WBC Quarterfinals: Schedule, Matchups & How to Watch
The 2026 World Baseball Classic has reached the quarterfinal stage, setting the stage for a series of high-stakes matchups as eight teams battle for a spot in the semifinals. Following a compelling round of pool play, the tournament shifts to a single-elimination format, promising intense competition and dramatic finishes.
Dominican Republic vs. Korea
The first quarterfinal on Friday evening pits the undefeated Dominican Republic against Korea at at 6:30 p.m. ET at loanDepot park in Miami, broadcast on FS2. The Dominican Republic cruised through Pool C with a perfect 4-0 record, showcasing a potent offense and solid pitching. They secured victories over Nicaragua (12-3), the Netherlands (12-1 in seven innings thanks to a Juan Soto two-run homer), Israel (10-1), and a hard-fought 7-5 win against Venezuela.
Korea’s path to the quarterfinals was far more precarious. A three-way tie with Australia and Chinese Taipei necessitated the use of the run quotient tiebreaker, a scenario that nearly sent them home. Korea’s five-run victory over Australia proved just enough to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2009. Hyun Min Ahn’s ninth-inning sacrifice fly proved to be the deciding run.
This marks the first-ever World Baseball Classic matchup between the Dominican Republic and Korea. The Dominican Republic aims to reach the semifinals for the third time in tournament history, having won the championship in 2013 and falling in the semifinals in 2006. Korea, meanwhile, seeks to return to the semifinals for the first time since 2009, when they lost to Japan in the final.
USA vs. Canada
Later on Friday, at 8 p.m. ET on FOX at Daikin Park in Houston, Team USA will face off against Canada. Canada clinched the top spot in Pool A with a 7-2 win over Cuba on , finishing pool play with a 3-1 record. A head-to-head tiebreaker against Puerto Rico secured their position. Canada began their tournament with a win over Colombia before a narrow loss to Panama.
The United States enjoyed a dominant start to the tournament, winning their first three games by a combined 20 runs. However, a surprising loss to Italy on threatened their quarterfinal hopes. Fortunately for the Americans, Italy’s subsequent win over Mexico ensured their advancement.
This game carries significant weight for both teams. Canada is making its first appearance in the WBC quarterfinals and will look to continue its impressive run. The United States, aiming for a third consecutive championship game appearance, will need to rediscover its early-tournament form.
The two North American neighbors have a history in the Classic, though it heavily favors the U.S. Canada’s lone win came in 2006, an 8-6 victory in Pool B play. The U.S. Won their subsequent matchups in 2009, 2013, 2017, and 2023, with the 2023 game ending in a 12-1 run-rule victory for the Americans.
Italy vs. Puerto Rico
Saturday’s quarterfinal action begins at 3 p.m. ET on FS1 at Daikin Park in Houston, with Italy taking on Puerto Rico. Italy’s remarkable 4-0 record in Pool B, highlighted by an 8-6 upset over the United States, propelled them to the quarterfinals for the second consecutive WBC. They capped off their pool play with a historic 9-1 win over Mexico, featuring a three-homer game from Vinnie Pasquantino – the first three-homer game in Classic history.
Puerto Rico finished second in Pool A with a 3-1 record, falling just short of the top spot due to a head-to-head tiebreaker with Canada. Their only defeat was a 3-2 loss to Canada, but they secured dramatic wins, including a 10-inning walk-off victory over Panama.
Puerto Rico aims to build on its 2023 WBC run, which ended with a quarterfinal loss to Mexico. They hope to reach the championship game again, as they did in 2013 and 2017. Italy, meanwhile, is seeking its first-ever quarterfinal victory, having previously been eliminated in this round.
The two teams have met twice before in WBC play, both times with Puerto Rico emerging victorious. They faced off in 2013 and 2017, with Puerto Rico winning 4-3 in a 2013 elimination game and 9-3 in 2017.
Japan vs. Venezuela
The final quarterfinal on Saturday, at 9 p.m. ET on FOX at loanDepot park in Miami, features Japan against Venezuela. Japan dominated Pool B with a perfect 4-0 record, showcasing both offensive firepower and strong pitching. They secured wins over Chinese Taipei (13-0), Korea (8-6), Australia (4-3), and Czechia (9-0).
Venezuela started strong with a 3-0 record, defeating the Netherlands (6-2), Israel (11-3), and Nicaragua (4-0), before suffering a 7-5 loss to the Dominican Republic in their final pool play game.
A win for Japan would send them to the semifinals for the sixth time in as many WBC appearances. They have won three titles (2006, 2009, and 2023) and reached the semifinals in 2013 and 2017. Venezuela is looking to reach the semifinals for only the second time in WBC history, having done so in 2009, where they lost to South Korea.
This will be the first-ever World Baseball Classic matchup between Japan and Venezuela. Both teams appear well-positioned to craft a deep run in the tournament, setting the stage for a compelling contest.