Tap to unmute
Ranking Every Team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic
Embed
- Published on Mar 13, 2026
- Let's rank all 20 teams in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Rankings as of 2/13/26, subject to change with injuries/dropouts.
Like & subscribe if you enjoyed this video!
#worldbaseballclassic #wbc #wbc2026
----------------------------
0:15 Czechia
1:35 Brazil
2:57 Australia/Nicaragua
4:47 Meh Tier
7:18 Taiwan
9:15 Puerto Rico
11:04 Italy
12:48 Korea
14:40 Canada
16:18 Mexico
18:09 Venezuela
20:15 Third Place
23:35 Top 2
27:09 Final Rankings
INJURY UPDATES - the following players have withdrawn:
- SP Pablo Lopez (Venezuela)
- RP Jose Alvarado (Venezuela)
- RP Kaima Taira (Japan)
- RP Daichi Ishii (Japan)
- C Ivan Herrera (Panama)
- RP Edwin Uceta (DR)
Lopez hurts for sure. I think Venezuela still has the lead over Mexico, but the gap is much tighter without Lopez & Alvarado. Very sad to see these guys not able to play!
Japan has a really deep pitching pool so it makes sense to not change the rating.
え！？平良棄権！？まさかここで知ることになるとは....
Is sasaki a replacement?
@guangiks_4ever no , Fujihira Shoma replace Kaima Taira
@guangiks_4ever Sasaki is NOT playing in the 2026 WBC. Those 2 Japanese players injured did NOT play on the 2023 WBC Championship Team either.
I’m definitely rooting for the electrician and the firefighter
The team of dads, hell yeah I'm rooting for them
The Electrician just threw 5 scoreless against Japan
I absolutely love the idea that some Czech tradesman that kinda just plays men's league in his off-time can just go and get a chance to face off against Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani.
Reminds me of baseball during Babe Ruth’s days.
and according to Ohtani, the Czech pitcher who struck him out has some really nasty pitches!
I know ... it's really cool. Can't help but root for guys like that.
練習試合で、わざわざ”チェコ”ってカタカナ（日本の文字）をユニフォームに入れてくれていて、「こりゃ応援するしかないな」ってなっている者ですわ。
In the practice match, they even put “Czech” written in Japanese katakana on their uniforms just for us. At that point I was like, “Well, now I have no choice but to cheer for them.”
They had to qualify in a qualifying tournament in 2022, defeating most of the teams including Spain, that had none spanish players and most from DR, Venezuela and Cuba. So they didn't just get a chance, they earned it by being really good outside the large baseball leagues.
Having Skenes and Skubal in the rotation is freaking crazy
We almost had crochet to would have been over powered 😂😂😂
If we had crochet it would be game over 💀
SKubal is basically not even there so just count him out now. He is pitching once and leaving the tournament. They should have taken Crochet and just told Skubal no.
@MasonBrown-e2u They should have taken him and left Skubal with the Tigers. Skubal is pitching once and leaving the tournament, said hed like to come back and watch them lol. I get it, if im a Tigers fan I appreciate it. If you dont really want to be there then dont, you are taking roster spot from somebody else from 1 meaningless start early on in pool play lol
Skenes is overrated pitching for small market no pressure team.
rooting for Mexico, but damn, USA and Domica look scary, final boss vibes dude, reminds me of the anime "Major", the world cup season
This Mexico team mixes with 2013 team would be God Tier status. 2013 had great starting pitching and a some All Star sluggers but hoping for an amazing tournament!
The Mexican team stands out from other countries, with a smaller percentage of true Mexicans, who hold the nationality of the United States of Mexico, and over 40% of the population is of the United States of America.
@justinjordan7711 You're the first person online who I've seen using the full name of United Mexican States lol
@justinjordan7711this is really normal tho. Considering that almost of 50% of USA territory used to be Mexico land and has a lot of migrants in there lol
Joe Gibson is a fraud, he needed his son's help to beat Goro
今回はアメリカとドミニカが強すぎますね 銀河系軍団
Australia just held their own against Shohei's Japan after 2 straight wins, 1 against Chinese Taipei. I think we can say they're above A ball.
