The 2026 World Baseball Classic has already defined the eight teams that will compete in the quarterfinals, the stage that marks the beginning of the elimination round of baseball’s most important international tournament. After the group stage, the qualified teams are Japan, the United States, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Italy, South Korea and Canada. The tournament, which began on March 5 and will run until March 17, 2026, brings together 20 national teams and will be played at venues in the United States, Puerto Rico and Japan.
For Latino fans in the United States, this phase is especially attractive because several of the world’s baseball greats are still in contention, including Shohei Ohtani for Japan and Juan Soto for the Dominican Republic.
Teams that dominated the group stage
During the first round of the World Baseball Classic, some teams confirmed their offensive power and pitching depth.
Japan advanced as the leader of its group with a dominant pace and Shohei Ohtani as one of its main stars.
Leading a team that many analysts consider among the favorites for the title.
The Dominican Republic also consolidated its position as a candidate after finishing at the top of its group.
Powered by a powerful lineup with Major League stars such as Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Fernando Tatis Jr.
Another story of the tournament was Italy, who surprised by finishing their group undefeated.
Even with a resounding victory over Mexico that helped define the qualification scenario.
Canada also caused a surprise by winning its group and advancing for the first time to the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic, eliminating traditional powers.
Here’s how the quarterfinals of the Clásico were decided
The quarterfinal games of the World Baseball Classic will be played between March 13 and 14 in Houston and Miami, with four high-level duels that promise to be a spectacle.
Friday, March 13
South Korea vs Dominican Republic
6:30 p.m. (Miami)
United States vs Canada
8:00 p.m. (Houston)
Saturday, March 14
Puerto Rico vs. Italy
3:00 p.m. (Houston)
Venezuela vs Japan
9:00 p.m. (Miami)
The winners will advance to the semifinals, which will also be played in Miami, while the grand final of the tournament is scheduled for March 17.
This phase is especially attractive
QuéOnnda.com
What fans should know
For the Latino community in the United States, this tournament has a special appeal because several teams from the Caribbean and Latin America are still competing.
Including the Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Puerto Rico.
In addition, many of the games are played at MLB stadiums in Houston and Miami, making it easier for fans to attend or follow the games on television at accessible times.
With global stars such as Ohtani, Soto and several Major League Baseball stars, the 2026 World Baseball Classic now enters its most exciting stage, the quarterfinals.
Where each game will be a direct elimination game and any mistake can mean elimination.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.