the USA and Mexico.
Brazil: An Uphill Battle
Qualifying for the WBC is a significant achievement for Brazil. This will be the biggest stage for every player on the team. Their roster features limited experience at the affiliated baseball level, with only three pitchers – Eric Pardinho, Daniel Missaki, and Gabriel Barbosa – having pitched in affiliated games last season. Daniel Missaki, who also participated in the 2013 WBC, is likely to start against Team USA. Joseph Contreras, the son of José Contreras, is a young player with potential.
Brazil’s biggest strength is the inherent randomness of baseball, hoping to capitalize on unpredictable outcomes. However, the talent discrepancy between Brazil and some of the other teams in the pool is significant.
FAQ
Q: Where will Pool B games be played?
A: Daikin Park in Houston, Texas, from March 6-14, 2026.
Q: Which teams are in Pool B?
A: Brazil, Great Britain, Italy, Mexico, and the United States.
Q: When does Team USA play its first game?
A: March 6th against Brazil at 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM local time).
Q: What is the tournament outlook for Brazil?
A: Simply qualifying is a success for Brazil. Avoiding a lopsided loss against the USA would be a moral victory.
Did you realize? The top two teams from the Americas will qualify for the 2028 Olympic baseball tournament, to be held in Los Angeles.
Stay tuned for further coverage of the 2026 World Baseball Classic! Explore more articles or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.