“You and the boys are going out there against Ohtani and Yamamoto” WILD 😂😂 Pros VS Joes vibes 😂
Czech is there for the vibes
In 2023, Team Japan won the championship undefeated, despite having only three Major Leaguers.
So, that means the level of players playing in NPB is high.
Shutup glazer Japan league is ass
They also have the least risky pool and path as well that helps them
They also got a little lucky because they won both the semifinals and finals by one run. Their few major leaguers also made a huge difference.
MLB fans tend to underrate NPB pitchers. Their quality was proven well last time and it will repeat again soon.
Japan advanced through the first round.
We must not forget that there are disadvantages to traveling to the United States for the final round, due to the long 14-hour journey and jet lag. Traveling to the east coast, especially Florida, is said to be more physically demanding than the west coast. Even so, the fact that they have won three times should be commended for their high self-management skills.
Taira is unfortunately injured😢
The united states literally has an all star starting pitcher as their 6th man in the rotation and a clayton kershaw being an "as many innings as you want" emergency button 💀
Kershaw is kind of a cheat code here knowing he's retired and doesn't have to worry about injury affecting the season, but also notably doesn't have to answer to any teams about playing, which was a huge problem with US pitching last year. Wouldn't be surprised if he's the main arm they use when the US is blowing teams out to save everyone else's arms, so he'll probably pitch upwards of 15 innings in a tournament with what would be 63 total, assuming all games go 9 innings and the US makes the finals
@thegamerguys1367 I'm a DODGER's Fan and YES Kershaw can pitch till his arms falls off, but I don't think he a "CHEAT CODE." Dodger's Fans LOVE him, but still get NERVOUS when He Pitches in HIGH STRESS GAME situations like in the WS GAME 3 that went 18 innings.
@Tedo2g2026yeah thats just baseball but he is STILL Clayton Kershaw
@thegamerguys1367 There is pitching limits even for Kershaw as part of the tournament.
@Tedo2g2026Lifelong Dodgers fan since 2024 I'm assuming
It is a super letdown that PR cant field their best possible squad. MLB needs to figure that out. I agree with your top 4...though I think as far as possible winners... I might include Mexico and PR as well.
Es una serie corta , cualquier equipo puede tener una buena o mala racha y estar fuera o quedar campeón.
I hope Japan gets through the pool with Taiwan
I hope so. We are best friends.
I don't
同意するよ。私はもはや台湾は韓国より強いと思う。
me too❤
@pumasgoyawhy?
Awesome video dude. Love to see some in-depth WBC coverage. Even if you think the stats you used to compare the teams aren't perfect, it's sick that you made that effort in the first place instead of just ranking based on vibes
Thank you! Yeah I really didn't have any strong opinions coming into my research, so it was super helpful to have some basic stats to help me decide which way to go!
Can’t wait! Hoping to see Ireland in it some day 🇮🇪
I recently learned that Mr. Ito, a shortstop of the Brazilian national team, works as an interpreter for the Hanshin Tigers in NPB.
How about those Epstein Files? What have you learned about that?
ほう
Man i wish the wbc didnt have these insurance problems and wasn't right before the start of the season, seems like every team is missing at least one player/pitcher. Even my team Canada is missing guys like Nick pivetta, cade smith, matt brash, Jonah tong. With baseball exploding in popularity in Canada due to the jays success a wbc where these guys are there would help grow the game in Canada by showing causal jays fans there are good Canadian ball players.
Great video hope wbc is just as good as 2023.
