Baseball fans are in for a treat when the World Baseball Classic returns in 2026. Japan's thrilling win over the U.S. in the 2023 final set the stage for another global showdown featuring the world's best players.
The latest World Baseball Classic odds remain tight, with DraftKings listing the U.S. as a +125 favorite ahead of Japan at +320 and the Dominican Republic at +400.
The 2026 tournament begins March 5, with games hosted in Miami, Houston, San Juan, and Tokyo. The championship is set for March 17 at loanDepot Park in Miami.
Terms and Conditions
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY).
Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD).
21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 2/22/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
21+ and present in OH.
2026 World Baseball Classic Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| United States | +125 |
| Japan | +320 |
| Dominican Republic | +400 |
| Puerto Rico | +1000 |
| Venezuela | +1400 |
| Mexico | +2200 |
| South Korea | +3500 |
| Canada | +3500 |
| Netherlands | +5000 |
| Cuba | +5000 |
| Italy | +5000 |
| Colombia | +5000 |
Odds as of January 23 at DraftKings
Why Is Team USA Favored?
Team USA enters as the favorite thanks to a potential all-star roster and home-field advantage in Miami. Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has already been named captain, joined by a star-studded lineup that includes Bobby Witt Jr., Cal Raleigh, Corbin Carroll, and Pete Crow-Armstrong. The outfield duo of Carroll and Crow-Armstrong — both coming off 30-30 seasons — gives the Americans elite speed and defense alongside Judge's power.
The pitching staff has taken major shape with elite talent across the rotation and bullpen. Detroit ace Tarik Skubal headlines after winning back-to-back AL Cy Young Awards, joined by Pirates flamethrower Paul Skenes and Giants workhorse Logan Webb, arguably the three best American-born starters in baseball. The bullpen features lockdown arms in Mason Miller, Clay Holmes, David Bednar, and Garrett Whitlock.
Recent additions further strengthen the lineup, with Kyle Schwarber providing power at DH after leading MLB with 56 homers and 132 RBIs in 2025. Gunnar Henderson anchors shortstop alongside second baseman Brice Turang, while Will Smith and Cal Raleigh give USA two elite catching options.
he roster got a surprise boost when retired legend Clayton Kershaw announced he would make one final appearance for Team USA, joining Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman and Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement as recent commitments. Matthew Boyd and Byron Buxton round out the roster depth.
Even if a few big names decline, the American depth chart remains stacked with MLB talent and two-way versatility. Still, the +125 line offers modest betting value in a short tournament format where elite pitching or single-game variance can flip results fast. USA's power and lineup depth justify its top slot, but bettors may find better returns elsewhere.
Japan: Co-Favorite With Dominant Pitching (+320)
Japan, the defending champion, remains the most complete national program in the sport. The roster got significantly stronger with Shohei Ohtani's November confirmation that he'll represent Japan after winning his fourth MVP and leading the Dodgers to back-to-back World Series titles. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the reigning World Series MVP, has also committed to joining his Dodgers teammate in December, giving Japan two of baseball's premier arms alongside other NPB stars. Expected returnees also include Munetaka Murakami, forming an elite core on both sides of the ball.
While Roki Sasaki will not participate due to injury concerns per the Dodgers' preference, Japan's disciplined approach, elite contact rates, and world-class pitching depth make them a perennial threat. Ohtani was the 2023 WBC MVP, memorably striking out Mike Trout for the tournament's final out. Yamamoto was exceptional in the 2023 tournament, striking out 12 batters in 7.1 innings while allowing just two runs.
At +320, Japan offers excellent value and could become the sharpest play if more MLB pitchers skip the event. Their experience and structure give them the smallest downside of any contender, and Ohtani's return as the reigning WBC MVP alongside Yamamoto's World Series dominance makes them an even more dangerous defending champion.
