Team USA took a big step toward securing a spot in the elimination rounds of the 2026 World Baseball Classic when it held on for a 5-3 win over Mexico, remaining undefeated in pool play at this year’s event. But the Americans have yet to clinch a berth into the quarterfinals ahead of their matchup against Italy on Tuesday, March 10 in Houston.
There’s still a lot on the line heading into the final pool play games of the World Baseball Classic. Japan, South Korea, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico have already punched their tickets to the quarterfinals, but the winner and runner-up in three of the four pools remains uncertain.
A loss by the United States to Italy on Tuesday, for instance, would leave its fate to chance depending on the result of Wednesday’s Pool B game between Mexico and Italy. Canada and Cuba are also battling for a quarterfinal spot heading into their pool-play finale against one another on March 11.
Here’s a look at the updated World Baseball Classic bracket, as well as pool standings, schedule and results for this year’s event:
South Korea and Japan from Pool C, as well as Venezuela and the Dominican Republic from Pool D and Puerto Rico in Pool 1, have already qualified for the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals out of pool play. What country winds up as the winner and runner-up in Pools A and D is still to be determined.
All times Eastern
Tuesday, March 10
Wednesday, March 11
Friday, March 13
Saturday, March 14
Sunday, March 15
Monday, March 16
Tuesday, March 17
March 4
March 5
March 6
March 7
Sunday, March 8
Monday, March 9
Tuesday, March 10
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.