Agreed. We need everyone and then can beat anyone on a given day. Now need a lot of luck.
if you want to see a team missing bona fide stars, just look at Cuba. Reasons are more political (not everyone wants to play for the Dictatorship, and the Dictatorship has banned foreign born players like Joseph Contreras, so of the great José Contreras MLB champion with the Sox) than baseball-related, but just imagine this team with players like Yordan Alvarez, Luis Robert, El Bombi, Lourdes Gourriel Jr, Raisel Iglesias, Aroldis Chapman, Carlos Rodón, Zach Neto, Nestor Cortes, Jorge Soler, Yandy Díaz, Andy Ibañez, Adrián Morejón, Cionel Pérez....list goes on and on... and it makes me terribly sad.
Hopefully we will soon see a free Cuba with all their top players competing for their country.
The difference between Canada and Cuba is the best Canadians can play but choose not to, mainly due to pressure from there teams. It could simply be fixed if teams change their view on the wbc or if they move the tournament closer to the end of the season/world series then teams have zero excuse to not allow players. Also a true team Cuba would likely be one of the best teams there, rooting for a free Cuba 🇨🇺
@maple_14-f9eAmen bro
Insurance problems?....😂...lol
Japan was hit hard by the withdrawal of Japanese pitcher Daichi Ishii, who pitched in 50 games last season with just a 0.17 ERA but suffered a leg injury.
I just saw the injury. Dude got hurt in a practice game. Brutal and I feel terrible for him
0.17 era is insane
Loved it. With love from D.R 🇩🇴
He forgot to mention LIDOM
Que dices mmg?
It's not about MLB level talent. It's about heart, soul, and guts when it counts!
It’s most definitely about both
Dominicans are the soul of steroids abuse to improve their function, or better said, of mocking the sport fans. The Dominican Republic is leader in doping in baseball. Of the 20 Major League players suspended for using performance-enhancing substances, 16 are Dominican. Without them not even average.
I'm from Taiwan and we may not have MLB talents, but we got everything else
Bro, the pic you used for Republica Dominicana in 24:03 is actually Oaxaca, Mexico.
americans 🤦
That's what I was going to say, I am from there
😂😂😂
Quarterfinals is going to be fuego 🔥 🔥 🔥
Loving some WBC content! Super excited for the tournament. I’m planning on making some
WBC content in the coming weeks as well.
Looks like the USA isn't playing around this year. Finally stacking the pitching staff with aces and lock down bullpen.
Once again japan woke them up and invite them to the full war.
Won’t win shit
Oh they were playing around in the past? Even the little leaguers can't compete against Japan.
@SuperJay12jaythat’s just straight up not true lol
@SuperJay12jay obviously n thats why japan won
its a good day when indergaard makes a post
🙏🙏🙏
It's going to be a great tournament and series, I love baseball.
I love the wbc baseball, it's like the postseason play.
日本人として日本を応援しているけど、負けてもたくさんのスーパースターが自分の母国のために本気で野球をする姿が見れるだけで大満足です
The major reason the US team this year feels so stacked is because many top US players stayed out in 2023 out of fear of injury from the player themselves or their MLB teams. Those players & teams felt justified after Edwin Diaz, a MLB All-Star Closer, got injured in Pool Play (while celebrating just after closing a game) and missed the 2023 season. They prioritized the getting ready for the MLB season instead. Losing to Japan in 2023 caused Aaron Judge and other top US players to commit for this year’s tournament.
I’m glad Japan won - they earned that 2023 championship. I’m also glad that win finally lit the fire for US players to actually get serious about this tournament.
W japan. Im rooting for you guys
@Anim3Gamer今回のアメリカ代表は野球ファンが切望していたドリームチームだから、こんなに楽しみな事はない。やっと本気になってくれたか！
@floop_the_pigs2840weeb
EFF OFF. DOMINICAN 🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴 AAALLLLLL THE WAAAAYYYYY!!!!
I have been waiting for a video like this to come out what seems like an eternity now.
Who else came to check the rank list after USA lost to Italy?
Excellent video! Thank you for sharing!
Watching Taiwan is great, they have so much heart it pushes them forward
Great video ! Lots of research went into this
Btw anyone remember how ridiculously stacked the D.R. Team was in the initial WBC in 2006?