Dominican Republic: Improved Value (+400)
The Dominican Republic's odds improved significantly with Juan Soto's commitment to represent his homeland. Soto was one of the DR's bright spots in 2023, and his addition to a potential roster featuring elite talent like Julio Rodriguez, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. gives them championship-caliber firepower.
At +400, the Dominican Republic offers strong value for a team capable of beating anyone on their best day. The pitching depth may not match the U.S. or Japan, but their offensive upside is undeniable.
Venezuela: Best Value Bet (+1400)
Venezuela has quietly assembled one of the most dangerous rosters in the tournament at an excellent price. Recent additions of Ronald Acuña Jr., Jackson Chourio, Maikel Garcia, and Wilyer Abreu join captain Salvador Perez to form an elite lineup. Acuña, the 2025 NL Comeback Player of the Year, posted a .935 OPS in his return from injury, while the 21-year-old Chourio brings explosive speed and power after a 21-21 season with the Brewers.
The outfield trio of Acuña, Chourio, and Gold Glover Abreu gives Venezuela elite defense and athleticism. Behind the plate, they boast arguably the best catching depth in the tournament with Perez, Willson Contreras, Francisco Alvarez, and Gabriel Moreno. The lineup also features DH Yordan Alvarez and outfielder Randy Arozarena, who has consistently performed on baseball's biggest stages.
At +1400, Venezuela offers the tournament's best value. Their Pool D matchup against the Dominican Republic at +120 shows how tight the group is.
WBC Betting Takeaways
- Best Bet: Japan (+320) — Most complete roster with elite pitching and Ohtani's confirmed return alongside Yamamoto.
- Best Value: Puerto Rico (+1000) — Proven pedigree and high-energy hitters with home-field advantage.
- Safer Chalk: USA (+125) — Deepest roster with elite pitching trio of Skubal, Skenes, and Webb, but shorter odds limit return.
- Dark Horse: Dominican Republic (+400) — Soto's commitment boosts offensive firepower significantly.
The 2026 WBC should again showcase international parity, with at least half a dozen teams capable of winning it all. Whether you back the star-studded Americans, the precise Japanese, or the emotional Puerto Ricans, this year's tournament promises another unforgettable run of global baseball.
Pool A Winner Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Puerto Rico | -230 |
| Canada | +500 |
| Cuba | +700 |
| Colombia | +800 |
| Panama | +4000 |
Odds as of January 30 at DraftKings
Pool B Winner Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| USA | -1000 |
| Mexico | +700 |
| Italy | +4000 |
| Brazil | +5000 |
| Great Britain | +8500 |
Odds as of January 30 at DraftKings
Pool C Winner Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Japan | -1000 |
| South Korea | +1100 |
| Australia | +2200 |
| Chinese Taipei | +2800 |
| Czech Republic | +8500 |
Odds as of January 30 at DraftKings
Pool D Winner Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Dominican Republic | -155 |
| Venezuela | +120 |
| Netherlands | +2000 |
| Nicaragua | +5500 |
| Israel | +5500 |
Odds as of January 30 at DraftKings
| Year | First Place | Second Place | Third Place |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Japan | United States | Mexico |
| 2017 | United States | Puerto Rico | Japan |
| 2013 | Dom. Republic | Puerto Rico | Japan |
| 2009 | Japan | South Korea | Venezuela |
| 2006 | Japan | Cuba | South Korea |
Where is the World Baseball Classic?
The 2023 World Baseball Classic will be split among three host countries: Taiwan, Japan and the United States. The finals will be played at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.
When is the World Baseball Classic?
The 2023 World Baseball Classic will be played March 8-21, split amongst host countries Taiwan, Japan and the United States.
Who won the last World Baseball Classic?
The United States won the 2017 World Baseball Classic, defeating Puerto Rico in the finals. Japan defeated the Netherlands for third-place.
Can I bet on the World Baseball Classic?
Yes, you can bet on the World Baseball Classic. Betting on this tournament is like betting on any regular baseball game. For more info, check out our How To Bet On Baseball guide.
