Preparations are underway at the Tokyo Dome for the Group C stage of the Sixth World Baseball Classic (WBC), as the Japanese national team aims to defend its 2023 championship and secure a record fourth title, according to a report from Kyodo News on Wednesday.
Japan will compete in Group C, facing off against opponents at the Tokyo Dome. The tournament, which will feature teams from around the globe, is scheduled to begin in March 2026, according to MLB.com. The 2026 WBC schedule and television/streaming information have been announced by Yahoo Sports.
Adding to the pre-tournament excitement, the live-action cast of the popular anime series ONE PIECE is slated to throw the first pitch at the Japan opener, as announced by Japan Anime News. This promotional event coincides with the release of a Season 1 recap of the show.
A full list of pre-tournament exhibition games has been compiled by World Baseball Network, providing fans with opportunities to see teams prepare for the main event. The WBC pools and participating sites have been finalized, setting the stage for intense competition.