They didn’t take it serious at that moment , but when they all got together and said let’s prove the world who we really are ( 2013 undefeated)
@Super7-c8l Yes, but just a lineup with (Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, Albert Pujols as your 3,4 & 5 hitter & after that Vladimir Guerrero is like your 8 spot in the lineup 😜
Excellent video! Thanks
Italy above Puerto Rico is so over for us Bad Bunny Bros
Man, we might need a redeem team if these insurance issues embarass us.
Man, just on the back of pride and history I would really struggle to rank Italy over Puerto Rico.
I'm super biased, but I feel like Puerto Rico takes every team ranked above them in the "pretty good" tier (except Mexico).
no way we are below Italy and Korea. very even with Canada and below Mexico, given the lack of caballotes in our team. (Lindor, Correa) if not we are on top of 2nd tier if not bottom of 1st. The only thing we usually lack is pitching.
Dude. I rarely comment, but you're one of my favorite small baseball creators on youtube. Amazing narration and content every time.
Thanks man! That means a lot, thanks for the comment 🙏
Yep you’re the best Indergaard!!!
foolish baseball would like a word
1st video I see from this guy, but this comment made me subscribe cuz I agree
Great job on the video. It was informative and entertaining and the research was great. Enjoy the WBC!!!!
Thank you, much appreicated! 👍
Surely this is the best wbc primer online. Really good stuff. Thank you so much.
Thank you, I appreciate the compliment!
imagine hunter greene said yes for usa. that would be the rotation of doom
Good analysis.❤
The Pablo Lopez injury is depressing
This is a really informative video. Thanks for making it.
Can't argue the ranking, good video. But what surprised me is 100% Venezuela players are native born
Love the WBC in depth coverage. Keep it coming.
US rotation is filthy...as a US born man with Dominican roots, the WBC is always a joy to watch (except when they play each other). I'm glad they both always have a shot to win the tournament.
5 runs by brazil
@MickeyloverMelvinUS still won and starters ain't going more than 4 innings. Rotation is still filthy and it'll be super important in the later rounds.
I think the top 4 will be Japan, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and USA.
Me too
You got 5
Edit: what I mean is… You got a 5th choice?
@herminiofigueroa9527no he has 4
@herminiofigueroa9527Dominican Republic
Japan
USA
Mexico
Where you go to school
@Aztec.7lol I meant to ask if there was a 5th choice? I can see how that was poorly worded. I should never type before my coffee 😅
Amazing video dude please keep this up.
Thank you! More videos like this coming for sure 👍
Spectacular video!
I initially thought this was a ranking based on individual abilities. I do think it has a certain degree of validity, but baseball is a team sport played by nine players, and factors such as lineup synergy, pitching changes, and overall team cohesion should also be quantitatively evaluated.
In any case, the teams ranked in the top four in this video are essentially all All‑Star level, and I suspect that their overall team strength might even surpass that of a World Series champion team. Unless a “Galactic Series” is ever held, the WBC champion team might well be considered the strongest team on Earth.
great video, keep it up!
Too bad for Canada that Vlad jr. plays for DR instead
Vlad is a born Canadian in Montreal. No Freeman for Team 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️🤬🤬🤬
Really nice breakdown/ranking video, and baseball is sooooo back 🫡🔥🪄🇺🇸
Man I can’t wait for this tourny! I hope the Czechia team gets a win! Always rooting for the underdog hahaha
このコメントから唯一わかる情報は彼の笑いのセンスがないということだけだ😂
Great job. You obviously put a great deal of time and thought into this. I find it to be very useful. Many thanks.
Been watching your videos for a few months now, great video. I also really enjoyed this analysis as a whole, I don't know much about international baseball but I am eager to learn. I also wanted to say I really appreciate you using their correct name (Taiwan), rather than the name they are forced to use use in the WBC (Chinese Taipei).
