World Baseball Classic: Who can beat the United States?

The complete rosters have been unveiled for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, and the least we can say is that the U.S. team will have quite a lineup.

In fact, the United States is sending perhaps the most talented lineup it has ever assembled for an international tournament, with a starting rotation led by reigning Cy Young Award winners Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes, and an offensive lineup that includes American League MVP Aaron Judge and runner-up Cal Raleigh, to name a few.

Team USA's full roster for the WBC pic.twitter.com/868xjVzPBL

— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) February 6, 2026

After losing to Japan in the Classic final in 2023, the Americans must be considered favorites for this edition of the tournament.

But they won't be alone, starting with the Japanese. Although we don't know all the players on the Japanese team as well, and Shohei Ohtani won't be pitching this year, the lineup is full of stars, with fifteen players from the 2023 championship team returning.

Japan's pitching staff will be led by Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who will be supported by Baltimore Orioles right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano, Los Angeles Angels left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, and right-hander Hiromi Itoh, one of the best pitchers in the world who does not play in MLB.

The Dominican Republic, meanwhile, is not to be outdone with names such as Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto, Junior Caminero, Ketel Marte, Fernando Tatis Jr., Julio Rodriguez, and Manny Machado, among others.

The rotation will also be formidable, with Cristopher Sanchez, Sandy Alcantara, Brayan Bello, and Luis Severino.

If we had to name another contender to prevent the United States from sweeping the board, Venezuela would have to be mentioned, with Ronald Acuna Jr. leading the way. He will head up an outfield that also includes Jackson Chourio and Wilyer Abreu.

Captain Salvador Perez will also be a pillar behind the plate, while on the mound, Pablo Lopez and Ranger Suarez will lead the starting rotation alongside German Marquez and Eduardo Rodriguez.

For its part, Canada is not among the contenders, but will still field a very interesting team to watch, including three Québécois in the infield.

This content was created with the help of AI.