Thank you! Yeah it was fun to learn more about some of these teams while making the video. And of course, Taiwan is an awesome country 🙂
great video
Sugano is significantly underrated in MLB. I suspect the reasons are his high HR/9 rate, low strikeout percentage, and the fact that he's past his prime age-wise. However, players like him thrive in pressure situations. That's because Sugano has faced pressure time and time again.
Nobody thought Yamamoto was gonna be any good either. Let everyone continue to underestimate Japan.
@st0rmchildIdgaf about Japan. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC AAAALLLLLLLL THE WAAAAAYYYYYY 🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴!!!!!
Thank you for making this video! Lots of fun to watch. From Japan
Mexican here…. Of course I’m rooting for Mexico but I see that they clearly lack in starting pitching but I do hope they do well like in the last tourney. USA, Japan and R. D. way above everyone else, I think the champ comes from these 3. Personally I think USA will win ( with that lineup and starting staff, are you kidding me?) in the revenge game against Japan. And lastly, not having Correa, Lindor and Baez is a crime against Baseball!! Freaking insurance companies 😡😡. This WBC is gonna be fire 🔥!! Thanks for the vid!!
lindor broke his hand anyway
Que dices cabron?
Mexico not being in the top tier is criminal. As an American you guys beat us last time and have some of the best talent in the mlb, sure starting pitching is weak, but Kirk, Munoz, and Arozarena are amazing, and don't deserve a 2nd tier ranking, especially since the rest if the team isn't that bad they are basically league average MLB players😂
@rileyesmayyes Mexico has a very intriguing team but regardless get ready to fly the Stars and Stripes at the end! IMHO
@doyermo7303 I mean, it’s no surprise. The US is always above everyone. It’s their league obviously they have more talent.
Fun amazing video, agree for the most part on your tier list! 🇩🇴 ❤️
Denzel Clarke Played for the team i play for now (Ajax Spartans) my coach actually coached him. It’s was so amazing that he made it to the major leagues.
so excited
I'm not sleeping on Australia. They have gotten pretty good. 😮 🇦🇺
I hear you, but I think this is a fair ranking. The volume of near- and MLB-level talent jumps up dramatically in the next tier. They're ten years away from making some real noise, I think; the expansion of interest and participation in the sport there has been incredible to see.
I’ll believe that when I see it. They were terrible in 2023.
@st0rmchild Terrible? Australia made it to the Quaterfinals in 2023. Perhaps you were watching something else?
@hoveylu7231Only because Korea underperformed. C tier team at best.
@st0rmchild You serious?! Have you been watching them at all lately??!! They just gave Japan a huge scare!
Orgulloso 🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴
I'll cheer for Czechia. They have a cool backstory.
Another thing team Canada has going for them is the Naylor brothers are related to Denzel Clarke and grew up playing with him. Chemistry helps.
Great Ranking !
As a puertorrican, I can't wait to win this thing with our gutted roster. A huge middle finger to insurance companies
I mean to be honest the only guy lost by the insurance was Correa, Lindor even had surgery the other day and is gonna be inactive for some weeks and Báez is literally suspended for violating the drug policies, the thing with PR is that they can't expect those 3 guys to carry them every single classic, next one in 2030 I think and they all gonna be old so who are the next come ups to replace them for the future?
@AlexG-nr2eb true assessment. We'll see
Ciao
Super solid rankings! Bummed out that most teams aren't going to be with their full potential but none the less super excited for this wbc !
日本人やが、今回もホンマに楽しみや！
皆でまたバチバチな勝負しようや🤗
@冬衣装きつねいや、台無しになってないぞ
I can't wait to see this thing
WBCやっぱ面白いよね
いろんなリーグの人たち見れるの楽しみ！！
Great vid! Greetings from Venezuela
Rooting for Mexico and Japan, Mexico are underdogs and Japan is hella fun to watch.
Thank you for the shout out to DR🙌🇩🇴
Cool video man. I wouldn’t sleep on Australia 🇦🇺. They won’t win it but they could surprise some teams.
This list made it to the opening game of the tournament... and then died of embarrassment...
日本，美國，多明尼加都太可怕了，誰贏都不奇怪，希望臺灣也加油🎉
저 셋을 바라보기전에 한국부터 이겨야 하지 않을까?😅
@kfx3907どの国が言ってんだか😅
Solid objective list
As a Brazilian who loves baseball, yeah it will be rough
You never know what can happen in one game. It will likely all be Ls but there could be a good moment or two. Look at what they highlighted from the Japan-Czech game in 2023. Either way, it's cool for some of these Brazil team guys that they get to step on the field with the best of the best.
Still awesome that you were here. You were last time and you got to see Bo compete for you. Awesome
Last time I heard, Chapman was pitching for GB
Using that Cal Quantrill clip when he got into it with Reese McGuire and mentioned you know what is amazing work, bravo sir 👏🏼😂
Don’t sleep onthe Czechs. Baseball is growing there. They can hit I think the pitching lacks depth. Last March they went to Florida an won like 3 out of 5 games played against mlb teams in spring training. It was mostly triple and double A guys but still impressive. They are very well coached. The hitting coach is American and pitching coach is Australian. Both have Czech ties. Super cool story. I hope they do some damage in this WBC.
I really enjoyed watching this, and it got me hyped for the WBC! Nice work
Thank you! I'm definitely excited as well 👍
I am a baseball RUclipsr from Taiwan. I have been following your channel for a while and really enjoy your in-depth baseball analysis.
I specifically loved your recent video ranking the "2026 World Baseball Classic Rosters." Since Taiwan is also participating in the tournament, I believe your unique insights and analysis would be incredibly valuable and interesting to the Taiwanese baseball community.
I am writing to ask for your permission to translate your video into Traditional Chinese (adding subtitles) and repost it on my channel to share with Taiwanese fans.
If you grant me permission, I strictly promise to:
Provide Full Credit: Clearly state your channel name and include the link to your original video at the very top of my description box and pinned comment.
Drive Traffic: Actively encourage my viewers to visit your original video to like and subscribe.
Respect Your Rights: I am happy to comply with any specific conditions you may have regarding monetization or copyright claims.
Please let me know if this would be acceptable to you. Thank you for your time and for creating such amazing content!
Best regards,
你應該直接email問而不是留言吧
nice to see some integrity
Every person looking forward to this tournament should watch this video. Great stuff
Thank you, so glad you liked it!
As a Brasilian, I am just happy we are here.
Very good content, and ranking on point.
Thank you, glad you liked it! 🙏
Korea gonna pop off called it here first
Skenes is absolutely amazing.
I'm from Taiwan and I agree with you about putting Taiwan in the "meh" tier. Unlike P12, WBC is where the greatest talents gather. There are very few players from Taiwan in the history that are proven to be in MLB level. I love Taiwan and Taiwan players, but this is a fact.
滾回棒球版打手槍
Well your guys league is growing and that’s expected, but the Giants had a MLB Tawain player Kai-Wei Teng! I was shocked to know he was from Taiwan
Apparently this is different from the perception within Japan.
In Japan, it is generally recognized that Taiwan is Japan's current rival and leader.
But,there is a wall between us and the Republic of Korea, although it is not an insurmountable one.
でも韓国よりは強いと思うよ
@user-uf2ep1ir5cI think Chinese Taipei will destroy japan 😂
This is going to be nuts
難得有外國RUclipsr瞭解台灣的實力 排十一名真的差不多😂
我還覺得有點太前面哈哈
@台清交任我挑 我也覺得太前面😂
@台清交任我挑我也覺得😂
至少我們9成靠自己，不是各種美國隊😂😂
感覺13 14比較合理
Love this content
As someone who personally knows saltiban do not doubt that man lol could see him making a spark for sure in the WBC
Yeah no disrespect intended for Saltiban! Anyone who puts up that statline in a professional league has to be a great hitter.
GJ!